Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe

This sticky, thick Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe is made with sweet cherries, chipotle peppers, and brown sugar, ready in 30 minutes. The magic happens when the simmering fruit breaks down into a glossy glaze. I love brushing this sweet and spicy sauce on ribs during summer cookouts.

What I Learned Making This

When I first made this sauce, I underestimated the heat of chipotle peppers in adobo. I tossed in three whole peppers, and the resulting sauce was far too spicy for my family.

Now I stick to one or two peppers and scrape out the seeds for better balance. Simmering the sauce slowly allows the sweet cherries to tame the bold chili heat.

Jump to Recipe

Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1/2 cup diced white onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

How To Make Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe

1. Cook the aromatics: Sauté the diced onion and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Simmer the sauce: Stir in the cherries, ketchup, chipotle peppers, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, and salt. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Blend the mixture: Remove from heat and carefully puree the sauce using an immersion blender until completely smooth.
4. Cool and serve: Let the sauce cool in the pan for 10 minutes before brushing it onto your favorite meats.

Recipe Tips

• Control the heat: Start with one chipotle pepper and taste the sauce before adding more.
• Use frozen fruit: Thawed frozen cherries work just as well as fresh ones and save you the hassle of pitting.
• Blend carefully: If using a stand blender instead of an immersion blender, let the sauce cool slightly and leave the lid vent open.

What To Serve With Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce

This sweet and spicy sauce pairs brilliantly with slow-cooked pulled pork or smoked baby back ribs. You can also brush it onto grilled chicken thighs or use it as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries.

How To Store

Keep this sauce in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

FAQs

Can I use cherry preserves instead of whole cherries? Yes, you can substitute one cup of cherry preserves, but reduce the brown sugar by half.

Is this sauce very spicy? It has a moderate kick, but you can remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers for a milder flavor.

Can I can this BBQ sauce? This specific recipe is designed for fresh storage and has not been tested for safe water bath canning.

Nutrition

• Calories: 45
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g
• Protein: 0g