Enjoy the sweet, rich flavor of cherries with this list of 26 cherry recipes ! From salads to desserts, this list showcases the versatility of cherries. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink like Cherry Lemonade, a crowd-pleasing dessert such as Cherry Cheesecake, or a savory snack like Cherry and Brie Flatbread, there’s something for everyone in this list. So the next time cherries are in season, or you’ve got a jar of preserved cherries on hand, refer back to this list and get creative in your kitchen.
1. Cherry Almond Cake
A Delectable Dessert
This cherry almond cake is a delightful fusion of sweet cherries and nutty almonds. It’s a moist, flavorful dessert that’s bound to impress at any gathering. The tartness of the cherries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake, while the almonds add a nice crunch.
Perfect for All Occasions
This cake is not just delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, planning a picnic, or looking for a simple dessert to enjoy after a weeknight dinner, this cherry almond cake fits the bill.
Make It Your Own
Experiment with different types of cherries, such as Bing or Morello, or try adding a dash of almond extract for extra flavor. This recipe is flexible and adaptable to your personal preferences.
2. Cherry Clafoutis
A Classic French Dessert
Cherry clafoutis is a classic French dessert that’s rich, creamy, and brimming with juicy cherries. This custard-like dessert is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for a fancy dinner party or a casual family gathering.
Easy to Prepare
Despite its fancy-sounding name, cherry clafoutis is incredibly easy to prepare. The batter comes together quickly, and the cherries require minimal prep, making this dessert an excellent choice for those busy nights.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to swap out the cherries for another type of fruit if desired. Peaches, plums, or blueberries would all work well in this versatile recipe.
3. Cherry Salsa
A Fruity Twist on a Classic
This cherry salsa puts a fruity twist on traditional tomato salsa. Sweet, juicy cherries pair perfectly with tangy lime and spicy jalapeno to create a unique and flavorful dip or topping.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cherry salsa is a crowd-pleaser and works well for any occasion. Serve it at your next barbecue, take it to a potluck, or enjoy it during a relaxed summer evening at home.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeno to suit your heat preferences or swap the cilantro for mint or basil to give the salsa a different flavor profile.
4. Cherry Cheesecake
A Decadent Dessert
This cherry cheesecake recipe is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The contrast between the smooth cream cheese filling and the tart cherry topping is truly divine.
Ideal for Celebrations
Cheesecake is a popular choice for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. This cherry cheesecake will be a hit at any celebration and is sure to leave your guests impressed.
Customize Your Cheesecake
For an extra special touch, try making your own cherry sauce from fresh cherries or add a touch of almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor.
5. Cherry Ice Cream
A Refreshing Treat
This cherry ice cream recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of ripe cherries in a refreshing, creamy treat. The sweet cherries and creamy ice cream base create a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
A Summer Delight
Cherry ice cream is an ideal treat for hot summer days, and homemade ice cream always tastes better. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the sunny season.
Make It Unique
Try adding dark chocolate chips for a cherry-garcia style ice cream or mix in some crushed almond biscotti for a little extra crunch. This is a versatile recipe that you can adjust according to your liking.
6. Cherry Glazed Chicken
A Savory and Sweet Entrée
This cherry glazed chicken offers a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors. Juicy chicken is complemented by a rich, sweet, and slightly tart cherry glaze, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is visually appealing.
Perfect for a Dinner Party
Impress your guests with this unique and tasty entrée. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a dinner party.
Customize It
Swap out the cherries for cranberries or raspberries for a twist, or try using duck instead of chicken for a more decadent meal.
7. Cherry BBQ Sauce
A Fruity Twist on a Classic
This cherry BBQ sauce adds a fruity twist to your grilled meats. The sweet cherries and smoky barbecue flavors meld together to create a unique, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for summer grilling.
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Ideal for Grilling Season
This BBQ sauce is ideal for grilling season. It’s perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your grilled chicken, pork, or beef.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to adjust the spiciness to your liking, or add in some smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor. This sauce is easily adaptable to your personal preferences.
8. Cherry Smoothie
A Healthy and Delicious Beverage
This cherry smoothie is a delicious and healthy beverage that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the cherries and can be made with either fresh or frozen cherries.
Perfect for On-the-Go
This smoothie is perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick, nutritious breakfast. It’s also great for a post-workout snack or a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Mix It Up
Try adding some spinach or kale for extra nutrients, or add some vanilla protein powder for a protein boost. This smoothie is easy to customize to suit your tastes and nutritional needs.
