Grandma Claudy'S Cherry Sauce
A sweet, tangy cherry sauce with vanilla and nutmeg, perfect for topping desserts or ice cream, and suitable for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a pan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Pour reserved cherry juice into a measuring cup and add enough water to measure 2 cups.
- Gradually stir the water into the sugar mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly for 5 minutes or until thickened.
- Cut the cherries in half or quarters.
- Add the cherries to the thickened mixture.
- Add butter or margarine, vanilla, and a dash of nutmeg, then heat through.
- Reheat before serving if made ahead.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Grandma Claudy's Cherry Sauce, consider using fresh cherries when in season, or substitute with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a twist. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency. You can also adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your cherries.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma Claudy's Cherry Sauce warm over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream for a delightful breakfast or dessert. It pairs beautifully with Easy White Cake as a topping or filling. For a festive touch, consider using it as a topping for yogurt or cheesecake at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cherry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Claudy'S Cherry Sauce contains roughly 162 calories, with 1g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used as a substitute. Just thaw and drain them before adding to the sauce. You may want to adjust the sugar depending on their sweetness.
How can I make this sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the cherry sauce, consider decreasing the amount of sugar or using unsweetened cherries. Adding a bit of lemon juice can also help balance the sweetness.
Is this cherry sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Grandma Claudy's Cherry Sauce is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain any meat or animal-derived ingredients. It's a great addition to vegetarian recipes and desserts.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).