Description
Amaretto Cherries with Dumplings is a delicious dessert that pairs tart cherries with the rich, nutty sweetness of amaretto liqueur. Topped with soft, pillowy dumplings, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the cherries:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- For the dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Prepare the cherries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, amaretto liqueur, sugar, water, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the cherries cook for 10-15 minutes, until the cherries soften and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the dumplings: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough should be thick but slightly sticky.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering cherry mixture, covering the surface. Leave some space between the dumplings as they will expand while cooking.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through. Do not lift the lid during cooking to ensure proper steaming.
- Once the dumplings are cooked, sprinkle the top with a little extra sugar, if desired, and serve the cherries and dumplings warm.
Notes
- Substitute other fruits like peaches, raspberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for extra warmth in the cherry mixture.
- For an alcohol-free version, replace amaretto with almond extract or almond syrup.
- For crispy dumplings, brown them lightly in butter before adding to the cherry sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering & Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
