Cherry Barbecue Sauce

Sweet and tangy cherry barbecue sauce made with cherries, tomato sauce, apple juice, and spices.
Meal type: Dressing
Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
Cuisine type: American
Ingredients
Yield:
Yield
24
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 to 1½ cups pitted cherries, frozen or fresh, chopped
  • 1 to 1¼ cups brown sugar
  • 1⅓cups unsweetened apple juice
  • 1¼ cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Image
homemade BBQ sauce
Directions
Prep: 20 min, Cook: 35 min, Total: 55 min
  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Add tomato sauce, cherries, brown sugar, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper, if using.
  5. Bring the sauce to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Stir often.
  7. Transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
  8. Cool before serving or storing.

Helpful Hints

  • Flavor will vary depending on the type of cherries used. Use sweet cherries for a sweeter sauce and tart cherries for a little zing.
  • Store sauce in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
  • Use in any recipe that calls for barbecue sauce.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 2 Tablespoons
  • Calories: 65 kcal estimated
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g estimated
    • Dietary Fiber: 1 g estimated
    • Total Sugars: 12 g estimated
  • Protein: 0.5 g estimated
  • Fat: 1.2 g estimated
    • Saturated Fat: 0.2 g estimated
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 35 to 90 mg estimated, depending on tomato sauce used
  • Potassium: 95 mg estimated
  • Calcium: 15 mg estimated
  • Phosphorus: 12 mg estimated

For more information about Nutrition and Kidney Health

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These recipes are for informational use only and not a substitute for medical or dietary advice. Consult your healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized guidance.
© 2026 National Kidney Foundation, Inc.