9. Cherry Bread Pudding
A Rich and Comforting Dessert
This cherry bread pudding is a rich and comforting dessert that’s perfect for cold winter nights. The sweet cherries add a touch of brightness to this decadent dish, making it a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
Great for Entertaining
Bread pudding is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s great for entertaining. This version with cherries adds a unique twist that your guests are sure to love.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to use your favorite type of bread or try adding some chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
10. Cherry Compote
A Versatile Topping
This cherry compote is a versatile topping that you can use in a variety of ways. Its sweet and tart flavor profile complements everything from pancakes and waffles to cheesecakes and ice cream.
A Recipe for All Seasons
You can make this compote with fresh cherries in the summer or with frozen cherries during other seasons, so it’s a recipe you can enjoy year-round.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add in other fruits, like blueberries or peaches, or spices, such as cinnamon or vanilla, to customize the compote to your liking.
11. Cherry Chutney
A Tangy Side Dish
This cherry chutney is a tangy and sweet side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted meats. It adds a unique flavor profile that elevates any meal to the next level.
Great for Entertaining
The vibrant color and bold flavors of this cherry chutney make it an impressive dish for entertaining. Your guests are sure to be intrigued by this unexpected and delicious condiment.
Mix and Match Ingredients
You can customize this chutney by adding different spices, such as star anise or cinnamon, or by using different types of cherries to create new flavors.
12. Cherry Coffee Cake
A Perfect Morning Treat
This cherry coffee cake is a deliciously sweet way to start your day. It’s a moist, crumbly cake with a layer of tart cherries and a sprinkle of streusel topping.
Ideal for Brunch
This coffee cake is an excellent option for a brunch menu or a weekend breakfast treat. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning meal.
Make It Your Own
Try using sour cherries for a tart contrast or add some chopped nuts to the streusel topping for a little extra crunch.
13. Cherry Sangria
A Fruity Cocktail
This cherry sangria is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that’s perfect for summer entertaining. Sweet cherries, robust red wine, and a splash of brandy make this drink a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for Parties
Sangria is always a hit at parties, and this cherry version adds a unique twist. Make a large batch and serve it at your next summer gathering.
Customize Your Sangria
You can customize this sangria by adding different fruits, such as peaches or oranges, or by swapping the red wine for white or rosé.
14. Cherry Granita
A Refreshing Dessert
Cherry granita is a refreshing, icy dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. The sweet, tart flavor of the cherries shines through in this simple and elegant dish.
Simple to Make
Despite its sophisticated appearance, granita is incredibly simple to make. All you need is a little patience while the mixture freezes and is periodically scraped to create the characteristic flaky texture.
Mix It Up
Try adding a splash of liqueur for an adult version, or mix in other fruits for a different flavor profile.
15. Cherry Muffin
A Tasty Breakfast Treat
These cherry muffins are a delightful way to start your day. With their moist texture, sweet cherry flavor, and a hint of almond, they make a perfect breakfast or snack.
Great for On-the-Go
These muffins are also a convenient on-the-go breakfast. Whip up a batch over the weekend, and you’ll have a tasty, portable treat ready for those busy weekday mornings.
Customizable to Your Liking
Feel free to substitute the almond extract for vanilla if you prefer, or add some chopped nuts for extra crunch. You could even top them with a simple glaze for added sweetness.
16. Cherry Scones
A Classic British Teatime Snack
These cherry scones are a classic British teatime snack, made even better with the addition of sweet, tart cherries. They’re perfect served with a dollop of cream and a cup of tea.
Great for Entertaining
Scones are always a hit when entertaining. These cherry scones are sure to impress at brunches, showers, or afternoon tea parties.
Add Your Twist
You can add your own twist to this recipe by including other dried fruits or even some dark chocolate chips. Feel free to experiment!
17. Cherry Lattice Pie
An Eye-Catching Dessert
This cherry lattice pie is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. The intricate lattice top allows the vibrant cherry filling to peak through, making it a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
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Perfect for Any Occasion
This pie is perfect for any occasion. It’s a showstopper at holiday dinners, picnics, and family gatherings.
Make It Your Own
You can make this pie your own by adding in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mixing in other fruits like blueberries or apples.
18. Cherry Slab Pie
Perfect for Large Gatherings
This cherry slab pie is perfect for feeding a crowd. Made in a large baking sheet, it yields more servings than a traditional pie, and the ratio of crust to filling will please crust-lovers everywhere.
