10 Easy Delicious Fresh Cherry Recipes You’ll Love

Cherries are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be used in a variety of recipes, from sweet desserts to savory dishes. This guide will show you how to make the most out of fresh cherries, whether they’re sweet or tart. Let’s jump into some amazing cherry recipes!

Sweet Cherry Recipes

Cherry Pie

Cherry pie is a classic dessert that everyone loves. Here’s how to make a simple and delicious cherry pie:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
3. Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan.
4. Pour the cherry mixture into the pie crust.
5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the top. Trim and crimp the edges.
6. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
8. Let the pie cool before serving.

Pineapple Cherry Dessert

Combining pineapple and cherries creates a delightful tropical treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the pineapple, cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tart Cherry Recipes

Tart Cherry Jam

Tart cherry jam is perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh tart cherries, pitted
• 4 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until thickened.
4. Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal.

Tart Cherry Crisp

This tart cherry crisp is easy to make and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh tart cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a baking dish, mix the cherries and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the cherries.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
6. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Fresh Cherry Desserts

Dark Cherry Clafoutis

Clafoutis is a classic French dessert that’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh dark cherries, pitted
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a blender, mix the eggs, milk, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
4. Add the cherries evenly over the batter.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Cherry Cheesecake Bars

These bars are creamy, sweet, and full of cherry goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and press into the bottom of a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture over the crust.
5. Add the cherries on top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
7. Let it cool before cutting into bars.

Savory Cherry Recipes

Cherry Glazed Pork Chops

Cherries add a sweet and tangy flavor to pork chops.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. In a pan, cook the pork chops until browned on both sides.
3. In a small pot, combine cherries, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard.
4. Cook until the cherries are soft and the sauce thickens.
5. Pour the cherry glaze over the pork chops and serve.

Cherry Salad

A refreshing salad with a sweet and savory twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the greens, cherries, feta, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Using Frozen Cherries

Cherry Smoothie

Frozen cherries make a perfect base for a smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 1 banana
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Frozen Cherry Compote

Great for topping pancakes or ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen cherries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat until the cherries are soft and the mixture thickens.
3. Serve warm or cold.

Table: Cherry Recipe Ideas

Recipe	Type	Key Ingredients
Cherry Pie	Sweet Dessert	Fresh sweet cherries, sugar, pie crust
Pineapple Cherry Dessert	Sweet Dessert	Pineapple, fresh cherries, sugar
Tart Cherry Jam	Tart Dessert	Fresh tart cherries, sugar, lemon juice
Tart Cherry Crisp	Tart Dessert	Fresh tart cherries, oats, brown sugar
Dark Cherry Clafoutis	Sweet Dessert	Dark cherries, eggs, milk, flour
Cherry Cheesecake Bars	Sweet Dessert	Fresh cherries, cream cheese, graham crackers
Cherry Glazed Pork Chops	Savory Dish	Fresh cherries, pork chops, balsamic vinegar
Cherry Salad	Savory Dish	Fresh cherries, mixed greens, feta cheese
Cherry Smoothie	Frozen Dessert	Frozen cherries, banana, yogurt
Frozen Cherry Compote	Frozen Dessert	Frozen cherries, sugar, lemon juice

FAQ

What Can I Make with Fresh Cherries?

You can make pies, desserts, jams, salads, and savory dishes with fresh cherries.

Can I Use Frozen Cherries in Recipes?

Yes, frozen cherries are great for smoothies, compotes, and desserts.

How Do I Pit Cherries?

Use a cherry pitter or a small knife to remove the pits.

What Are Some Sweet Cherry Recipes?

Sweet cherry recipes include cherry pie, cheesecake bars, and clafoutis.

Are There Savory Cherry Recipes?

Yes, cherries can be used in savory dishes like cherry glazed pork chops and salads.

How Long Does Cherry Jam Last?

Cherry jam can last up to a year if properly sealed and stored.

Take Note

Cherries are a versatile fruit that can be used in many delicious recipes. Whether you’re making a sweet dessert, a savory dish, or using frozen cherries, there are endless possibilities. Enjoy experimenting with these fresh cherry recipes and add a burst of flavor to your meals!