Fresh Cherry Recipes (Easy Desserts and Drinks)
Looking for some delicious ways to enjoy fresh cherries straight from the cherry tree? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you have a surplus from a recent pick this cherry season or simply love these juicy gems, we’ve got some fresh cherry recipes that will make the most of your beautiful fresh cherries.
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From a mouth-watering homemade cherry pie to tangy cherry jello shots, there’s something here for everyone. These favorite cherry recipes are simple to follow and perfect for any occasion. So grab a handful of cherries, and let’s get started on creating some delightful treats!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
- Fresh and Flavorful: Using fresh fruit ensures that your desserts and drinks are bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant flavors.
- Health Benefits: Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making these recipes a nutritious choice.
- Easy to Make: Our recipes are designed to be simple and straightforward, even for novice cooks.
- Versatile: Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet homemade pie or a refreshing drink, there’s a great recipe that fits the bill.
What Type Of Cherries Should You Use?
There are several types of cherries to consider when making your delicious desserts and drinks. Sweet cherries, such as Bing and Rainier, are perfect for eating fresh, making pies, or adding to cocktails due to their juicy and sugary taste. Sour cherries, like Montmorency and Morello, offer a tart flavor that is ideal for baking and preserving, often used in recipes like cherry jam or fresh cherry cobbler where added sweetness can balance their tanginess.
Each type of cherry brings its own unique taste and texture, and our recipes will specify which variety to use to ensure that your creations turn out perfectly every time.
Baked Cherry Recipes
Baked cherry recipes are a wonderful way to infuse your desserts with the rich, fruity flavor of fresh cherries. From classic cherry loaves to oatmeal bars with cherries, these recipes highlight the versatility and deliciousness of this seasonal fruit.
- Cherry Loaf with Coconut: This delightful cherry loaf is a perfect blend of sweet cherries and tropical coconut. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that pairs well with your morning coffee or as a delightful after-dinner treat. The combination of fresh cherries and shredded coconut creates a moist and flavorful loaf that everyone will love.
- Cherry Oatmeal Bars: These cherry oatmeal bars are the perfect treat for any time of day. They combine the sweetness of fresh cherries with the hearty texture of oats, creating a balanced and satisfying snack. Ideal for breakfast or a quick pick-me-up, these bars are easy to make and packed with nutritious, simple ingredients.
- Cherry Bakewell Loaf Cake: This Cherry Bakewell Loaf Cake combines the classic flavors of a Bakewell tart into a delightful loaf cake. With a rich almond flavor, sweet cherry filling, and a tender crumb, this cake is perfect for afternoon tea or a special dessert. The icing on top adds a lovely touch of sweetness that complements the tart cherries perfectly.
- Cherry Scones Recipe (Best Scone with Tart Cherries): These Cherry Scones are the best scones you’ll ever make with tart cherries. Each bite is a delightful mix of flaky, buttery scone and juicy cherries, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for breakfast or a teatime treat, these scones are sure to impress.
- Cherry Scones: These Cherry Scones are a perfect blend of tender, buttery scones and bursts of juicy cherries. They are easy to make and perfect for a delicious breakfast or an afternoon snack. Serve them warm with a dollop of cream or a pat of butter for an extra treat.
- Cherry Bakewell Tart: This Vegan Cherry Bakewell Tart brings together the rich, nutty flavor of almonds with the tart sweetness of cherries. The crisp pastry shell encases a layer of cherry jam and frangipane, making each bite a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Cherry Galette: This Cherry Galette is a rustic, free-form tart that is as beautiful as it is delicious. The buttery, flaky crust holds a filling of juicy, sweet cherries, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. It’s easy to make and perfect for showcasing fresh cherries.
- Cherry Pie: This classic Cherry Pie recipe is a must-have for any dessert table. With a golden, flaky crust and a filling of sweet, juicy cherries, this pie is both simple and delightful. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
- Cherry Muffins with Coconut Streusel: These Cherry Muffins with Coconut Streusel are a tropical twist on a classic muffin. The juicy cherries pair beautifully with the crunchy, sweet coconut streusel topping, creating a muffin that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Cherry Bakewell Rocky Road: This Cherry Bakewell Rocky Road is a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the flavors of a traditional Bakewell tart with the fun of rocky road. Filled with cherries, almonds, and marshmallows, each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
- Cherry Tarts with Puff Pastry: These Cherry Tarts with Puff Pastry are an elegant and easy dessert. The crisp, buttery puff pastry is filled with a sweet cherry compote, making each tart a perfect bite-sized treat. They’re great for entertaining or a special family dessert.
- Cherry Almond Scones: These Cherry Almond Scones are a delightful combination of tender scone dough, sweet dried cherries, and crunchy almonds. They are perfect for a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, especially when served warm with a touch of butter.
- Cherry Muffins with Almonds: These Cherry Muffins with Almonds are a delightful morning treat. Juicy cherries and crunchy almonds are baked into a moist, tender muffin, making them perfect for breakfast on the go or a sweet afternoon snack.
