Cassis Blackcurrant Recipes: From Classic To Creative

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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Classic Cassis Blackcurrant Delights

Cassis blackcurrants lend themselves beautifully to classic dessert recipes, offering a deep, rich flavor that elevates simple treats. Here are two timeless examples that showcase this berry's potential.

Cassis Blackcurrant Jam: A Timeless Preserve

This cassis blackcurrant jam recipe is a must-have for any pantry. Its rich, dark color and intense flavor make it perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using as a filling for pastries.

• Ingredients: 1 kg blackcurrants, 700g granulated sugar, 100ml water, juice of ½ lemon.

• Instructions:

  1. Gently wash and top-and-tail the blackcurrants.
  2. Combine blackcurrants, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
  3. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam reaches setting point (a small amount placed on a chilled plate wrinkles when pushed with a finger).
  5. Remove from heat and carefully skim off any foam.
  6. Pour into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and let cool completely.

• Variations: For a spiced cassis blackcurrant jam, add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of cardamom during simmering. A star anise adds a lovely licorice note.

• Storage: Store your homemade cassis blackcurrant jam in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Simple Cassis Blackcurrant Crumble: A Comforting Classic

This simple cassis blackcurrant crumble is the perfect ending to any meal. The sweet and tart blackcurrants are beautifully complemented by a crisp, buttery crumble topping.

• Ingredients: 500g blackcurrants, 100g plain flour, 50g rolled oats, 75g cold butter, 50g brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Gently toss blackcurrants with 25g of the brown sugar.
  3. In a bowl, combine flour, oats, cinnamon, and the remaining brown sugar. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  4. Pour the blackcurrants into an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
• Variations: Experiment with different crumble toppings – try adding chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), desiccated coconut, or even a streusel topping for extra texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream.

Creative Cassis Blackcurrant Cocktails

Cassis blackcurrant's intense flavor makes it a star ingredient in sophisticated cocktails. These recipes offer a twist on classics, highlighting the berry's unique characteristics.

The Cassis Royale: An Elegant Twist on a Classic

This elegant variation on the Kir Royale uses crème de cassis to create a balanced and sophisticated drink.

• Ingredients: 1 part crème de cassis, 4 parts chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
• Instructions: Gently pour the crème de cassis into a chilled champagne flute. Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
• Garnish: Garnish with a fresh blackcurrant or a lemon twist for an extra touch of elegance.
• Alternative Sparkling Wines: Prosecco, Cava, or even a high-quality sparkling rosé can be substituted for champagne.

Cassis Blackcurrant Mojito: A Refreshing Summer Cocktail

This twist on the classic mojito combines the refreshing mint and lime with the rich flavor of cassis blackcurrants for a unique summer cocktail.

• Ingredients: 10 fresh mint leaves, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 oz white rum, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz crème de cassis, soda water.
• Instructions: Muddle mint leaves and sugar in a glass. Add rum, lime juice, and crème de cassis. Fill with crushed ice. Top with soda water. Stir gently.
• Optional Additions: Add lime wedges, extra mint sprigs, or a splash of soda water for extra fizz.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve over crushed ice with a straw.

Beyond the Basics: Unexpected Cassis Blackcurrant Uses

Cassis blackcurrants are incredibly versatile. Their bold flavor profile extends beyond desserts and cocktails, adding a unique touch to savory dishes.

Cassis Blackcurrant Sorbet: A Light and Refreshing Dessert

This light and refreshing sorbet is the perfect way to enjoy the intense flavor of cassis blackcurrants on a warm day.

• Ingredients: 2 cups blackcurrants, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, 1 tbsp lemon juice.
• Instructions: Combine blackcurrants, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Freeze the puree according to your ice cream maker's instructions.
• Variations: For a more complex flavor, add raspberries, strawberries, or other berries to the puree.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve in small bowls, garnished with fresh berries and a sprig of mint.

Cassis Blackcurrant Reduction for Meat Dishes: An Unexpected Savory Twist

A cassis blackcurrant reduction adds a surprising depth of flavor to savory dishes, particularly duck, lamb, or pork.

• Ingredients: 1 cup blackcurrant juice, ½ cup red wine, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar.
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and reduce over low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
• Pairing Suggestions: This reduction pairs well with roasted duck, lamb chops, or pork tenderloin. Serve with roasted root vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Storage: Store leftover reduction in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

From simple blackcurrant jam recipes to sophisticated cassis cocktails, the versatility of cassis blackcurrants allows for a wide array of culinary creations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice cook, this exploration of cassis blackcurrant recipes provides inspiration for delicious treats that will impress your family and friends. So, grab your ingredients and start experimenting with these delightful cassis blackcurrant recipes! Discover your new favourite cassis blackcurrant recipe today!