Get ready to indulge in a world of sweet and tangy delights! Cherries are one of the most beloved fruits, and when they’re paired with rich and decadent desserts, the result is nothing short of irresistible. From classic pies to innovative cakes, cheesecakes, and more, we’ve gathered 20 mouthwatering cherry dessert recipes that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of cherry desserts, exploring everything from traditional baked goods to creative twists and modern takes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a sweet treat to brighten up your day, you’ll find inspiration in these indulgent recipes that showcase the versatility and flavor of cherries.
So go ahead, get baking, and let the cherry magic begin!
Classic Cherry Pie with Flaky Crust
A timeless dessert that’s sure to please, this classic cherry pie is made with a flaky crust and a sweet-tart filling of fresh cherries.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
For the Filling:
– 3 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until dough comes together in a ball.
4. Divide dough in half and roll out each half on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Fill one crust with cherry filling (see below), then top with another crust or a crumb topping.
6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cherry Filling:
1. In a separate bowl, combine cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow cherries to release their juice.
2. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Cake
Treat your family and friends to a rich and decadent dessert with this moist Black Forest chocolate cherry cake, featuring the perfect balance of dark chocolate, tart cherries, and creamy whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup cherry jam or preserves
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and cherry jam until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Melt chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Fold melted chocolate into cake batter.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cherry Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
This classic dessert combines the sweetness of cherry filling with the creaminess of cheesecake, all on a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, separated
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup cherry filling (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and beat until combined.
4. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract. Gradually add sour cream and mix until smooth.
5. Pour cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.
6. Top with cherry filling.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until edges are set.
8. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cherry Almond Clafoutis
This warm, rustic dessert is perfect for showcasing the sweet and tangy flavors of cherries and the crunch of almonds. With minimal effort required, this clafoutis recipe yields a delicious and elegant treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Pour in milk and eggs; whisk until smooth.
4. Arrange cherries in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle almonds evenly over cherries.
5. Pour batter over almonds and cherries.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth with this creamy and fruity ice cream recipe that combines the sweetness of cherries and the richness of chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cherry jam or preserves
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add the cherry jam or preserves to the mixture and stir until well combined.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. During the last 2 minutes of churning, add the chocolate chips and continue to mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
6. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: Chilling time: 2 hours or overnight, Churning time: 20-30 minutes
Cherry Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Experience the perfect blend of warm cherry goodness and creamy vanilla bean ice cream in this classic dessert.
Ingredients:
For the cobbler:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the ice cream:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and melted butter until crumbly.
4. Pour the cherry mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the crust mixture.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
6. For the ice cream, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla bean in an ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Serve warm cobbler with scoops of vanilla bean ice cream.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes for the cobbler; 20-25 minutes for the ice cream (depending on your ice cream maker).
Cherry Crumb Bars with Oat Topping
These cherry crumb bars are a perfect treat for any time of the day, with their sweet and tangy filling topped with a crunchy oat mixture. Perfect for potlucks or bake sales!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and oats.
3. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Press half the mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Spread cherry pie filling over crust.
6. Top with remaining oat mixture.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cherry Danish Pastry with Cream Cheese Filling
Cherry Danish Pastry with Cream Cheese Filling: A Sweet Treat
This sweet pastry combines the flaky crust of a danish with a creamy cream cheese filling and topped with tart cherries. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this delightful treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 package (14 oz) of croissant dough
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup tart cherries, pitted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out croissant dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Arrange tart cherries on top of the filling, slightly overlapping each other.
5. Roll the dough into a log shape, starting from one long side.
6. Slice the log into 12-15 pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Dump Cake with Pineapple
This sweet and tangy dessert combines the flavors of cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, and a crunchy cake topping for a unique treat. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, this dump cake is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– 1 package yellow cake mix
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Prepare cake mix according to package instructions. Spread the batter evenly over the fruit mixture.
5. Drizzle melted butter and vanilla extract over the cake. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cherry Mousse with Whipped Cream
A light and airy dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries with the creaminess of whipped cream, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until it forms stiff peaks.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the cherries, sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the cherry mixture until well combined.
