This easy cherry sauce is sweet, tangy, and perfect for topping cheesecakes, pancakes, ice cream, or yogurt. Made with fresh or frozen cherries in under 15 minutes.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Yield:1 1/2 cups1x
Category:Sauce
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, 1/2 cup water, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries begin to soften.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water to make a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the cherry mixture and simmer for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using.
Let cool slightly before serving or store in the fridge.
Notes
Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your cherries.
Use sweet or tart cherries depending on your preference.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.