Cherry Chipotle Sauce Recipe

This sticky smooth Cherry Chipotle Sauce Recipe is made with dark sweet cherries, brown sugar, and spicy chipotle peppers, and ready in 30 minutes. The sweet fruit rapidly breaks down into a thick red glaze that perfectly balances intense smoke with a fiery kick. I always keep a batch of this versatile sauce tucked in the fridge.

What Makes This Version Different

I used to buy bottled fruit glazes until I realized how muted their flavors actually were. Making this sauce from scratch allows the natural tartness of the cherries to shine through without tasting like heavy syrup.

My biggest surprise was discovering that canned chipotles in adobo provide both heat and deep savory notes. Blending the finished mixture while it is still warm guarantees that coveted velvety texture every single time.

Jump to Recipe

Cherry Chipotle Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups dark sweet cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

How To Make Cherry Chipotle Sauce Recipe

1. 1. Sauté the aromatics: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook the red onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. 2. Combine the ingredients: Stir in the pitted cherries, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and kosher salt.
3. 3. Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 20 minutes until the cherries soften.
4. 4. Blend until smooth: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully transfer the hot mixture to a high-speed blender.
5. 5. Finish and cool: Process on high speed until completely smooth, then pour back into a jar to cool and thicken.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat: Start with just one chipotle pepper if you prefer a milder flavor profile and less lingering spice.
• Use frozen fruit: Thawed frozen cherries work just as well as fresh and save significant prep time in the kitchen.
• Protect your blender: Always leave the blender cap slightly vented when processing hot liquids to safely release the steam.

What To Serve With Cherry Chipotle Sauce

This sweet and spicy glaze pairs beautifully with roasted pork tenderloin or grilled chicken thighs. You can also spoon it over a block of cream cheese and serve it with sturdy crackers for a fast appetizer.

How To Store

Store the cooled sauce in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze this sauce in ice cube trays for up to three months, defrosting small portions as needed.

FAQs

Can I use dried cherries instead?
Dried cherries will not work well because they lack the moisture needed to create a smooth sauce. Stick to fresh or frozen varieties for the best texture.

Is this sauce very spicy?
It has a moderate kick from the adobo sauce and peppers. You can easily scale back the chipotles to reduce the overall heat level.

Do I need to peel the cherries?
No, you just need to ensure the pits are completely removed before cooking. The dark skins will break down completely in the blender.

Nutrition

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 65mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g
• Protein: 0g