Amaretto Cream Sauce Recipe | Smooth & Rich

Craving a luscious, velvety sauce to elevate your favorite desserts? My Amaretto Cream Sauce recipe is the ultimate indulgence! This rich and creamy sauce blends the nutty, almond-like flavor of Amaretto liqueur with smooth heavy cream and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, bread pudding, chocolate cake, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Best of all, it comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a go-to recipe whenever you want to impress guests or treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Sauce Preparation

Creating this silky-smooth Amaretto Cream Sauce is quick and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to achieve a luxurious, restaurant-quality sauce right in your kitchen.

Mixing the Base

Start by combining two tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of Amaretto liqueur in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is entirely smooth and free of lumps. This step is crucial because it ensures your sauce thickens evenly later on.

Heating the Cream

Next, pour 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Set the pan over medium heat and warm the cream until it’s just about to scald, when small bubbles form around the edges, but before it starts boiling. Keep an eye on it, because cream can burn quickly if left unattended.

Thickening the Sauce

Gradually whisk the Amaretto-cornstarch mixture into the hot cream. Stir constantly to prevent clumping. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to thicken. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 30 seconds more, whisking continuously.

Sweetening and Finishing

Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Stir until fully dissolved and the sauce is silky smooth. At this point, you can taste and adjust the sweetness if desired. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving, as it will thicken slightly as it cools.

Serving and Decoration

Best Ways to Enjoy Amaretto Cream Sauce

This sauce is incredibly versatile and adds a decadent touch to so many dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Over Ice Cream: Drizzle it warm over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a boozy, nutty twist.
  
• With Pancakes or Waffles: Replace maple syrup with this creamy delight for a brunch upgrade.
  
• On Cakes & Pastries: Pour it over pound cake, bundt cake, or bread pudding for an elegant finish.
  
• Coffee Enhancer: Stir a spoonful into hot coffee or espresso for a homemade Amaretto latte.
  
• Fruit Pairing: Serve as a dip or drizzle over fresh berries, poached pears, or grilled peaches.
  

Presentation Tips

• Serve warm in a minor pitcher or sauce boat for an elegant dinner party touch.
  
• Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder, nutmeg, or shaved chocolate on top when serving to boost flavor and presentation.
  
• For a festive holiday vibe, top with slivered almonds or crushed biscotti.
  

This creamy, nutty sauce is a showstopper on its own, but with these pairings, you’ll take your desserts and drinks to the next level.

Storage Instructions

Keeping It Fresh

After preparing your Amaretto Cream Sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or glass jar. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Please give it a quick stir or whisk before serving, as it may thicken slightly while chilled.

Reheating Tips

When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking continuously. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it may cause the cream to separate.

Freezing Option

For more extended storage, you can freeze Amaretto Cream Sauce for up to 1 month. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Amaretto Cream Sauce without alcohol?

Yes! If you’d like to enjoy this sauce without alcohol, you can substitute Amaretto liqueur with almond extract (about 1–2 teaspoons) mixed with a bit of water or milk. This will still give you that nutty almond flavor.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or creamy. If substituting, I recommend using half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and butter for a thicker consistency.

What desserts pair best with Amaretto Cream Sauce?

This sauce is incredibly versatile! It pairs beautifully with ice cream, bread pudding, pound cake, brownies, pancakes, waffles, and poached fruit.

How long does Amaretto Cream Sauce last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.

Can I serve Amaretto Cream Sauce warm or cold?

Both! Serve it warm over cakes, puddings, or waffles for a decadent touch, or chilled as a topping for ice cream or fruit.

Will the alcohol cook out of the sauce?

Yes, most of the alcohol will cook off during the heating and boiling process, leaving behind only the sweet, nutty flavor of Amaretto. However, if you want a completely alcohol-free option, use almond extract as mentioned above.

Conclusion

My Amaretto Cream Sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves indulgent, gourmet-style desserts at home. With its nutty almond notes, velvety texture, and just the right amount of sweetness, this sauce transforms everyday treats into something truly special. Whether you drizzle it over cakes, spoon it onto ice cream, or swirl it into coffee, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand for every occasion.

So grab your whisk, pour a splash of Amaretto, and let’s create a sauce that feels as luxurious as it tastes. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to make dessert so that you can enjoy this heavenly cream sauce again!