The Ultimate Easy Cherry Sauce Recipe

Are you craving a burst of fruity flavor to elevate your desserts? Look no further than this incredibly easy cherry sauce recipe. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with real cherry goodness, this sauce is the perfect topping for just about anything. From ice cream and cheesecake to pancakes and French toast, this versatile sauce will become your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Sauce

This isn’t your average store-bought sauce. This homemade version is:

• Packed with Real Cherry Flavor: We use real cherries (frozen or fresh!) for an authentic, vibrant taste.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious sauce ready in no time.
• Versatile: The possibilities are endless! Drizzle it over ice cream, cheesecake, cakes, French toast, waffles, crepes, pancakes – you name it!
• Keeps Well: This sauce stays fresh for up to a week in the fridge. You can enjoy it all week long.

Easy Cherry Sauce Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Cups Frozen Sweet Cherries
• 2 Tablespoons White Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1 Teaspoon Cornstarch

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Thaw the Cherries: If using frozen cherries, place them in a single layer on a large plate or sheet pan. Leave them to thaw for about 30-45 minutes. The time may vary depending on your environment. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth sauce.
2. Puree the Cherries: Place the thawed cherries into a food processor or blender. Blend them until they are completely smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Strain the Puree: Strain the cherry puree through a fine-mesh sieve over a small saucepan (1.5qt). This removes any seeds or skins, resulting in a smooth sauce.
4. Make a Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice to create a smooth slurry.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cornstarch slurry and sugar to the strained cherry puree in the saucepan.
6. Simmer and Thicken: Mix the ingredients well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Be careful not to scorch the sauce.
7. Cook to Desired Consistency: Once the sauce begins to thicken and bubble gently, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Continue cooking until you reach your desired thickness.
8. Strain Again (Optional): For an extra smooth sauce, strain it again through the fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. I highly recommend this step!
9. Cool and Chill: To prevent a skin from forming, press parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the warm sauce. Cool on the counter top for 20 minutes. Then, transfer to the refrigerator for another 40-60 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to set further.
10. Serve and Enjoy! Use this delicious dessert cherry sauce on cakes. Try it as an ice cream topping or over cheesecake. You can also use it on anything else that sounds good! Eat and enjoy within a week. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for optimal freshness.

Tips and Variations for the Best Cherry Sauce

• Using Fresh Cherries: If using fresh cherries, skip the thawing process. Wash and pit the cherries before blending. You’ll need to increase the sugar to ¼ cup, as fresh cherries can be less sweet than frozen.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Feel free to experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey, agave, or coconut sugar. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Remember that different sweeteners have different levels of sweetness, so you need to adjust the ratios accordingly.
• Thicker Sauce: Add an additional 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the lemon juice for a thicker sauce. This will make a total of 2 teaspoons.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract. You can also use a pinch of almond extract. These ingredients create a delightful depth of flavor in your cherry sauce.

How to Use Your Easy Cherry Sauce

This versatile sauce is perfect for:

• Ice Cream: Drizzle it over vanilla, chocolate, or even cherry ice cream for an extra burst of flavor.
• Cheesecake: Elevate your cheesecake with a generous topping of this vibrant cherry sauce.
• Cakes:  You can use it as a topping for pound cake or a coffee cake. Try it on angel food cake or even chocolate cake.
• Breakfast Treats: Add a drizzle of this delicious sauce to your French toast, waffles, crepes, or pancakes. It will take them to the next level.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cherry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

This easy cherry sauce recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. With its simple ingredients and endless possibilities, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, grab some cherries and get ready to drizzle your way to deliciousness!