11 Must-Try Cherry Recipes That Are About to Go Viral

Cherries add a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness to both sweet and savory dishes. These must-try cherry recipes are perfect for any occasion, from indulgent desserts to refreshing drinks. Let’s dive in!

1. Classic Cherry Pie

A golden, flaky crust filled with sweet and juicy cherries makes this traditional pie a must-have for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp ice water
• 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust: Mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water, mix until dough forms. Divide into two, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Make the Filling: In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Cook until thickened (10 min). Let cool.
3. Assemble the Pie: Roll out one dough portion and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Pour in cherry filling and dot with butter.
4. Top and Bake: Roll out the second dough, place over the filling, and crimp edges. Cut slits, brush with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.
5. Cool & Serve: Let cool before slicing. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

2. Cherry Clafoutis

A French dessert combining fresh cherries with a rich, custard-like batter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a baking dish.
2. Blend milk, cream, eggs, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Pour a thin layer of batter into the dish and bake for 5 min.
4. Arrange cherries on top, pour remaining batter, and bake for 40 min.
5. Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.

3. Black Forest Cake

A decadent chocolate cake layered with cherries and whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 2 cups cherry pie filling
• 2 cups heavy cream (whipped)
• 1 cup chocolate shavings

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Mix flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in coffee.
4. Divide batter into pans and bake for 30 min. Cool completely.
5. Assemble layers with whipped cream and cherry filling. Top with chocolate shavings.

4. Cherry Cheesecake Bars

A creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust and cherry topping.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 can cherry pie filling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix crumbs and butter; press into an 8×8-inch pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Pour over crust.
4. Bake for 25 min. Let cool, top with cherry filling, and chill.

5. Cherry-Balsamic Glazed Chicken

A sweet and tangy glaze for a flavorful chicken dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• Salt & pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup cherries (halved)
• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Season chicken. Sear in olive oil until golden.
2. Simmer balsamic, cherries, and honey until thickened.
3. Pour over chicken and serve.

6. Cherry Oatmeal Bars

A crumbly oat bar with a fruity cherry filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup cherry preserves

Instructions:

1. Mix oats, flour, honey, and butter.
2. Press half into a pan, spread preserves, and top with the remaining mixture.
3. Bake at 350°F for 25 min.

7. Chocolate-Covered Cherries

Simple and elegant homemade treats.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cherries (stems attached)
• 8 oz dark chocolate

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate.
2. Dip cherries, place on parchment paper, and chill.

8. Cherry Smoothie Bowl

A nutritious, colorful breakfast option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup almond milk

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a bowl and top with granola and fresh cherries.

9. Cherry Bourbon Smash

A refreshing cocktail perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cherries
• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• Soda water

Instructions:

1. Muddle cherries, bourbon, and lemon juice.
2. Strain over ice and top with soda water.

10. Cherry Jam

A homemade spread that enhances any dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cherries (pitted)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Simmer cherries, sugar, and lemon juice until thickened.
2. Store in jars.

11. Cherry Almond Muffins

Moist muffins with a nutty crunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups cherries (chopped)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a muffin tin.
2. Whisk dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients separately.
3. Combine, fold in cherries and almonds.
4. Divide into muffin cups and bake for 20 min.

Conclusion

Cherries bring a burst of flavor and vibrant color to any dish. These 11 must-try cherry recipes are guaranteed to impress!