Cherry sauce
Cherry sauce is a delightful addition to many dishes, offering both sweetness and a touch of tartness. This is made from fresh or frozen cherries and has a sweet and tangy flavour. It’s perfect for drizzling over desserts like ice cream and cheesecake, or for adding a fruity twist to savoury dishes like grilled chicken or pork.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make this delicious sauce at home with simple ingredients. Whether you use it to top pancakes at breakfast or add it to your favourite dinner recipe, this will quickly become a favourite in your kitchen.
Sweet Applications
Ice Cream Topping:
Pour warm cherry sauce over vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert. Add some whipped cream and chopped nuts for extra indulgence. For a unique twist, try it over pistachio or chocolate ice cream.
Cheesecake Drizzle:
Use it as a topping for the cheesecake to add a burst of colour and flavour. The sauce’s tartness complements the creamy richness of the cheesecake.
Pancakes and Waffles:
Replace traditional maple syrup with cherry sauce on pancakes or waffles for a fruity breakfast treat. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to enhance the flavour.
Yoghurt and Granola Parfait:
Layer them with yoghurt and granola for a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack. Use Greek yoghurt for added creaminess and protein.
Cake Filling:
Use them as a filling between cake layers or as a topping for a simple sponge cake. Pair with chocolate or almond-flavoured cake for a delicious combination.
Crumble and Cobbler:
Add them to fruit crumbles or cobblers for extra juiciness and flavour. Mix with other fruits like apples or berries for a mixed fruit dessert.
Crepes:
Fill crepes with cherry sauce and cream cheese or ricotta for a delightful dessert or breakfast option. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness.
Oatmeal or Porridge:
Stir it into oatmeal or porridge for a naturally sweet and fruity breakfast. Add sliced almonds or chopped nuts for added texture and nutrition.
Smoothies:
Blend them into your smoothies for a burst of cherry flavour and natural sweetness. Combine with bananas, yoghurt, and spinach for a nutritious smoothie.
Pastry Glaze:
Use as a glaze for pastries like Danish or strudel. Brush on the glaze while pastries are warm for maximum absorption.
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Savoury Applications
Glaze for Meats:
Use as a glaze for roasted meats like pork, duck, chicken, or ham. The sweetness of the cherries complements the savoury flavours of the meat. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine to the sauce for added depth.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
Spread it inside a grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet contrast to the savoury cheese. Use sharp cheddar or brie for a gourmet twist.
Barbecue Sauce Base:
Mix them with barbecue sauce ingredients to create a fruity BBQ glaze for ribs or chicken wings. Add spices like paprika or cayenne for a smoky kick.
Salad Dressing:
Incorporate them into vinaigrettes or salad dressings for a fruity twist. Pair with spinach, goat cheese, and walnuts for a delicious salad.
Topping for Grilled Fish:
Serve over grilled salmon or other fish for a sweet and tangy complement. Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Desserts: Top ice cream, cheesecake, crepes or pudding like Risalamande.
Breakfast: Serve over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
Savoury Dishes: Pair with roasted duck, pork chops, or grilled chicken.
Cheese Platter: Use as a condiment alongside a selection of cheeses.
Cherry sauce
Ingredients
- 500 gms of cherries pitted and halved, fresh or frozen
- ¼ + ¼ cup water
- 2 to 4 tbsps of granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
Instructions
Cornstarch slurry
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with a ¼ cup of water).
- Stir the mixture thoroughly with a fork or whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the slurry is smooth, with no lumps.
Sauce
- If using fresh cherries, wash, pit, and halve them.
- If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw slightly.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, cornstarch slurry, pinch of salt, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
Frequently asked questions
General questions
Cherry sauce is a sweet or tangy sauce made primarily from fresh or frozen cherries, often combined with sugar, a liquid base (like water, juice, or wine), and a thickening agent like cornstarch. It’s commonly used as a topping for desserts, pancakes, waffles, or savoury dishes like roasted meats.
Yes, frozen cherries work just as well as fresh cherries for making cherry sauce. Simply thaw them before cooking or add them directly to the pan and cook a little longer.
You can thicken them with cornstarch or flour. Dissolve the thickener in a bit of water to create a slurry and then stir it into the sauce while cooking.
Absolutely! You can add a variety of flavours like vanilla extract, almond extract, cinnamon, lemon zest, or even a splash of wine or brandy to elevate the flavour of your cherry sauce.
If your sauce turns out too thick, you can thin it by adding a little water, fruit juice, or even wine. Stir it in gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Yes, canned cherries can be used. Be sure to drain the liquid before using them if you’re looking for a thicker sauce, or incorporate the juice for a thinner consistency.
Storing and serving
You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Yes, cherry sauce freezes well. Once cooled, store it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Yes, cherry sauce can be made ahead of time. It reheats easily, making it convenient to prepare in advance for use as a topping or sauce when needed.
Cherry sauce is versatile and can be served with pancakes, waffles, ice cream, cheesecakes, or as a topping for cakes and yoghurt. It also pairs well with savoury dishes like roast pork, duck, or chicken.
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