Cherries have a way of making every dessert unforgettable. Their vivid color, tart-sweet flavor, and juicy texture lift even the simplest treats. If you love baking, or just enjoy indulging in something homemade, this cherry dessert collection invites you to try new favorites and rediscover the classics. Let’s explore these easy cherry recipes, each one bursting with flavor and charm.
Cherry Cheesecake Bites
Cherry cheesecake bites deliver a blend of creamy, tangy filling and vibrant cherry topping. Their petite size makes them perfect for gatherings or portion control.
Tips:
– Use mini muffin tins for uniform portions.
– A graham cracker crust adds crunch.
– Top each with a spoonful of cherry preserves.
No-Churn Cherry Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream doesn’t have to be complicated. No-churn cherry ice cream calls for only a few ingredients and no special equipment.
How to Make:
1. Blend pitted cherries with condensed milk.
2. Fold in whipped cream.
3. Freeze until set.
Serve as is, or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Chocolate and cherries make for a dramatic duo. Chocolate cherry brownies are rich and fudgy with a vibrant pop of fruit.
Features:
– Chopped cherries scattered throughout the batter.
– Optional: Stir in chocolate chips for double intensity.
– Baked until the edges are set but the center remains moist.
Cherry Chocolate Loaf Cake
This is cake masquerading as bread. Cherry chocolate loaf features soft crumb, flecks of chocolate, and pockets of cherries in every slice.
Best with:
– Fresh or frozen cherries, so you can bake any time.
– A touch of instant coffee in the batter deepens the chocolate.
Classic Cherry Pie
You can’t go wrong with a timeless cherry pie. It’s got a tender crust and a juicy filling that balances tart and sweet.
Tips for Success:
– Use a blend of tart and sweet cherries, if available.
– Vanilla and almond extracts add complexity.
– Lattice-top crust looks stunning and helps vent steam.
Black Forest Cake
Layers of chocolate cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream—black forest cake showcases everything wonderful about cherries.
How to Assemble:
– Bake three chocolate cake layers.
– Brush with cherry syrup.
– Spread with whipped cream and cherry pie filling.
– Decorate with chocolate shavings.
Cherry Dump Cake
If you’re short on time, cherry dump cake is for you. Mix, dump, bake, and enjoy a warm, spoonable dessert.
Key Points:
– Cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple form the base.
– Top with yellow cake mix, dot with butter, then bake.
– Best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Cherry Pie Bars
All the flavor of cherry pie in an easy-to-cut bar. Cherry pie bars have a buttery bottom, a layer of cherry filling, and a sweet glaze.
Perfect For:
– Potlucks and celebrations.
– Kids who love finger foods.
Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes
Cupcakes take on a lively twist with maraschino cherries. Both the cake and frosting are infused with cherry flavor for a delightful bite.
Quick Steps:
1. Fold chopped cherries into the batter.
2. Use cherry juice to tint the frosting naturally.
3. Finish with a whole cherry on top.
Cherry Strudel
Flaky puff pastry and sweet cherry filling come together in a classic cherry strudel. It’s crisp, gossamer light, and irresistibly good.
Assembly:
– Roll out puff pastry, spread with cherry filling, fold, and bake.
– Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Melt-in-your-mouth cookies with bursts of cherry and a hint of almond. Cherry almond shortbread is a treat with simple elegance.
Tips:
– Chill the dough for clean slices.
– A drizzle of almond icing brightens the flavors.
Cherry Cobbler
Cherry cobbler combines bubbling fruit and golden, biscuit topping. The warm fruit mingles with a tender, buttery lid for pure comfort.
Serving Suggestion:
– Always add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.
Cherry Clafoutis
This rustic French dessert pairs fresh cherries with a silky, custard-like batter. Cherry clafoutis works for brunch or as a not-too-sweet ending.
How-To:
– Arrange cherries in a buttered dish, pour over the batter, and bake until set.
– Enjoy warm, dusted with powdered sugar.
Cherry Meringues
For something delicate, try cherry-flavored meringues. Crisp on the outside, chewy in the middle, and lovely with a chocolate dip.
Process:
– Whip egg whites to stiff peaks.
– Fold in cherry extract and pink coloring if you like.
– Pipe onto baking sheets and bake low and slow.
Cherry Fudge
Two ingredients, big cherry flavor. Cherry frosting and white chocolate chips become a creamy, sweet fudge in just minutes.
Directions:
– Melt and mix, spread in a pan, and chill until firm.
– Cut into bite-size squares.
