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Nuts and Twigs » Recipes » Vegan Dressings, Sauces, & Dips

Homemade Cherry BBQ Sauce

Published: Jun 2, 2024 · Modified: Jan 7, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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.

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side view of a mason jar full of sauce. background is of a hand marinating some tofu with a red brush.

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.

Jump to:
  • Why I Love This Recipe
  • Recipe Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How To Make Cherry BBQ Sauce
  • Recipe Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage and Reheating
  • Cherry BBQ Sauce FAQS
  • Related Vegan Recipes You'll Love
  • Homemade Cherry BBQ Sauce
  • Comments

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.

top view of labeled ingredients for cherry bbq sauce in plates and bowls.
  • 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.

top view of sauteing onions and garlic in pot.

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.

ingredients for cherry bbq sauce in pot; top view.

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.

cherry bbq sauce in blender; top view.

Step 3 - Blend: Blend the sauce with an immersion blender or with a regular blender.

cherry bbq sauce in a mason jar with a lid. side view.

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.
top view of a spoon full of cherry bbq sauce surrounded by foods marinated by the sauce.

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.
side view of a mason jar with cherry bbq sauce. Marinated tofu is in the background.

Cherry BBQ Sauce FAQS

Can I substitute the sauteed onions and garlic with onion powder and garlic powder?

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.

Does this BBQ sauce have a cherry flavor?

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

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    Vegan Pesto Grilled Cheese With Tofu
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Got a minute? Dive into the comments and rate this cherry BBQ sauce to let me know how it turned out for you. Did you use molasses? Was it a hit? Any twists you added? I want to know if my directions were any good. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

side view of a wooden spoon scooping out some bbq sauce from a mason jar.

Homemade Cherry BBQ Sauce

Regi Pearce
This tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky Homemade Cherry BBQ Sauce is perfect for grilling season or as a delightful dip. Here’s how you can whip up a batch with delicious cherries.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course condiment, sauces
Cuisine American
Servings 2 cups
Calories 265 kcal

Equipment

  • Vitamix blender
  • Flute Glass Mason Jar

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
Get Recipe Ingredients

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.

Video

Notes

*The truth is we are a home divided by molasses. With molasses, the cherry sauce boasts a deeper, richer flavor, while without it, the sauce is brighter and fruitier, letting the cherry flavor shine more prominently. You choose. You can skip it altogether and substitute it with a tablespoon of date or maple syrup.
The longer you let it cook, the thicker the sauce will be when you blend it, and the more concentrated the flavors. I cook it between 25-30 minutes at a low simmer so it doesn't get really thick. If you choose to cook it longer and it reduces a lot, remember that the concentration of flavors will affect flavor and be different than the intended recipe.
The blender will result in a smoother texture than using the immersion blender.
Nutritional information is only an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1607mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 35g | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 3mg
Keywords bbq, easy, grilling
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

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About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Chris says

    June 07, 2024 at 11:21 am

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • Regi Pearce says

      June 07, 2024 at 11:33 am

      Hey, Chris! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the comment.

      Reply

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Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband, Rob, and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but also worth living.

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