4. Soften the butter to room temperature and fold it into the cherry mixture.
5. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Cherry Nutella Thumbprint Cookies
These bite-sized cookies are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day. With the combination of creamy Nutella, cherry goodness, and crunchy pecans, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup Nutella
– 1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in flour until just combined. Stir in pecans and Nutella.
4. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Make an indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or a spoon.
5. Place a few chopped cherries in each indentation.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cherry Pavlova with Fresh Whipped Cream
A classic Australian dessert gets a sweet twist with the addition of fresh whipped cream and juicy cherries. This show-stopping pavlova is perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
– 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Sift flour and salt over the egg mixture and fold gently.
4. Add melted butter and mix until combined.
5. Spoon meringue onto prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until crisp and dry.
7. Allow pavlova to cool completely before topping with whipped cream and cherries.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Cherry Pistachio Baklava
A sweet and nutty twist on the classic baklava, this recipe combines the flavors of cherry and pistachio to create a deliciously unique dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 package phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cherries
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Unroll phyllo dough and cut into desired size.
3. In a bowl, mix together sugar, cherries, pistachios, orange blossom water (if using), and vanilla extract.
4. Layer phyllo dough with the cherry-pistachio mixture, starting and ending with phyllo.
5. Cut into diamond shapes and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cherry Pop Tarts with Glaze Icing
Add a pop of flavor to your day with these easy-to-make Cherry Pop Tarts, topped with a tangy glaze icing. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these bite-sized treats are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 1 cup of cherry filling (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons of milk
– 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the crescent roll dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into rectangles, about 3 inches wide and 4 inches long.
3. Spoon a small amount of cherry filling onto one half of each rectangle, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the other half over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape. Press edges to seal.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely before drizzling with glaze icing (see below).
Glaze Icing:
1. Whisk together sugar, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled Pop Tarts and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cherry Rice Pudding with Cinnamon
This recipe combines the simplicity of rice pudding with the sweetness of cherries and the warmth of cinnamon, perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice, milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the pudding thickens.
3. Stir in cinnamon and butter until melted.
4. Fold in chopped cherries.
5. Serve warm or chilled.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Sorbet with Lemon Zest
This sorbet recipe combines the sweetness of cherries with the brightness of lemon zest, creating a unique and revitalizing dessert perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cherry juice (or 2 cups pitted cherries blended until smooth)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cherry juice, sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe uses an ice cream maker. Churning time: approximately 20-30 minutes.
Cherry Streusel Muffins
Sweet and tangy cherry muffins topped with a crunchy streusel topping, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– Streusel topping (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in cherries.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Top each muffin with streusel topping.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Mix ingredients together until crumbly. Use immediately.
Cherry Tiramisu with Ladyfingers
Elevate your dessert game with this unique take on the classic Italian treat, featuring cherry-infused flavors and tender ladyfingers.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup cherry jam or preserves
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
– Fresh cherries, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Dip each ladyfinger into the brewed coffee for about 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat until smooth.
3. Fold in the cherry jam or preserves until well combined.
4. To assemble, start with a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish. You may need to trim them to fit.
5. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
6. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
7. Garnish with fresh cherries and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This dessert is best served chilled.
Cherry Turnovers with Puff Pastry
Elevate your dessert game with these sweet and flaky cherry turnovers, perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup pitted cherries
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Spoon a small amount of the cherry mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg and cut a few slits for steam to escape.
7. Place turnovers on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
White Chocolate Cherry Blondies
These White Chocolate Cherry Blondies are a delightful twist on the classic blondie recipe, combining the creamy richness of white chocolate with the sweetness of cherries. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these chewy bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; stir until combined.
3. Fold in white chocolate chips and chopped cherries.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of cherries with these 20 decadent dessert recipes. From classic cherry pie to innovative creations like cherry pistachio baklava, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Try your hand at making cherry cheesecake with a graham cracker crust or delight in the combination of chocolate and cherry in black forest cake. Whether you’re in the mood for something warm and gooey or cool and refreshing, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
