Cherry Amaretto Cheesecake Jars

 

Ingredients:  

1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or amaretto cookies

 

3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted  

1 pinch sea salt  

16 oz cream cheese, softened  

1/2 cup granulated sugar  

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream  

2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur  

1 tsp almond extract  

1 tsp vanilla bean paste  

1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled  

2 cups pitted dark sweet cherries (fresh or frozen)  

1/4 cup granulated sugar  

2 tbsp Amaretto liqueur  

1 tbsp lemon juice  

1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water  

Toasted sliced almonds (for garnish)  

Extra fresh cherries (for garnish)  

Shaved dark chocolate (for garnish)  

Instructions:  

1. Begin by creating the crust. In a small bowl, mix

together the cookie crumbs, melted butter, and salt. Press

2 tablespoons of this mixture into the base of 6 to 8

small mason jars. Chill the jars while you prepare the

filling.  

2. To make the cherry topping, combine the cherries,

sugar, Amaretto, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Allow it

to simmer over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until the

cherries soften and their juices are released. Stir in the

cornstarch mixture and simmer an additional minute

until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove

from heat and let it cool completely.  

3. For the filling, beat the softened cream cheese and

sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and

creamy. Add in the Greek yogurt, Amaretto, almond

extract, and vanilla bean paste, mixing until everything is

well-blended.  

4. In another chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until

stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into

the cream cheese mixture to maintain its light and airy

texture.  

5. Assemble the jars by piping or spooning the

cheesecake filling on top of the crust, ensuring there’s

space for the cherries. Add a generous spoonful of the

cooled Amaretto cherry topping onto each jar.  

6. Refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours to allow the

cheesecake to set. Just before serving, garnish with

toasted almonds and chocolate shavings.