Who doesn’t love desserts? After a hearty meal, desserts are just the cherry on top! In the vast world of desserts, few fruits offer visual charm, tangy-sweet punch and elegance like cherries do. They are plump, ruby-red, sweet or sour, fresh or frozen, cherries have been the baker’s secret weapon for a long time. These little cuties can elevate simple treats into gourmet indulgences to bring out vibrant colour and a burst of flavours. 

Those sticky cherry pies from our childhood to upscale dinner parties adorned with cherry-laced panna cotta, this delightful fruit has never failed to impress. Foodism is here to explore some of the most approachable, decadent and globally loved cherry dessert recipes you can whip up at home. 

Whether you are a curious beginner, a seasoned baker - these amazing cherry dessert recipes will make you see cherries in a whole different way, not just as a topping but as the star of the show!

1. Classic Cherry Clafoutis 

The Classic Cherry Clafoutis is a baked French dessert that beautifully combines a custard-like batter with juicy cherries. The Classic Cherry Clafoutis is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a light dessert served warm or cold.

Ingredients for Classic Cherry Clafoutis:

• 2 cups fresh, ripe cherries, pitted
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting the Classic Cherry Clafoutis)

Method to Prepare Classic Cherry Clafoutis:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Generously butter a 9-inch round baking dish or pie dish. Scatter the pitted cherries evenly across the base.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until light and frothy.
4. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually sift in the flour while continuously whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Pour the batter gently over the cherries, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Bake the Classic Cherry Clafoutis for 35–40 minutes or until the edges are puffed and golden, and the center is set.
7. Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tip for Classic Cherry Clafoutis:

For a more intense cherry flavour, use sour cherries or soak your cherries in cherry liqueur before baking the Classic Cherry Clafoutis.

2. No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars 

No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars are a simple and elegant dessert layered with crushed biscuits, creamy cheesecake filling, and cherry topping. These No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars are ideal for summer and require no oven.

Ingredients for No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 cup full-fat cream cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups cherry compote or cherry pie filling

Method to Prepare No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars:

1. Combine the biscuit crumbs and melted butter until well coated. Press 2 tablespoons of this mixture into the base of each small jar or cup.
2. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake layer over the crust in each jar.
5. Top each No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jar with a generous spoonful of cherry compote.
6. Chill the No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Pro Tip for No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars:

Make the No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars a day ahead to enhance the flavour and texture.

3. Cherry Chocolate Brownies 

Cherry Chocolate Brownies are rich, decadent treats that bring together the depth of dark chocolate with the juiciness of cherries. The Cherry Chocolate Brownies are great for bake sales, parties, or cozy nights.

Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Brownies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup chopped dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries

Method to Prepare Cherry Chocolate Brownies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a double boiler or microwave. Stir until smooth and let cool.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and thick.
4. Mix in the melted chocolate mixture.
5. Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and finally the cherries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake the Cherry Chocolate Brownies for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Let the Cherry Chocolate Brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.

Pro Tip for Cherry Chocolate Brownies:

Use a mix of fresh cherries and chopped chocolate chunks for varied texture in your Cherry Chocolate Brownies.

4. Cherry Almond Tart 

The Cherry Almond Tart is a bakery-style dessert featuring a crisp tart crust, rich almond frangipane filling, and juicy cherries. The Cherry Almond Tart is perfect for tea parties or festive dinners.

Ingredients for Cherry Almond Tart:

• 1 pre-baked tart shell
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1½ cups pitted cherries
• Icing sugar (for dusting the Cherry Almond Tart)

Method to Prepare Cherry Almond Tart:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and almond extract.
3. Fold in almond flour to create a smooth frangipane.
4. Spread this almond mixture evenly in the tart shell.
5. Arrange the cherries, cut side down, over the filling.
6. Bake the Cherry Almond Tart for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Cool the Cherry Almond Tart before dusting with icing sugar.

Pro Tip for Cherry Almond Tart:

Blind-bake the tart crust partially before filling to avoid sogginess in your Cherry Almond Tart.

5. Cherry Coconut Ice Cream (Vegan-Friendly) 

This Cherry Coconut Ice Cream is a dairy-free, vegan dessert made with natural ingredients. The tropical coconut base and sweet cherries make Cherry Coconut Ice Cream both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients for Cherry Coconut Ice Cream:

• 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
• ¼ cup maple syrup or agave syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Method to Prepare Cherry Coconut Ice Cream:

1. Roast cherries at 375°F for 10 minutes to deepen the flavour, then cool.
2. Blend roasted cherries, coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn as per instructions.
4. If no ice cream maker, freeze in a container, stirring every 30 minutes until creamy.
5. Serve Cherry Coconut Ice Cream soft or freeze for 4–6 hours for a firmer scoop.

Pro Tip for Cherry Coconut Ice Cream:

Add a swirl of cherry compote for a ripple effect in your Cherry Coconut Ice Cream.

6. Cherry Almond Biscotti 

Cherry Almond Biscotti are crunchy, twice-baked Italian cookies that pair beautifully with coffee or tea. The combination of dried cherries and toasted almonds makes the Cherry Almond Biscotti irresistible.

Ingredients for Cherry Almond Biscotti:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 eggs
• ½ tsp almond extract
• ½ cup dried cherries
• ½ cup chopped almonds

Method to Prepare Cherry Almond Biscotti:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and sugar.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and almond extract. Mix to form dough.
4. Fold in dried cherries and almonds.
5. Shape into two logs and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Cool, slice diagonally, and bake again for 10–15 minutes.
7. Let Cherry Almond Biscotti cool completely.