A Potluck Favorite
This is an excellent recipe for potlucks, barbecues, and large family gatherings. The pie is also easier to transport and serve than a traditional round pie.
Customizable Recipe
You can customize this pie by adding spices to the filling, experimenting with different types of crust, or adding a streusel topping instead of a top crust.
19. Cherry Bakewell Tart
A British Classic
The Cherry Bakewell Tart is a beloved British classic, with a buttery crust, a layer of sweet raspberry jam, an almond frangipane filling, and a topping of icing and cherries.
Great for Afternoon Tea
Serve this delightful tart at your next afternoon tea, or enjoy a slice as a sweet treat after dinner.
Make It Your Own
You can tweak this recipe to suit your taste. Experiment with different jams, use a different type of nut in the frangipane, or add a drizzle of chocolate on top.
20. Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
A Summer Delight
This cherry chocolate chip ice cream is a delightful summer treat. The sweet and tart cherries and the dark chocolate chips make for an irresistible combination in this creamy ice cream.
Homemade Goodness
Making ice cream at home allows you to control the ingredients and create unique flavors. This cherry chocolate chip flavor is just one delicious example.
Experiment with Flavors
Feel free to mix up the flavors in this ice cream. You could use white chocolate chips instead of dark, or mix in some crushed cookies or chopped nuts.
21. Cherry Almond Biscotti
A Crunchy Treat
These cherry almond biscotti are a delightfully crunchy treat, perfect for dunking in your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The sweet dried cherries and toasted almonds add wonderful flavor to these Italian cookies.
Perfect for Gifting
Biscotti make an excellent homemade gift. Pack them in a beautiful box or bag, and share the joy of homemade cookies with friends and family.
Customize Your Biscotti
Try changing up the flavors in your biscotti by swapping the almonds for hazelnuts, or adding some white or dark chocolate chips.
22. Cherry Lemonade
A Refreshing Beverage
This cherry lemonade is a refreshing beverage that’s perfect for hot summer days. The tartness of the lemonade perfectly balances the sweetness of the cherries, creating a thirst-quenching drink that’s sure to be a hit.
Perfect for Parties
Serve this cherry lemonade at your next BBQ, picnic, or pool party. It’s a delightful drink that guests of all ages will enjoy.
Customize Your Lemonade
Feel free to customize this lemonade to suit your tastes. Add more or less sugar depending on how sweet you like your lemonade, or experiment with adding other fruits like strawberries or raspberries.
23. Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
A Sweet Surprise
These cherry chocolate chip cookies are a sweet surprise. The dried cherries add a tangy twist to the traditional chocolate chip cookie, making for a delightful treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re packing a picnic, hosting a party, or just want a sweet snack.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize these cookies to your liking. Try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, or add in some chopped nuts for extra crunch.
24. Cherry Almond Crisp
A Comforting Dessert
This cherry almond crisp is a comforting dessert that combines sweet, juicy cherries with a crunchy almond topping. It’s perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Easy to Make
This dessert is surprisingly easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. It’s a great recipe for beginner bakers.
Customize Your Crisp
You can customize this crisp by using different fruits or changing up the nuts in the topping. Try peaches and pecans, or apples and walnuts.
25. Cherry and Brie Flatbread
A Gourmet Snack
This cherry and brie flatbread is a gourmet snack that’s both delicious and easy to make. The sweet cherries, creamy brie, and crisp flatbread make for a fantastic combination.
Great for Entertaining
This flatbread is great for entertaining, as it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize this flatbread with your favorite ingredients. Try adding some prosciutto or arugula, or swap the brie for goat cheese.
26. Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad
A Fresh and Vibrant Salad
This cherry and goat cheese salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The sweet cherries, creamy goat cheese, and tangy vinaigrette create a well-balanced salad that’s full of flavor.
Perfect for All Seasons
This salad is perfect for all seasons. The cherries can be fresh in the summer or dried in the winter, making this a versatile recipe you can enjoy year-round.
Customize Your Salad
Feel free to customize this salad by adding your favorite ingredients. Try adding some grilled chicken for extra protein, or sprinkle on some toasted almonds for crunch.
Conclusion
I hope this collection of 26 cherry recipes has inspired you to experiment with this versatile fruit. Cherries are not just for pies and tarts, as our list has shown, they can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, from refreshing beverages, nutritious salads, main courses, to delectable desserts. So go ahead, pick a recipe (or two, or three) and enjoy the sweet and tart flavor of cherries in a whole new way. Happy cooking!
