These Easy Homemade Amaretto Lazzaroni Cherries are sweet, juicy, and oh-so-delicious! Soaking cherries in amaretto gives them a lovely almond flavor that makes them a fun treat for any occasion.
Whenever I make these, I feel like a kitchen magician! They make a great topping for desserts or a fancy addition to cocktails. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! 🍒✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Dark Cherries: Use ripe, plump cherries for the best flavor. If fresh cherries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones; just make sure they’re pitted before using.
Amaretto Liqueur: Lazzaroni is a great choice for its authentic flavor, but you can substitute it with other brands of amaretto if necessary. For a non-alcoholic option, consider using almond extract mixed with extra sugar syrup.
Granulated Sugar: If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can use agave syrup or honey. Just remember to adjust the ratios, as these are sweeter than regular sugar.
Vanilla Extract: This is optional but adds a lovely depth to the cherry flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to skip it or use a splash of almond extract for more almond notes.
How Do You Make Sure the Cherries Absorb the Flavors Well?
The soaking time is crucial for letting the flavors meld. After you’ve prepared the cherries in their syrup, ensure the jar is sealed tightly. This helps lock in the flavors as the cherries absorb the amaretto.
- Let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours. For even better results, try to wait 48 hours!
- Shake the jar gently every so often to help distribute the syrup evenly.
- Always use clean utensils when serving to keep them fresh longer.
Easy Homemade Amaretto Lazzaroni Cherries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh dark cherries, pitted
- 1 cup amaretto liqueur (such as Lazzaroni Amaretto)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 15 minutes of active prep time. After that, you’ll need to let the cherries soak for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor. So, plan ahead, and enjoy the delicious result afterward!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherries:
Start by washing your fresh cherries thoroughly. Remove the stems and carefully pit them. This step is important to ensure the cherries soak up the amaretto flavor nicely!
2. Make the Simple Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Keep stirring until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a sweet simple syrup. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Take a large clean jar or container, and add your pitted cherries. Pour the cooled simple syrup over the cherries, followed by the amaretto liqueur. If you’re feeling fancy, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor!
4. Seal and Soak:
Seal the jar tightly, making sure it’s completely closed to keep the flavors in. Place your jar in the refrigerator and let the cherries soak for at least 24 hours. They’ll become even more flavorful as they absorb the amaretto!
5. Enjoy Your Cherries:
After soaking, your Amaretto Lazzaroni cherries are ready to eat! You can enjoy them as a sweet treat, use them as a topping on desserts, or mix them into your favorite cocktails. They add a lovely touch to any dish!
6. Storage:
Make sure to store any leftover cherries in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, so enjoy them while they last!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Amaretto Lazzaroni Cherries
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pitted cherries! Just thaw them in the refrigerator before starting the recipe. They may release more liquid than fresh cherries, but they’ll still absorb the amaretto flavor deliciously!
How Do I Make This Recipe Alcohol-Free?
To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the amaretto with an equal amount of almond extract mixed with extra simple syrup. This will give you similar flavor without the alcohol content!
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Cherries?
These cherries are versatile! Serve them over ice cream, as a topping for cakes, or mix them into cocktails like an Amaretto Sour. They also make a fancy garnish for a glass of champagne!
How Long Will These Cherries Last?
Stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar, these Amaretto Lazzaroni cherries will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to use clean utensils when serving them to maintain freshness!
