Description
Amaretto Cherries with Dumplings is a comforting dessert featuring sweet, juicy cherries simmered in a rich almond-flavored sauce and topped with soft, fluffy dumplings. With its delicious combination of fruity sweetness and warm almond notes, this cozy dessert is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 4 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry mixture: In a large saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 5–7 minutes until the cherries release their juices.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the cherry mixture. Add amaretto and almond extract, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Make the dumpling dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
- Cook the dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough over the simmering cherries. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for 15–18 minutes without lifting the lid during the first 15 minutes to allow the dumplings to steam and puff up.
- Check and serve: After cooking, check that the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. Serve the dessert warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen pitted cherries both work well.
- Adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the cherries.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace amaretto with 2 tablespoons of cherry juice and a little extra almond extract.
- Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough to keep it light and tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Fruit Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