Cherry Frozen Yogurt
Quick and light, cherry frozen yogurt tastes tangy and refreshing. Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction.
How to Prepare:
– Blend cherries, yogurt, honey, and lemon.
– Freeze, stirring periodically for the creamiest texture.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Soft, chocolatey cookies give way to a cherry center. Drizzle with chocolate glaze for a bakery-style finish.
Highlights:
– Each cookie hides a maraschino cherry.
– Great for gifting or sharing.
Cherry Danish
Homemade cherry Danish pastries bring coffeehouse style to your kitchen. Golden, flaky, filled with cherry and cream cheese.
Tricks:
– Use store-bought puff pastry for speed.
– Shape into rounds, fill, and bake until golden.
Cherry Scones
Soft, tender cherry scones stir together in minutes. Sweet cherries add bursts of flavor, especially with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips:
– Don’t overwork the dough for fluffy scones.
– Finish with a brush of cream and coarse sugar before baking.
Cherry Cheesecake Angel Food Cake Roll
Combine cherry pie filling, cream cheese, and pillowy angel food cake and you get a show-stopping cake roll.
Steps:
1. Bake a thin angel food cake.
2. Spread with softened cream cheese and cherry filling.
3. Roll up, chill, and slice.
Black Forest Pavlova
Elements of black forest cake meet airy meringue in this stunning pavlova. Crisp outside, marshmallow-y inside, crowned with cherries and whipped cream.
Presentation:
– Layer chocolate meringue, whipped cream, and cherries.
– Serve immediately for best texture.
Cherry Galette
Galette is a free-form tart that’s big on juicy filling and easy on effort. Cherry filling bubbles up beautifully against a rustic, folded crust.
How-To:
– Roll out pie dough, mound cherries in the center, fold the edges up, and bake.
Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfaits
Layer brownies, cherry pie filling, cream, and more brownies in clear glasses. Chocolate cherry brownie parfaits make dessert dramatic and easy to serve.
Build:
– Alternate chunks of brownie and cherries.
– Top with whipped cream and a cherry.
Cherry Muffins
Start your morning with cherry muffins. They bake up soft, lofty, and loaded with juicy centers.
Details:
– Almond extract gives a subtle, nutty twist.
– Wonderful as breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Easy Cherry Trifle
Layers of cherry compote, cake cubes, and whipped cream create an airy, crowd-pleasing dessert. Trifles are made for sharing.
Build Your Trifle:
1. Start with cubes of sponge or angel food cake.
2. Spoon over cherry compote or pie filling.
3. Layer with whipped cream. Repeat as desired.
Cherry Variations: Fresh, Frozen, or Jarred?
Most recipes here work great with fresh, frozen, or jarred cherries. Here’s how each type performs:
| Cherry Type | Best For | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh | Clafoutis, scones, muffins, pie | Pit cherries before adding to batter |
| Frozen | Ice cream, cobbler, galette | No need to thaw for most recipes |
| Jarred | Brownies, trifles, parfaits | Drain juices for better texture |
| Maraschino | Cupcakes, cookies, garnish | Rinse and dry for best flavor |
Handy Cherry Dessert Tips
- Pitting Cherries: Invest in a cherry pitter for speed and less mess.
- Balancing Tartness: Taste your cherries first; adjust sugar accordingly to avoid too-sweet desserts.
- Storing Leftovers: Most cherry desserts keep in the fridge for 2–3 days. Freeze what you won’t eat right away.
Cherries turn every dessert into something special, whether you favor rustic cobblers or elaborate cakes. With these twenty-four cherry dessert recipes, sweet inspiration is never far away. Enjoy experimenting, tasting, and sharing—all year long.
24 Easy Cherry Dessert Recipe Collection
The next time you get a craving for something sweet, check out these cherry desserts. Or, you could make this scrumptious cherry pie recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (depending on sweetness of cherries)
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Make the Pie Crust: Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor. Pulse a few times to blend it well.
- Add the butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- With the machine running on low, add the ice water (use a teaspoon) through the feed tube.
- Stop as soon as the pastry starts to form a ball. It should be shaggy but sticky.
- Divide the dough in two, then gently press each one into a disc and wrap it in plastic.
- Refrigerate the pastry for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll one of the dough disks on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Use the rolling pin to gently lift the pastry over the dish. Then, press it into the dish with the back of your hand.
- Spoon the cherry filling into the crust and dot with the pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling.
- Trim and crimp the edges, then make slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the Pie: Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle the sugar over the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing, so the filling has time to set.
- Serve at room temperature and enjoy.