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins: These Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins are a perfect blend of sweet cherries and rich chocolate chips. The moist, tender muffins are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious snack any time of the day.
Fresh Cherry Dessert Recipes
When it comes to fresh cherry desserts, the options are endless and incredibly delightful. Picture sinking your fork into a creamy cherry cheesecake or biting into a soft, cherry-stuffed whoopie pie. Both of these treats make exquisite use of fresh cherries, combining their natural sweetness and tartness with rich, comforting textures.
- Single Serve Mini Cherry Cheesecakes: These adorable single-serve mini cherry cheesecakes are a delightful treat for any occasion. Each mini cheesecake is topped with a generous amount of fresh cherries, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The creamy, rich cheesecake base pairs wonderfully with the juicy cherries, creating a dessert that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Ideal for parties or a special treat at home, these mini cheesecakes are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
- Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies with Cherries: These chocolate chip whoopie pies with cherries are a decadent twist on a classic treat. The soft, cake-like cookies are studded with chocolate chips and filled with a luscious cherry cream. Fresh cherries add a burst of flavor and juiciness to the creamy filling, creating a delightful contrast with the rich chocolate.
- No Bake Cherry Cheesecake In A Jar: This no bake cherry cheesecake in a jar is an easy-to-make dessert that requires no oven time, making it a perfect treat in hot summer months. Layered with a crumbly graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and topped with fresh cherries, these individual servings are both convenient and delightful.
- Cherry Cheesecake: This Cherry Cheesecake is a luscious dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with a sweet cherry topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of rich, smooth filling and the tartness of cherries, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
- Black Forest Ice Cream: Black Forest Ice Cream is a delightful vegan dessert that brings the classic flavors of a Black Forest cake into a creamy, frozen treat. With layers of chocolate and cherry goodness, this ice cream is both decadent and refreshing.
- Sparkle Heart Emoji Cake: The Sparkle Heart Emoji Cake is a fun and whimsical dessert perfect for celebrations. This vegan cake features bright colors, delicious layers, and a sparkling heart emoji decoration that adds a playful touch to any party.
- Eggless Cherry Almond Cake: The Eggless Cherry Almond Cake is a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for those who prefer egg-free desserts. The combination of juicy cherries and nutty almonds makes this cake a delicious and satisfying treat.
- Cherry Turnovers with Puff Pastry: These Cherry Turnovers with Puff Pastry are a delightful pastry treat filled with sweet cherry filling. The flaky, golden brown pastry and juicy cherries make these turnovers a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.
- Black Forest Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping: This Black Forest Cheesecake with Homemade Cherry Topping is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate cheesecake with a sweet cherry topping. Each slice is a delightful blend of creamy, chocolatey, and fruity flavors.
- Cherry Sweet Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing: Cherry Sweet Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are soft, fluffy rolls filled with sweet cherries and topped with a rich cream cheese icing. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of the day.
- Cherry Crumble Bars: Cherry Crumble Bars are a delicious dessert featuring a buttery crust, sweet cherry filling, and a crumbly topping. These cherry bars are easy to make and perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
- Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes: Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes are inspired by the classic Cherry Garcia flavor. These rich chocolate cupcakes are studded with sweet cherries and topped with a creamy cherry frosting, making them a delightful and indulgent treat.
- Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Cake: Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist cake that combines the flavors of chocolate and maraschino cherries. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion.
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The addition of sweet cherries adds a burst of flavor and a chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
- Cherry Clafoutis: Cherry Clafoutis is a traditional French dessert featuring sweet cherries baked in a light, custard-like batter. This elegant and simple dessert is perfect for showcasing fresh cherries and makes a wonderful end to any meal.
Tasty Cherry Drinks Recipes
Get ready to quench your thirst with these delicious cherry drink recipes! Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply want a refreshing beverage to enjoy, these drinks are sure to impress. From fizzy cherry sodas to rich cherry milkshakes, the flavors of fresh cherries elevate any drink to the next level. And for those looking to add a bit of fun to their gatherings, our tangy cherry jello shots will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser!
- Cherry Bomb Jello Shots: These cherry bomb jello shots are the life of any party! They combine the tartness of cherry jello with a splash of vodka, creating a fun and flavorful treat that will liven up your social gatherings. Each shot is packed with the juicy essence of fresh cherries, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.
- Easy and Delicious Sweet Cherry Lime Sparkling Mocktail: This Easy and Delicious Sweet Cherry Lime Sparkling Mocktail is a refreshing and vibrant drink perfect for any occasion. Combining the sweetness of cherries with the tang of lime, this sparkling mocktail is both delicious and visually appealing, making it a great choice for parties and gatherings.
- Cherry Vodka Sour Cocktail: The Cherry Vodka Sour Cocktail is a simple yet delightful drink that combines the tartness of cherries with the smoothness of vodka. This easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for a quick and refreshing beverage, making it a hit at any social gathering.
- Cherry Blossom Cocktail with Gin: The Cherry Blossom Cocktail with Gin is a sophisticated and floral drink that combines the delicate flavors of cherry and gin. This elegant cocktail is perfect for spring and summer evenings, offering a refreshing and unique taste experience.