Pro Tip for Cherry Almond Biscotti:

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the Cherry Almond Biscotti for a sweet finish.

7. Warm Cherry Crumble 

Warm Cherry Crumble is a rustic dessert with baked cherries bubbling under a crunchy oat topping. The Warm Cherry Crumble is best enjoyed straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients for Warm Cherry Crumble:

Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup chilled butter, cubed
  
   

Method to Prepare Warm Cherry Crumble:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss cherries with sugar and cornstarch. Pour into a baking dish.
3. Combine oats, flour, and brown sugar. Cut in the butter until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cherries.
5. Bake the Warm Cherry Crumble for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Serve Warm Cherry Crumble with ice cream or whipped cream.

Pro Tip for Warm Cherry Crumble:

Use a combination of sweet and tart cherries to balance flavour in your Warm Cherry Crumble.

8. Cherry Upside-Down Cake 

The Cherry Upside-Down Cake is a stunning dessert that flips traditional cake presentation on its head. The caramelised cherry layer sits beautifully on top, infusing the entire Cherry Upside-Down Cake with juicy, tangy-sweet flavour.

Ingredients for Cherry Upside-Down Cake:

For the topping:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1½ cups pitted fresh cherries

For the cake:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk

Method to Prepare Cherry Upside-Down Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, pour into the cake pan, and spread evenly.
3. Arrange cherries on top of the sugar mixture in a single layer.
4. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
5. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the batter until just combined.
6. Pour batter over the cherry layer.
7. Bake the Cherry Upside-Down Cake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Pro Tip for Cherry Upside-Down Cake:

Add a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) to the topping for a more luxurious Cherry Upside-Down Cake.

9. Cherry Panna Cotta 

Cherry Panna Cotta is a creamy Italian dessert made with sweetened cream and topped with a vibrant cherry sauce. Elegant yet easy, the Cherry Panna Cotta is ideal for dinner parties or date nights.

Ingredients for Cherry Panna Cotta:

For the panna cotta:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 1½ tsp gelatin
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cherry topping:

• 1½ cups pitted cherries
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method to Prepare Cherry Panna Cotta:

1. Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tbsp cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
2. Heat cream, milk, and sugar until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat, stir in gelatin and vanilla.
3. Pour the mixture into serving glasses or moulds. Chill for at least 4 hours.
4. Cook cherries, sugar, and lemon juice until slightly thickened.
5. Cool and spoon over the set Cherry Panna Cotta before serving.

Pro Tip for Cherry Panna Cotta:

Serve the Cherry Panna Cotta in transparent glasses to highlight the contrast between creamy layers and the vibrant cherry topping.

10. Cherry Galette 

The Cherry Galette is a rustic free-form tart that lets fresh cherries shine. With its buttery crust and juicy filling, the Cherry Galette is simple, elegant, and packed with flavour.

Ingredients for Cherry Galette:

For the crust:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• 3–4 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 2 cups pitted cherries
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Turbinado sugar (for garnish)

Method to Prepare Cherry Galette:

1. Make the dough by mixing flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter, then add water until the dough comes together. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. Toss cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
3. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Place cherry filling in the center, leaving a 2-inch border.
4. Fold the edges over the filling and brush with egg wash. Sprinkle it with turbinado sugar.
5. Bake the Cherry Galette at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes or until golden.
6. Let the Cherry Galette cool slightly before slicing.

Pro Tip for Cherry Galette:

Serve the Cherry Galette with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a gourmet touch.

11. Cherry Rice Pudding (Cherry Kheer) 

Cherry Rice Pudding, or Cherry Kheer, is a fusion dessert that blends traditional Indian rice pudding with the rich flavour of stewed cherries. The creamy Cherry Rice Pudding is comfort food with a twist.

Ingredients for Cherry Rice Pudding:

• ½ cup basmati rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 cup stewed cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp chopped pistachios or almonds

Method to Prepare Cherry Rice Pudding:

1. Wash and soak rice for 30 minutes.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, cook rice in milk on low heat until soft and thickened.
3. Stir in sugar and cardamom. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Fold in stewed cherries and half the nuts.
5. Chill the Cherry Rice Pudding or serve warm, garnished with remaining nuts and cherry pieces.

Pro Tip for Cherry Rice Pudding:

Use a hint of rose water for an exotic twist in your Cherry Rice Pudding.

12. Cherry Yoghurt Parfait 

Cherry Yoghurt Parfaits are a quick, no-cook dessert perfect for summer breakfasts or light snacks. These layered Cherry Yoghurt Parfaits offer a balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures.

Ingredients for Cherry Yoghurt Parfait:

• 2 cups Greek yoghurt
• 1 cup cherry compote or fresh pitted cherries
• ½ cup granola
• 2 tbsp honey (optional)

Method to Prepare Cherry Yoghurt Parfait:

1. In serving glasses, layer Greek yoghurt, followed by cherry compote and granola.
2. Repeat the layers, finishing with cherries on top.
3. Drizzle honey if desired and chill for 10 minutes before serving the Cherry Yoghurt Parfait.

Pro Tip for Cherry Yoghurt Parfait:

Use flavoured Greek yoghurt or a swirl of cherry jam to boost the taste of your Cherry Yoghurt Parfait.

Now we know the reason why cherries are eyed differently - they are the symbol of indulgence and festivity across the globe. The vivid hue, distinctive flavour and versatile nature of the fruit make it a jewel of any dessert menu. Fold these lovelies into creamy cheesecake jars, bake into golden crumbles or churn them into vegan ice cream - these lend a delicious drama to every bite. 

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