This Easy Amaretto Cherries recipe captures the sweet, nutty flavor of amaretto in juicy cherries. A delightful treat that’s great for snacking or adding to desserts!
Plus, they are super simple to make. I love to pop these in a glass of soda—instant fancy drink! 
You’ll impress your friends with just a jar and a smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are the star here. Look for plump, ripe ones. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries can work as a substitute. Just ensure they are pitted and thawed before using.
Amaretto Liqueur: This sweet almond-flavored liqueur brings a distinctive taste. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, consider using almond extract, but reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon since it’s more concentrated.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but if you’re looking to reduce refined sugar, you could use honey or a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that it may change the flavor slightly.
Vanilla Extract: This is optional but adds extra depth to the flavor. If you’re out of vanilla, a splash of almond extract can enhance the nutty notes in the cherries.
How Do You Make Sure the Cherries Are Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender cherries is the simmering process. It’s important to simmer them gently, as too high a heat can break them apart. Here’s how to ensure you get perfectly soft cherries:
- Bring the syrup to a gentle simmer—avoid a rolling boil.
- Cook the cherries for just 5 minutes; this is enough time for them to soften and absorb the syrup.
- Let them cool in the syrup before refrigerating. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Remember, the longer they sit in the syrup, the more flavorful they become!
Easy Amaretto Cherries Recipe Like Lazzaroni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active preparation time, but remember to let the cherries chill in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This resting period will allow the flavors to combine beautifully, making them even tastier when served!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherries:
Start by washing the fresh cherries thoroughly. Then, pit the cherries—I recommend using a cherry pitter for this. If you’d like, you can leave a few cherries whole for a nice garnish later. Set them aside for now.
2. Make the Simple Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, mix the water and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir gently until all the sugar has dissolved. This will create your simple syrup, which will sweeten and flavor the cherries.
3. Simmer the Cherries:
Add the pitted cherries to the syrup in the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes. This helps the cherries absorb the sweet syrup and softens them just a bit.
4. Add Amaretto:
Once the cherries have simmered, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the amaretto liqueur and the vanilla extract if you’re using it. The amaretto will add that lovely nutty flavor that pairs so well with the cherries.
5. Cool and Store:
Let the cherries cool in the syrup to room temperature, then transfer everything—cherries and syrup—into a clean jar or container. Seal it tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
6. Chill and Enjoy:
For the best flavor, let the cherries chill in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy these amaretto cherries cold, either on their own, as a delightful dessert topping, or in cocktails!
Enjoy your luscious and flavorful amaretto cherries inspired by Lazzaroni’s classic! 
FAQ for Easy Amaretto Cherries Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure they are fully thawed and pitted before adding them to the syrup. The cooking time may be slightly shorter since thawed cherries are usually softer.
How Long Do the Amaretto Cherries Last?
In the refrigerator, these cherries will last for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy them as a topping or snack until they’re gone!
What If I Don’t Have Amaretto Liqueur?
No worries! You can substitute amaretto with almond extract, using only 1 tablespoon, or use a different liqueur like cherry or orange for a twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
Can I Make These Cherries Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, making them ahead of time is recommended as the flavors develop and improve after sitting in the syrup for at least 24 hours. Just plan your prep a day in advance!
