Sweet, tangy, and super easy to make, this homemade Cherry BBQ Sauce is made with just a handful of ingredients. It's ready in about 30 minutes and it's the perfect mix of sweet cherries and smoky goodness.
Bursting with the natural sweetness of dark, sweet cherries and a hint of smoky depth, this BBQ Cherry Sauce recipe is vegan and is one of the undisputed stars of our summer cookouts, with everyone clamoring for more.
The truth is, it’s been this way since forever. My husband was a BBQ guru before he went vegan - yep, he went cold turkey from smoking briskets to grilling fresh veggies.
Now, his healthy cherry barbeque sauce is smothered on plants - and our veggies have never felt more important. I hope you love it as much as we do.
For other delicious sauces, try Vegan Jalapeno Sauce, Vegan Chick-fil-A Sauce, and Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe. You can also take a peek at Vegan Game Day Dips and Sauces for more recipe ideas.
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Why I Love This Recipe
- It's the perfect balance of sweet cherry flavor and smoky BBQ goodness.
- Made with a handful of all-natural, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Whether you're grilling, roasting, or marinating, this homemade BBQ sauce adds a delightful taste to many dishes.
- It's a healthy vegan BBQ sauce, family-friendly, and a great way to introduce unique flavors to your meals.
- Ready in no time, making it perfect for spontaneous BBQ cravings or last-minute meal prep.
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing homemade barbeque sauce. See the recipe for quantities.
- Cherries - Use either fresh cherries or frozen cherries. I like to use frozen cherries and have them readily available anytime, especially when they are out of season. Buy organic if possible since they are known to contain a lot of pesticides, according to the EWG.
- Molasses: (optional) Since we are not using brown sugar, this adds a rich, deep sweetness and a hint of smokiness, giving it that extra "oomph" that makes everyone think you’re a BBQ wizard. However, you can skip it if needed but I recommend substituting it with date syrup, more maple syrup, or a little brown sugar.
- Maple Syrup - I really like the taste of maple syrup. If you need a substitute, use brown sugar or agave syrup.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness and balances the sweetness in the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor.
Variations
- A splash of bourbon can add a rich, deep flavor, perfect for adult-friendly BBQs.
- If you like it sweeter, increase the amount of maple syrup or add a tablespoon of brown sugar.
How To Make Cherry BBQ Sauce
These pictures show you all you need to do for this BBQ Cherry Sauce. Check the recipe card if necessary.
Step 1 - Saute Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook chopped onion for 5 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2 - Simmer and Blend: Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the sauce has reduced a bit.
Step 3 - Blend: Blend the sauce with an immersion blender or with a regular blender.
Step 4 - Store: Store in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.
Recipe Tips
- We are a home divided by molasses. Half the family likes it with, the other without. With molasses, the cherry sauce boasts a deeper, richer sweetness and a subtle smokiness, while without it, the sauce is brighter and fruitier, letting the cherry flavor shine more prominently. You choose.
- The longer you let it cook, the thicker the sauce will get. I like it at about 25 minutes where it won't blend super thick. The longer you cook it, the more concentrated the flavors, too, changing the intended flavor for the sauce.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more maple syrup or agave.
- If using fresh cherries, the easiest way to pit them is to use a cherry pitter.
- A dash of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky flavor if you like an even more intense BBQ taste.
Make Ahead
This is a great sauce to have handy. Make a double batch and store half in the fridge and the other half in the freezer to always have it handy.
Serving Suggestions
- Brush generously over grilled tofu kebabs for a deliciously smoky and sweet finish.
- Use it as a base sauce for a unique BBQ veggie pizza.
- Spread or dip sandwiches or wraps like Collard Green Wraps to give them a flavorful kick.
- Serve as a dip for sweet potato fries, onion rings, or vegan nuggets.
- Perfect for marinating and glazing grilled tempeh steaks or strips.
Storage and Reheating
- Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks.
- Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed. You can also microwave at 50 percent so it doesn't splatter. Stir in between until heated.
- This sauce freezes great. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using and reheat as needed.
Cherry BBQ Sauce FAQS
Yes, use about 1 teaspoon of onion powder and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to replace the fresh onions and garlic. Add them directly to the sauce with the other ingredients.
This will slightly alter the taste. Fresh onions and garlic provide a more robust, aromatic flavor, while the powdered versions offer a more subdued, uniform taste. The sauce will be delicious, just a bit different in depth and complexity.
Yes, the sauce has a cherry flavor that is noticeable but not overwhelming at all especially if you skip the molasses. It doesn't overpower the smoky and savory elements in the sauce but balances them perfectly.
Related Vegan Recipes You'll Love
Homemade Cherry BBQ Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped (~120 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon molasses optional*
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a bit of heat
- 1 12-ounce bag frozen pitted dark sweet cherries or 2 heaping cups fresh pitted cherries
Instructions
- Saute Onions and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, molasses (if using), smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Then add the cherries and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cherries should be soft, the flavors well combined, and the sauce reduced and thickened a bit.
- Blend the Sauce: Place the mixture in a blender and puree it until smooth. If you don’t have a blender, use an immersion blender.
- Adjust and Store: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more maple syrup. For more tang, add a splash of vinegar. Let the sauce cool, then transfer it to a jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Chris says
Hey Reg, just tried this and it was delicious. I meal prepped it for the week and I'm putting it on all of my grain bowls. Love that it is homemade and so healthy! Thanks for the recipe.
Regi Pearce says
Hey, Chris! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the comment.