Why You’ll Love this Sweet Cherry Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful way to elevate your desserts, you’ll absolutely love this sweet cherry sauce recipe. It’s incredibly versatile, adding a burst of flavor to everything from ice cream to pancakes.
I can’t get enough of the rich, fruity taste that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Plus, it’s simple to make, which means I can whip it up even on busy days.
The vibrant color is an added bonus, making any dish visually appealing. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself drizzling it on everything and sharing it with friends and family. Trust me, they’ll thank you!
Ingredients of Sweet Cherry Sauce
To whip up a batch of this delightful sweet cherry sauce, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforwardness, which makes it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike.
So, let’s gather our supplies and get ready to make something delicious that will make your taste buds dance!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 24 cups sweet cherries (pitted and washed)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup tapioca
- 1 tablespoon water (for dissolving cornstarch)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 1/2 cups lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind (grated)
Now that you have your ingredients lined up like good little soldiers, let’s talk about a few considerations.
First off, fresh sweet cherries are the star of the show here, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with them. Just make sure they’re ripe and juicy for that maximum flavor boost.
If you can’t find fresh cherries, frozen ones can step in as a great alternative—just remember to thaw and drain them first.
Also, don’t skimp on the lemon juice; it provides that zingy contrast to the sweetness of the cherries and brings everything to life.
And while some might think tapioca is just for bubble tea, it actually helps to thicken your sauce and gives it a lovely texture.
How to Make Sweet Cherry Sauce
Making Sweet Cherry Sauce is a delightful process that’s easier than you might think. Start by grabbing your 24 cups of sweet cherries. Yes, it sounds like a lot, but trust me, this sauce is so good you’ll want to have plenty on hand. Rinse them well, pit them, and set them aside because we’ll be giving them a little spa treatment later.
In a large stock pot, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. The sweet aroma of melting sugar is just heavenly, isn’t it?
Once the sugar is dissolved and your kitchen smells like a cherry orchard, use a slotted spoon to carefully lift those beautiful cherries out of the pot and set them aside. Now, it’s time for the fun part—making the sauce! Increase the heat and bring the remaining juice to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a smooth paste. Stir this mixture into the boiling juice, and watch as it thickens right before your eyes. Add 1/4 cup of tapioca to the mix for an extra touch of texture, and don’t forget to sprinkle in a pinch of salt, 1 1/2 cups of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon rind. This adds that zesty kick that balances the sweetness perfectly. Let it all bubble away for about 10 minutes until it reaches a delightful thickness.
Finally, return those beautiful cherries to the pot and give them a quick cook for just 5 more minutes. This step is essential; it allows the cherries to soak up all that luscious sauce, creating a heavenly concoction.
Once done, let your Sweet Cherry Sauce cool slightly before transferring it to containers. You can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long—or freeze it for future enjoyment. I mean, who wouldn’t want to pull out a jar of homemade cherry sauce in the dead of winter, right?
It makes about 16 cups, so you’ll have plenty to share, or hoard, no judgment here!
Sweet Cherry Sauce Substitutions & Variations
While sweet cherries are the star of this sauce, there are plenty of ways to mix things up if you’re feeling adventurous.
I love swapping cherries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile. You could also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth.
For a more tropical twist, try adding pineapple juice instead of some lemon juice. If you want a thicker sauce, increasing the cornstarch or tapioca can help.
Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness. Have fun creating your own signature sauce!
What to Serve with Sweet Cherry Sauce
When you’re looking for the perfect dish to complement sweet cherry sauce, consider how versatile this delightful topping can be.
I love drizzling it over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert or pairing it with fluffy pancakes for a sweet breakfast treat.
It also shines as a glaze on roasted meats like duck or pork, adding a lovely fruity contrast.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with cheese—brie or goat cheese works surprisingly well.
Finally, it’s fantastic stirred into yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of flavor.
Sweet cherry sauce truly elevates any dish it’s paired with!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your sweet cherry sauce turns out perfectly every time, I recommend using ripe, fresh cherries for the best flavor.
When pitting your cherries, take your time to avoid bruising them, as this can affect the sauce’s texture. If you prefer a thicker consistency, feel free to adjust the cornstarch and tapioca amounts.
I often make a double batch; it freezes well! Just remember to remove excess air when sealing.
Finally, don’t skip the lemon juice and rind—they really enhance the sauce’s brightness. Enjoy experimenting, and you’ll discover your perfect balance of sweetness and tartness!