31 Best Fresh Cherry Recipes To Make This Summer (2024)

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Fresh cherries are like the jewels of the fruit world. Every bite of cherry is luscious; they’re sweet enough without overwhelming you, and the same goes for these fresh cherry recipes.

Search the dessert menus of some of the finest restaurants in the world, and you’ll find cherries among the usual suspects. Why? Because juicy cherries are so versatile.

What Can I do with Lots of Cherries?

Because of the deep flavor and rich sweetness of this fresh fruit, cherries are home in sweet and savory dishes. They’re gorgeous with chicken or game meats and especially good in salads.

But the real power of cherries comes out when you put them in desserts. They add a dark, addictive sweetness to any dessert lucky enough to feature them.

Can I Freeze Fresh Cherries?

Absolutely! Cherries keep very well when frozen, often lasting up to a month in the cold confines of the freezer. The key is to store them properly to save any freezer burn from occurring.

If you have the space, the best way to freeze them is by washing and drying them and then distributing them on a cookie sheet. This keeps them from bruising when they freeze together.

Should Fresh Cherries Be Refrigerated?

Yes! Cherries spoil if you leave them out at room temperature, so it’s best to let them chill. Cherries will last up to a week in the fridge, so use them quickly!

Fresh Cherry Cake Recipes

Cherries in cakes are a classic way to enjoy this delicious fruit. If you bake them into a cake, they help to keep it rich and moist! But there are other methods as well.

From glazes to frostings, there are many ways to enjoy fresh cherry flavors in your cakes. Grab your cherry pitter, and let’s check them out!

1. Cherry Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

Source: theoliveblogger.com

First on our list is a classic: a cherry coffee cake. The crumb and summer fruit topping adorning this cake makes it a hundred times better by adding an addictive crunch.

You can’t go wrong with a slice of this cake and a morning cup of coffee. These other yummy coffee desserts are sure to perk you up!

2. Mini Black Forest Cheesecakes

Source: juliascuisine.com

Give every guest their portion with this adorable recipe for mini black forest cheesecakes. We know that black forest is an excellent flavor combination, so imagine it in cheesecake!

The creamy base is perfect for dark, rich cherry and indulgent chocolate.

3. Fresh Cherry Cake

Source: savorthebest.com

Here’s a quick and easy way to use fresh cherries without spending hours in the kitchen. This delicious fresh cherry cake is super moist, packing cherry into every cell of the crumb.

This is a lovely, humble dessert to serve when you have some casual guests around. It’s also perfect as a potluck or picnic cake!

4. Cherry Almond Cake

Source: acedarspoon.com

Cherries and almonds are well known for going together. The mellow almond is a perfect companion for the bold and luscious cherry. So, it makes sense that this cherry almond cake is a hit!

The almond flour in the batter keeps the cake super moist while the cherries add a ton of flavor. You can’t miss this recipe. If you are looking for a fresh fancy dessert to impress guests, this is it!

5. Amarena Cherry and Chocolate Marbled Heart Bundt Cake

Source: bakeat350.net

Make Valentine’s Day perfect with this incredible Amarena Cherry Bundt cake. There’s something so special about a cake that’s shaped to fit the occasion, and this tri-tiered heart Bundt cake fits the bill!

Impress and delight your loved ones with this as the centerpiece. The cherry flavor is gentle here, blending with chocolate and vanilla to create a delicate balance.

You might also enjoy these cute mini bundt cake recipes!

6. Cherry Pound Cake

Source: 365daysofbakingandmore.com

I’m convinced that pound cake was gifted to us by some sort of deity. It has an unbeatable crumb with a moist, delicious texture you can’t go past. Now, imagine it with cherries!

That’s what this recipe grants us. This incredible cherry-pound cake is the perfect way to use cherries on their way out.

7. Fresh Cherry Loaf Cake

Source: whereismyspoon.co

This fresh cherry loaf cake is ideal if you’re looking for something slightly less buttery. This is a super simple recipe that new bakers can easily tackle, so get the kids in the kitchen with you!

Dust with a little bit of icing sugar to complete the effect. This is fantastic as a picnic or potluck cake because it’s portable.

8. No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake

Source: thesimple-sweetlife.com

Black forest cakes are typically time-consuming and difficult, but not this one! This simple no-bake cheesecake yields a smooth, creamy result every single time.

With ribbons of fresh cherry jelly running through every bite, it’s easy to see why this cake can quickly become addictive. I recommend making it in advance to let it set as much as possible.

