This easy cherry topping recipe turns bright cherries into a delicious sauce perfect for desserts! Just simmer cherries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice, and you’re good to go!
You’ll love how quick it is to make. I often use it on ice cream or pancakes. It’s like adding a cherry on top of happiness! 🍒😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are perfect for this sauce, but frozen ones work just as well, especially when fresh aren’t in season. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess juice from frozen cherries before using.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the go-to, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or a sugar alternative like honey or agave for a different sweetness profile. Just adjust the amount to taste.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce. If you don’t have it, bottled lemon juice is a good alternative, but fresh really makes a difference in brightness and flavor.
Cornstarch: This is essential for thickening. If you’re out, you can use arrowroot starch or tapioca flour instead, at a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that these may give a slightly different texture.
How Do I Ensure My Cherry Sauce Thickens Properly?
Thickening sauces can be tricky, but following these steps will help you get it right. First, make sure to whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth. This is called a slurry, and it prevents clumps from forming in your sauce.
- Heat your cherry mixture and let it reach a gentle boil before adding the slurry.
- Once you add the cornstarch mixture, stir constantly. This prevents it from sticking to the bottom and keeps it smooth.
- Keep cooking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If it’s not thickening, you can add a little more slurry, but do it gradually.
How to Make Easy Cherry Sauce (Cherry Topping)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch mixture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cherry sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a few minutes to cool. In total, you’ll be looking at around 15 minutes to make and enjoy this wonderful topping for your favorite desserts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Cherry Mixture:
Start by taking a medium saucepan and adding the pitted cherries, sugar, 1 cup of water, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring this mix to a gentle boil. Make sure to stir occasionally, so everything blends nicely and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
2. Make the Cornstarch Slurry:
While your cherry mixture is heating up, grab a small bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until you have a smooth mixture. This will help thicken the sauce once added.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
Once the cherry mixture is boiling, turn the heat down to low. Now it’s time to stir in the cornstarch slurry you made earlier. Keep stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking. It’s like magic as it goes from watery to syrupy!
4. Add Vanilla and Cool:
Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract if you’re using it (it adds a lovely flavor!). Let the cherry sauce cool slightly; this will also help it thicken a bit more as it cools down.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your cherry sauce is now ready! You can serve it warm or chilled on top of yummy desserts like cheesecake, pancakes, or ice cream. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. If you’re using frozen cherries, you might want to reduce the water slightly since frozen cherries release more liquid when cooked.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce if It’s Too Thin?
If your cherry sauce is too thin after cooking, you can make an additional cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the bubbling sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cherry Sauce?
Store any leftover cherry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Substitute Lemon Juice with Something Else?
Yes, you can substitute lemon juice with lime juice or even orange juice for a different flavor twist. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and tartness may vary slightly, so feel free to adjust the sugar in the recipe to taste!
