Description
This luscious Cherry Amaretto Jam blends juicy sweet cherries with a splash of amaretto and a hint of citrus. It’s the perfect balance of fruity, nutty, and tart — a gourmet spread that pairs beautifully with toast, cheese boards, or desserts.
Ingredients
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3 pounds sweet cherries, pitted and halved (weight before pitting)
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⅓ cup amaretto liqueur
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1¼ cups granulated sugar
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6 tablespoons Ball RealFruit Classic Pectin
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
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Prep cherries:
Wash, pit, and halve the cherries. Measure 3 pounds before pitting. -
Cook fruit:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine cherries, lime juice, and amaretto. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5–7 minutes until cherries release some juice. -
Mash (optional):
For a smoother jam, use a potato masher to break up the cherries to your desired consistency. -
Add pectin:
Stir in the pectin. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil (one that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred) over medium-high heat. -
Add sugar:
Quickly stir in the sugar all at once. Return to a full rolling boil and boil hard for 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly. -
Remove from heat:
Skim off any foam. Let jam sit for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute fruit evenly. -
Jar the jam:
Ladle into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal. -
Process (for canning):
Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, adjusting time for altitude if needed. Let cool and check seals.
Notes
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening.
If not canning, store jam in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
You can substitute almond extract (1 tsp) if you don’t have amaretto.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (including pitting cherries)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Jam, Canning
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry jam, cherry amaretto jam, homemade preserves, cherry spread, summer canning