9. Black Forest Cupcakes

Source: barleyandsage.com

Once again, if an entire black forest cake sounds like too much of an undertaking, this recipe will help. These decadent cupcakes have all the flavors you know and love with half the effort.

Delight and impress at your next friend’s birthday party by bringing these along for the guests. They’re ideal as an adult-friendly cupcake recipe (especially if you include Kirsch!).

10. Sweet Cherry Cake

Source: afoodcentriclife.com

You can’t go wrong with simplicity in desserts. This no-brainer sweet cherry cake may look humble, but the flavors are worthy of royalty. This is a delicious summer cake to be enjoyed anywhere.

What’s great about this recipe is that you can tweak it to suit your needs. Make it dairy-free or low-sugar with a simple substitution, and it will turn out just as good as the original.

Fresh Cherry Scone Recipes

Scones are one of those treats that make everybody happy. They’re real crowd-pleasers, acting as a simple breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert if the occasion calls for it.

Check out these two cherry scone recipes for ideas on incorporating this fruit into your baking.

11. Fresh Cherry Scones

Source: hezzi-dsbooksandcooks.com

Our first cherry scone recipe is nice and simple. Every bite comes star-studded with delicious pieces of fresh cherry, the perfect base for a dollop of fresh cream.

These are wonderful snacks to serve with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a breakfast item if you’re in a hurry!

12. White Chocolate Cherry Scones

Source: brighteyedbaker.com

White chocolate and cherries get along like a house on fire. The mellow, sugary chocolate is creamy enough to highlight the tartness of the cherries. But it doesn’t make the combination too sweet!

Now, imagine that pair in a scone. Need I say more? These scones are easy to make, coming together in just eighteen minutes!

Fresh Tart Cherry Recipes

Tart cherries are in a league of their own. These come with a distinct sour flavor that can be tough to cook with… unless you have the right recipe!

These amazing recipes with tart flavors offer quick and easy ways to make your sour cherries shine.

13. Sour Cherry Jam

Source: chocolatemoosey.com

If you’re new to making jam, this recipe is a wonderful place to start. It uses no pectin, so you only need to reduce your cherries down far enough to become a jam.

Learn about sterilizing your jars, preserving, and balancing sugar with this easy recipe. You can use sour cherry jam in many ways, making it a great gift!

14. Sour Cherry Hand Pies

Source: thesaltypot.com

Here’s one right now regarding ways to use sour cherry jam. Sour cherry hand pies are the perfect treat when you’re on the go.

This simple dessert with the best cherries is perfectly refreshing and comforting, ideal for a picnic in the park.

15. Sour Cherry Cake

Source: sustainmycookinghabit.com

Sour cherries and sweet vanilla are the ultimate pair in this super moist cherry cake. Baking the cherries into the cake makes them sweet and soft while keeping it as moist as possible.

Spread a light sugar glaze on top, and you have a real dessert winner!

16. Sour Cherry Coffee Cake

Source: hezzi-dsbooksandcooks.com

Speaking of combining vanilla and cherries, here’s another option! This coffee cake is ideal for bringing to brunch with friends. The combination of vanilla and cherry will have them salivating.

But the best part is the crunchy crumb topping. Sweet, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth, there’s nothing better than a good crumb.

Fresh Cherry Dessert Recipes

Rival restaurants worldwide with your knowledge of cherry desserts. These delicious recipes are perfect for any occasion because they will always impress.

From family night to dinner party, a cherry dessert is never out of place.

17. Morello Cherry Crumble

Source: quichemygrits.com

Throughout history, many different fruits have been used to make many crumbles. But none of them measured up to the cherry crumble. There’s just something about dark sweet cherries!

Maybe it’s the deep, rich sweetness of the cherries paired with the buttery crumble of this fresh cherry crisp.

18. Mini Cherry Pie

Source: aweekendcook.com

Sometimes, we just want something for ourselves. If you’re looking for a little treat that won’t take hours to make, this mini cherry pie is for you.

This is a single-serving recipe with a bit of sweetness designed for you and you alone. That’s right, no friends or family are getting in on this delicious cherry pie!

Enjoy these other personal-sized mini dessert recipes for when you want a little treat!

19. Black Forest Brownies

Source: barleyandsage.com

Brownies are super easy to make, but black forest cakes are not. Pair those two things together; you’ve got a ridiculously flavorful dessert that takes barely any time to make. Win-win!