- Cherry Falooda: Cherry Falooda is a delightful and exotic dessert drink that combines sweet cherries with traditional falooda ingredients. This rich and flavorful drink is perfect for hot summer days, offering a refreshing and indulgent treat.
- Frozen Cherry Daiquiri: The Frozen Cherry Daiquiri is a deliciously refreshing cocktail that blends sweet cherries with the tang of lime and the smoothness of rum. This icy treat is perfect for cooling down on a hot day or adding a festive touch to any gathering.
- Cherry Long Island Iced Tea: The Cherry Long Island Iced Tea is a vibrant twist on the classic cocktail, featuring a mix of spirits combined with sweet cherry flavors. This strong and flavorful drink is perfect for those who enjoy a bold and refreshing beverage.
- Cherry Lemonade Recipe (3 Ingredients): This Cherry Lemonade Recipe is a simple and refreshing drink made with just three ingredients. The combination of sweet cherries and tart lemonade creates a perfectly balanced beverage that’s great for any occasion.
- Cherry Smash with Vodka: The Cherry Smash with Vodka is a delightful cocktail that combines fresh cherries with the crispness of vodka. This refreshing drink is perfect for summer parties and casual get-togethers, offering a burst of fruity flavor with every sip.
- Cherry Lemonade Popsicles: Cherry Lemonade Popsicles are a fun and refreshing treat perfect for hot summer days. These popsicles combine the sweet and tart flavors of cherry lemonade, making them a delicious and cooling snack for kids and adults alike.
- Cherry Mojitos: Cherry Mojitos are a refreshing twist on the classic mojito, featuring the sweet flavor of cherries combined with mint and lime. This vibrant cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings, offering a delightful and cooling drink option.
- Cherry Frosé: Cherry Frosé is a delightful frozen cocktail that combines the sweet flavors of cherries with rosé wine. This refreshing and slushy drink is perfect for hot summer days, offering a cool and fruity beverage that’s both delicious and fun.
- Cherry Smoothie: This Cherry Smoothie is a healthy and delicious way to start your day. Packed with the natural sweetness of cherries and the creaminess of yogurt, this smoothie is both refreshing and nutritious, making it a great breakfast or snack option.
- Cherry Brandy Recipe: The Cherry Brandy Recipe is a classic way to create a rich and flavorful cherry brandy at home. This homemade liqueur is perfect for sipping on its own or using in cocktails, offering a deep and sweet cherry flavor.
- Cherry-Lime Rickey: The Cherry-Lime Rickey is a refreshing and tart drink that combines the flavors of sweet cherries and zesty lime. This bubbly beverage is perfect for summer, offering a cool and invigorating drink that’s both delicious and easy to make.
Storing Fresh Cherries
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your cherries. To keep them at their best, store unwashed cherries in a plastic bag or container with ventilation holes and place them in the refrigerator. This helps to maintain their firmness and prevent spoilage.
Wash your bag of cherries only when you’re ready to eat or use them in a recipe, as moisture can lead to mold and rapid decay. For longer storage, cherries can be pitted and frozen in an airtight container, making them ready to use in your favorite recipes whenever you need them.
Serving Suggestions
When pairing cherry dishes with other recipes, consider complementing their flavor with ingredients that enhance their natural sweetness and tartness. For instance, rich and creamy recipes such as caramel cheesecakes, custards, or cream-based sauces create a delightful contrast with the vibrant taste of cherries.
Additionally, incorporating cherries into savory dishes like duck or pork highlights the fruit’s versatility and provides a sophisticated balance of flavors. Fresh salads with apple and pomegranate are an example of a tasty accompaniment, offering a refreshing and crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the juicy burst of cherries.
FAQs
Ripe cherries are typically firm and plump with a vibrant, dark color. The stems should be green and fresh-looking. For the best cherries avoid cherries with soft spots, bruises, or dull-looking skin, as these may indicate overripe or spoiled fruit.
Yes, frozen cherries can be a great substitute for fresh cherries in most recipes. They can be used directly from the freezer in smoothies and sauces or thawed for use in baked goods. Keep in mind that frozen cherries may release more moisture, so you might need to adjust the thickening agents in certain recipes.
Cherries are packed with nutrients, including vitamins C and A, fiber, and antioxidants. They have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, cherries have been shown to promote better sleep, aid in muscle recovery, and support heart health due to their high content of anthocyanins.
If you don’t have a cherry pitter, you can use a small paring knife to cut around the pit and remove it carefully. Another method involves using a sturdy straw or a chopstick; simply push it through the center of the cherry to eject the pit.
Yes, there are several varieties of cherries, each with its unique flavor profile. Sweet cherries, such as Bing and Rainier, are delicious for eating fresh due to their juicy and sweet taste. Tart cherries, like Montmorency, are often used in baking and cooking for their tangy flavor. Each variety offers different levels of sweetness and tartness, catering to various culinary uses.
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