Decadent Homemade Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce: Your New Favorite Dessert Topping

Birthdays are special, and even a quiet celebration can feel incredibly loving when you’re surrounded by thoughtful friends. Recently, for my birthday, two dear friends from Italy surprised me with a curated selection of authentic Italian delicacies. Among the delightful treats – creamy Gorgonzola, exquisite cured meats, and fresh focaccia – there was a shining star: a beautiful jar of Fabbri Amarena cherries. This thoughtful gift sparked an immediate culinary inspiration, leading to the creation of what I now consider the ultimate dessert topping: a luxurious Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce.

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Having never tried Amarena cherries before, I was instantly captivated. Their flavor profile is truly unique: a complex tartness beautifully balanced by the sweetness of their rich syrup. They reminded me of the premium cherries you find in high-end cocktails, like an Aviation, but with an even more profound depth of flavor. I knew these precious gems deserved to be showcased in a truly special way.

This homemade cherry chocolate sauce was the perfect answer. My first taste test involved spooning it generously over vanilla ice cream and sprinkling it with crunchy roasted pistachios – pure bliss! The combination was so irresistible, I immediately started envisioning countless other ways to incorporate this versatile and utterly delicious sauce into my desserts. Prepare to have your culinary world transformed!

What Are Amarena Cherries? The Italian Secret to Gourmet Desserts

Amarena cherries are a distinct variety of wild black cherries, specifically originating from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. They are most famously prepared by the Fabbri company, which has been perfecting its recipe since 1905. Gennaro and Rachele Fabbri first created their legendary preserved cherries from the wild cherries growing near their property, then began selling them in their iconic blue and white ceramic jars – a symbol of Italian culinary heritage that continues to this day.

What sets Amarena cherries apart is their unique processing. They are slow-candied in a rich, dark syrup made from their own juices, which intensifies their flavor and gives them a tender yet firm texture. Unlike the bright red, often artificially flavored Maraschino cherries, Amarena cherries boast a deep, dark purplish-red hue and a much more sophisticated taste – a sublime balance of tart and sweet, with a hint of almond. This complex flavor makes them highly prized by chefs and home cooks alike.

Today, while Fabbri remains the most renowned producer, you can find quality Amarena cherries from various brands, including options at stores like Trader Joe’s. I personally sourced mine conveniently from Amazon. If authentic Amarena cherries are hard to find, Luxardo Marasca cherries make an excellent substitute, offering a similar depth of flavor. Once you experience their rich, tart sweetness, you’ll understand why these Italian delicacies are cherished!

Why This Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce Will Become Your Go-To

There are countless reasons why this homemade Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce is destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unforgettable Flavor: First and foremost, the taste is simply exquisite. The classic pairing of chocolate and cherry is elevated to new heights here. The Amarena cherries provide a delightful tartness that cuts through and complements the deep, rich sweetness of the chocolate. By using dark brown sugar, the chocolate sauce achieves a complex, less cloyingly sweet profile, allowing the nuanced flavors of both the chocolate and the cherries to truly shine. It’s a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
• Premium, Real Ingredients: Unlike many store-bought chocolate syrups or sauces that often contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavorings like vanillin, and various preservatives, this recipe calls for only high-quality, real ingredients. You’ll appreciate the purity of flavor and the peace of mind knowing exactly what you’re consuming. This commitment to simple, superior ingredients makes for a sauce that not only tastes infinitely better but is also a healthier choice for your family.
• Incredibly Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce is surprisingly straightforward and quick to prepare. Most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry! With just a few basic steps, you can whip up a batch of this decadent topping in under 15 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for elevating everyday desserts or adding a special touch to a spontaneous gathering without a lot of fuss. For another fantastic fruit-based topping, don’t forget to check out my Blueberry Cake Filling!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cherry Chocolate Sauce

One of the beauties of this recipe is its reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand. Beyond the star Amarena cherries, these pantry staples come together to create magic:

• Amarena Cherries: As highlighted, these are the heart of our sauce. I highly recommend Fabbri Amarena cherries for their authentic flavor and quality, but other brands, including Trader Joe’s, offer good alternatives. If Amarena cherries are unavailable, Luxardo Marasca cherries are an excellent, equally delicious substitute, offering a similar tart-sweet profile and rich texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This provides the deep, intense chocolate flavor we’re after. Using unsweetened cocoa allows you to control the overall sweetness of the sauce, ensuring it’s rich and chocolatey without being overly sugary.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Instead of white sugar, dark brown sugar is key. Its higher molasses content not only contributes a delicious, caramel-like richness but also keeps the sauce from being overly sweet. This depth of flavor pairs wonderfully with the cherries.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic finish. For an intriguing twist that complements the cherries beautifully, consider trying almond extract instead!
• Milk (Optional): I like to add a couple of tablespoons of whole milk or heavy cream to achieve a slightly creamier texture and richness. However, if you prefer to keep the sauce dairy-free or vegan, you can easily omit the milk or swap it for your favorite non-dairy milk alternative (like almond or oat milk) without sacrificing flavor.
• Salt: Just a small pinch of salt is crucial. It doesn’t make the sauce taste salty, but rather acts as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the sweetness of the sugar and the complexity of the chocolate and cherries.
• Water: Used to achieve the perfect consistency for our sauce, allowing it to be thick enough to cling to desserts but still pourable.

