Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe – Quick And Delicious

My Cooking Addiction introduces the bold and flavorful Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe. I made this sauce to blend the sweetness of ripe cherries with the kick of jalapeno for a unique homemade BBQ twist.

The reason I created this Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe was to bring something exciting and different to grilled meats and smoked dishes.

The main specialty of this sauce is the balance of sweet and spicy flavors combined with classic BBQ richness. I’m sharing this experience to help others recreate it in their kitchens.

Now, I’ll walk through each step of this Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe.

Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe

Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe blends deep fruitiness with a bold, smoky heat. The cherries add a natural sweetness and slight tartness, while the jalapeños bring a fresh, green spice that lingers without overwhelming.

Ketchup and molasses give it body and a rich, tangy base, balanced by the sharpness of apple cider vinegar and a hint of brown sugar.

Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Worcestershire layer in complexity, creating a thick, deep-red sauce that’s both sweet and savory.

The texture is smooth and glossy once blended, making it easy to brush onto grilled meats or stir into dishes for a bold flavor lift.

How To Prepare Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe?

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Course: Sauce / Condiment

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: Makes approximately 2 cups of sauce

Kitchen Utensils

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Blender or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 2–3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing jalapeños)
• ¼ cup water (add more if a thinner consistency is preferred)

How To Make Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe

1. Warm a little olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped jalapeños and cook them for 2–3 minutes, stirring now and then. They should soften and release a nice aroma—this step takes the edge off their raw heat while bringing out their flavor.

2. Next, add the cherries (no need to thaw if you’re using frozen), along with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and water. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

3. Once it’s simmering, mix in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep the sauce bubbling softly for about 15 minutes, stirring here and there, until the cherries start to break down and the sauce thickens a bit.

4. Take the pan off the heat and blend the sauce until smooth—either with an immersion blender right in the pot or by carefully transferring it to a regular blender. If it feels too thick, add a little water, one spoonful at a time, until you like the consistency.

5. Let the sauce cool completely before pouring it into a clean jar or container. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. The flavors will actually get better after a day or two, so it’s worth the wait.

Nutrition Facts Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	45
Fat	1g
Carbohydrates	10g
Sugar	8g
Sodium	150mg
Protein	0g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce recipe because it delivers bold flavor in every spoonful. The natural sweetness from cherries pairs beautifully with the smoky heat of jalapeños, creating a sauce that’s both rich and exciting.

Each ingredient adds depth, from the tang of apple cider vinegar to the warmth of brown sugar and paprika. The texture is smooth and easy to spread or drizzle.

Whether used on grilled meats, burgers, or as a dip, this sauce stands out for being homemade, flavorful, and easy to customize to your spice preference. It transforms simple meals into something memorable.

Usage Suggestions

◆ Brush it onto grilled chicken, pork ribs, or beef for a flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

◆ Use it as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders to add a sweet and spicy kick.

◆ Stir it into baked beans or chili to introduce a smoky fruitiness and subtle heat.

◆ Mix it with mayo or sour cream to create a spicy sandwich spread or burger sauce.

◆ Drizzle it over roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts for an extra layer of flavor.

This sauce can also be used as a marinade to infuse meats with a vibrant, tangy heat before cooking.

Health Benefits

This Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe offers several health benefits thanks to its natural ingredients. Cherries provide antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation. Jalapeños contain capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and reduce pain.

The sauce uses apple cider vinegar, known for aiding digestion and balancing blood sugar levels. Using spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder adds flavor without extra calories or sodium.

Compared to store-bought sauces, this homemade version has less added preservatives and refined sugars, making it a healthier option to enhance meals while supporting overall wellness.

My Tips Tips For Success

Here are some personal tips to get the best results with your Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe:

➢ Adjust the heat carefully. Start with fewer jalapeños if you’re unsure, since you can always add more later. Remember, the seeds carry most of the heat, so removing them softens the spice.

➢ Use fresh or frozen cherries depending on the season. Frozen cherries work just as well and save prep time. Just make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking.

➢ Don’t rush the simmering step. Letting the sauce gently simmer helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken naturally. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

➢ Taste as you go. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy is personal, so adjust vinegar, sugar, or spices to fit your preference. A little more vinegar can brighten it up, or more sugar can tame heat.

➢ Blend thoroughly for a smooth texture. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse lightly instead of fully pureeing.

➢ Store in a clean, airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the fridge, so making it ahead of time can deepen the taste.

Additions To Make More Delicious

✔Bourbon or Whiskey: Adding a splash of bourbon or whiskey introduces a rich, smoky depth that complements the sweetness of cherries and the heat of jalapeños, creating a more complex flavor profile perfect for hearty grilled meats.

✔ Ground Cumin: A teaspoon of ground cumin brings an earthy, slightly nutty warmth that adds layers to the sauce’s spice, making each bite more robust and aromatic without overpowering the main flavors.

✔ Dijon Mustard: Incorporating Dijon mustard adds a sharp, tangy edge that balances the sweetness and heat, enhancing the sauce’s overall brightness and giving it a slight bite that lifts the flavor.

✔ Fresh Herbs: Adding finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end of cooking brings freshness and a hint of herbal brightness, which lightens the richness and adds a subtle complexity to the sauce.

✔ Warm Spices (Cinnamon or Clove): A small pinch of cinnamon or ground clove introduces subtle warmth and depth, enhancing the natural fruitiness of the cherries while adding an unexpected layer of spice that deepens the flavor.

Variations Try With Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe

➤ Peach Jalapeño BBQ Sauce: Replace cherries with ripe peaches for a sweeter, juicier sauce. Peaches add a mellow fruitiness that pairs wonderfully with the spicy jalapeños, creating a summer-inspired twist.

➤ Serrano Pepper Version: Swap jalapeños for serrano peppers to increase the heat level. Serranos have a sharper, brighter spice that makes the sauce more intense, perfect for those who like their BBQ with an extra kick.

➤ Honey or Maple Syrup Substitute: Instead of molasses, use honey or maple syrup to bring a lighter, more floral sweetness. This change softens the sauce’s heaviness and adds a subtle natural sweetness.

➤ Chipotle Cherry BBQ Sauce: Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, smoky heat that adds a deep, rich flavor and a slight smoky fire, complementing the sweetness of the cherries beautifully.

➤ Vegan-Friendly Version: Replace Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative made from soy sauce, tamari, or mushroom-based seasoning to maintain the umami flavor without animal products, making the sauce suitable for plant-based diets.

Storage Instructions

Store the Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe in an airtight container or glass jar. Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness and flavor.

The Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe will stay good for up to two weeks when properly stored. Before using, give it a good stir, as natural separation may occur.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe in small portions using freezer-safe containers or bags this will keep it fresh for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or serving. Always check for any signs of spoilage before use.

(FAQs) about Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe

Conclusion

This Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe has brought so much flavor and excitement to my meals, and I truly enjoy it every time I make it.

The blend of sweet cherries and spicy jalapeños creates a unique taste that keeps me coming back for more. I’m excited to share this Cherry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe with you so you can experience the delicious balance of heat and sweetness in your own kitchen.

Try making it, and let me know how much you enjoy the bold, homemade flavor after tasting it!

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