These black forest brownies are so ooey-gooey. They’re the perfect companion for your next potluck.

20. Cherry Mango Popsicles

Source: throughthefibrofog.com

Turn away from the baked goods and make something super refreshing for summer! These delicious popsicles combine cherry and mango into the ultimate tropical flavor blast.

Best of all, they only use three ingredients, which are good for you! This is the best way to get your five-a-day.

21. Roasted Cherry Brownies

Source: stephaniessweets.com

Roasting cherries is like grilling peaches, bringing out their flavor even more. That’s why these roasted cherry brownies are bordering on illegal. Cherries speckle the brownies like stolen gems.

This is a great way to elevate your existing brownie recipe. These only take about an hour to make, so they’re great as a last-minute bake.

22. Vegan Cherry Pie

Source: addictedtodates.com

Everybody deserves a delicious slice of cherry pie, which is why this vegan cherry pie came to be! Luckily, making a deliciously sweet fruit filling that suits a vegan diet is quite simple.

The homemade pie crust is dead easy with simple ingredients, just requiring the substitution of vegan butter and bake the pie dough until golden brown.

This is one of the tastiest dairy-free dessert recipes!

23. Toasted Coconut Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Source: tyberrymuch.com

Cast your mind back to your childhood. If you were ever a little baker, chances are that you made your fair share of thumbprint cookies. After all, they’re so easy to whip up!

That’s why this recipe is so great. Combine earthy toasted coconut with rich cherries to create something magical in just fifteen minutes.

24. Cherry Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Source: thedizzycook.com

Are you gearing up for a kid’s birthday party? Need a quick, easy, and cheap gift for a cookie lover? Are you just a fan of sugar cookies? No matter what, this recipe is there for you.

These cherry sugar cookies are buttery and chewy, with just the right amount of cherry flavor in the frosting.

25. Low Carb Cherry Pie Bars

Source: theroastedroot.net

Enjoy a delicious low-carb dessert with your cups of cherries. These cherry bars only requires five ingredients, so you know it’s super easy and fast. Best of all, it’s healthy!

Egg-free, vegan, dairy-free, grain-free, and sugar-free, this is a dessert everyone can enjoy. Trust me. This will be popular with anyone.

26. Cherry Bliss Balls

Source: healthylittlefoodies.com

Speaking of healthy dessert options, these cherry bliss balls are a strong contender! They’re super easy as a snack or sweet thing after dinner. Plus, they come together in ten minutes or less.

Tweak the recipe to suit your family’s health needs. Maybe you want to add more nut butter for protein or a handful of coconut for fiber. It’s all up to you!

27. Cherry Cheesecake Popsicles

Source: foodess.com

Now that I’ve found these, I may never be the same. Combining cherry cheesecake and ice cream? I’m in love. These amazing popsicles are the perfect summer treat for all ages.

Best of all, you can whip these up in about ten minutes. Of course, they need time to freeze, so try making them at least a day before you plan on chowing down.

28. Vegan Black Forest Tart

Source: rainbownourishments.com

Our next recipe is a real showstopper. This gorgeous black forest tart just happens to be vegan, but I guarantee no one will notice the lack of dairy. This creamy, smooth tart is so good.

What’s crazy is you only need seven ingredients to make this decadent dessert! I know, it’s wild!

29. Cherry Clafoutis

Source: kellyneil.com

Take a leaf out of a French cookbook – namely, Julia Child’s French cookbook – and try some cherry clafoutis! This is a simple baked French custard with many roasted cherries.

In total, this takes only an hour to make. Most of that is baking time because you only need ten minutes to create the custard. That’s right. This is destined to impress.

30. Cherry Crumb Bars

Source: herbsandflour.com

Celebrate the cherry season with a dessert to highlight their fruity glory. This is a quick and easy way to enjoy the fruit.

This is almost like a cherry crumble that you can take with you. Because it’s so portable, this is ideal for potlucks, picnics, and road trips with the family.

31. No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Fudge

Source: annsentitledlife.com

Finally, we have the mother of all cherry recipes: chocolate and cherry fudge. This is the kind of recipe you pull out around the holidays to blow your relatives’ minds.

This fudge is smooth, sweet, and bursting with cherries. It even looks festive! Plus, it’s easy to make, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all day.

There you have it! Thirty-one ways to enjoy fresh cherries without spending all day cooking. Check out my other recipe lists for more delicious, easy ways to use your favorite ingredients.