Endless Possibilities: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce

The true magic of this Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce lies in its incredible versatility. Once you’ve tasted its rich, tart-sweet perfection, you’ll constantly find new and exciting ways to incorporate it into your culinary adventures – that is, if you can resist eating it by the spoonful! Here are just a few ideas to inspire you:

• The Ultimate Ice Cream Topping: This was my initial inspiration, perhaps subconsciously influenced by the delicious image on the Fabbri Amarena cherries jar. It truly is a foolproof way to elevate any scoop of ice cream. Imagine it cascading over classic vanilla bean, a rich chocolate, or even a subtle coffee ice cream. For an extra layer of texture and flavor, a sprinkle of toasted almonds, walnuts, or the roasted pistachios I used, is simply divine.
• Decadent Cheesecake Topping: Transform a simple cheesecake into a gourmet dessert. This sauce would be spectacular draped over a creamy New York-style or a light-and-airy vanilla cheesecake. For an even more indulgent treat, try it on a slice of my No Bake Cheesecake – the perfect balance of richness and tang.
• Sophisticated Cocktail Enhancer: Think beyond dessert! This sauce can add a luxurious touch to your favorite drinks. Envision a rich chocolate-covered cherry martini, with a swirl of this sauce lining the glass, or a subtle drizzle into a classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned for a unique fruity-chocolate depth. It could even be shaken into a dessert-inspired cocktail for a truly indulgent experience.
• Elevate Your Baked Goods: From humble cakes to elaborate pastries, this sauce is a game-changer. Pour it generously over a warm slice of my Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake, letting it seep into every crevice. Imagine it oozing out of individual chocolate lava mini cakes, or as a vibrant contrast on a classic vanilla cupcake. It would also be amazing served alongside my Cherry Coffee Cake or drizzled over a slice of Cherry Crumb Pie for an extra layer of cherry goodness.
• Gourmet Breakfast & Brunch: Make your morning meal feel like a five-star brunch. This sauce spooned over fluffy pancakes or crisp waffles, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream, is pure heaven. It would be especially fantastic on my Oat Milk Pancakes for a rich, satisfying start to the day.
• Elegant Dipping Sauce for Fruits: For a lighter yet still indulgent snack or party appetizer, serve this sauce warm with an assortment of fresh fruits. Sliced bananas, strawberries, apple wedges, or even orange segments become irresistible when dipped in this rich chocolate-cherry goodness.
• A Unique Coffee Companion: Stir a teaspoon or two into your morning coffee or latte for a gourmet mocha-cherry experience. Just like my Pumpkin Cold Foam recipe transforms a coffee, this sauce adds a delightful twist to your everyday brew.
• Swirled into Yogurt or Oatmeal: For a quick and delicious breakfast or snack, swirl a spoonful of this sauce into plain Greek yogurt or hot oatmeal. It adds both flavor and a touch of indulgence.
• Edible Gift: Bottle up a batch of this homemade sauce in a pretty jar with a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends, family, or hostess gifts.

More Decadent Desserts You’ll Love

📖 Recipe: Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce

Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce

★★★★★ (5 from 5 votes)

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Homemade chocolate sauce for cake, ice cream, profiteroles, or a dipping sauce for churros made with Italian Amarena cherries and syrup, dark brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder and milk.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 116 kcal

Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

Equipment You May Need

• Small Saucepan
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup water
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon whole milk or heavy cream – optional
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoon Amarena cherries – chopped
• 1 tablespoon Amarena syrup – from the jar of cherries

Instructions

1. Whisk together brown sugar, cocoa powder, water, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, whisking continuously, until the cocoa powder and sugar are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the milk (if using), vanilla extract, chopped Amarena cherries, and the precious cherry syrup from the jar. Mix until everything is well combined and fragrant.
3. Serve your luscious Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce warm over your favorite desserts, or allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will thicken as it cools.

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Notes

Storage: Store any leftover Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave if you prefer it warm.

Milk: The addition of milk or heavy cream provides a smoother, creamier texture to the sauce. However, it’s entirely optional. If you’re aiming for a dairy-free or vegan version, simply omit the milk or substitute it with an equal amount of your preferred non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk). The sauce will still be wonderfully rich and flavorful!

Cherry Substitutes: While Amarena cherries are highly recommended, if they are difficult to find, high-quality dark sweet cherries (pitted) can be used, possibly with a touch more sugar or a splash of cherry liqueur for added depth.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 tablespoon | Calories: 116 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 0.5 g | Sodium: 46 mg | Potassium: 106 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 23 g | Calcium: 23 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

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