Summer is here, and with it comes a sweet and juicy treat – cherries! There’s nothing quite like biting into a ripe, flavorful cherry on a warm day. And what better way to enjoy this seasonal delight than in a recipe? Whether you’re looking for something classic and comforting or innovative and adventurous, we’ve got you covered with these 18 delicious cherry recipes perfect for summer.
From sweet treats like Cherry Clafoutis and Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies to savory dishes like Cherry BBQ Sauce and Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken, we’ll take you on a culinary journey that showcases the versatility of this beloved fruit. So go ahead, indulge in the sweetness of summer with these mouthwatering cherry recipes!
Cherry Clafoutis
Savor the sweet flavors of summer with this classic French dessert, Cherry Clafoutis. This simple yet elegant recipe showcases fresh cherries baked in a velvety custard, resulting in a tender and flavorful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Add the milk and eggs; whisk until smooth.
4. Arrange cherries in a 9-inch (23cm) baking dish.
5. Pour the custard mixture over the cherries.
6. Dot with melted butter.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cherry Almond Smoothie
A refreshing and fruity blend of cherry and almond flavors, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen cherries
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon almond butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as needed.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and enjoy!
Tips:
– You can also add a handful of spinach or kale for an added nutritional boost without affecting the flavor.
– Substitute regular milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Treat with a Pop of Flavor!
These soft-baked cookies combine the classic combination of chocolate and cherry, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a hint of tartness from the cherries and the richness of dark chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in flour mixture, then fold in cherries and chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cherry BBQ Sauce
Elevate your grilled meats with this unique and delicious cherry BBQ sauce recipe. The combination of sweet cherries, tangy vinegar, and smoky spices creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and excitingly new.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine ketchup, cherries, vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a sauce recipe!
Cherry Pie with Lattice Crust
This traditional cherry pie gets a stylish upgrade with a beautiful lattice crust, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. With its sweet and tangy filling, flaky pastry, and elegant presentation, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt; let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Roll out half of the pastry dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Place the cherry mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
5. Roll out the remaining pastry dough to a similar thickness and use a pastry cutter or knife to create lattice strips.
6. Place the lattice strips on top of the cherry filling, weaving them into a lattice pattern.
7. Brush the edges and lattice with egg wash and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Basil Salad
Celebrate the flavors of summer with this refreshing salad featuring sweet cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes and chopped basil.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
3. Squeeze the balsamic vinegar over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and tangy Cherry Balsamic Glazed Chicken recipe! This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup cherry preserves
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cherry preserves and balsamic vinegar until smooth.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish. Brush the cherry-balsamic glaze all over the chicken.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream
This creamy ice cream combines the sweetness of cherries with the warmth of vanilla, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this delicious dessert at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
– Pinch of salt
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 vanilla extract and whisk to combine.
3. Stir in the pitted cherries and salt.
4. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and pour the mixture into an ice cream maker.
6. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the mixture into soft-serve consistency.
7. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-4 hours (including churning time)
Cherry Pecan Granola Bars
These chewy bars are packed with the flavors of cherries and pecans, making them a perfect snack or breakfast on-the-go. With just 10 ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup dried cherries
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, pecans, and cherries.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Sorbet
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with this simple cherry sorbet recipe. Made with fresh cherries, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, this refreshing dessert is perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the cherries and sugar until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and water until well combined.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once frozen, scoop and serve.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (including chilling time)
Cherry Stuffed French Toast
Start your day with a sweet and indulgent treat by filling thick slices of French toast with cherry goodness. This recipe is perfect for a special breakfast or brunch occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably Challah or brioche)
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of cherry preserves
– 1/2 cup of fresh cherries, pitted
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and sugar until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. While the French toast is cooking, mix cherry preserves with fresh cherries in a small bowl.
6. Once the French toast is cooked, place a spoonful of the cherry mixture onto one half of each slice.
7. Fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape and serve dusted with powdered sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cherry Dark Chocolate Bark
Elevate your snack game with this decadent cherry dark chocolate bark recipe, perfect for a sweet treat or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup (120g) dried cherries
– 1 tablespoon (15g) honey
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 cup (30g) chopped pecans or hazelnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Stir in the honey and sea salt until well combined.
4. Fold in the dried cherries and nuts (if using).
5. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly to desired thickness.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
7. Break into pieces and serve.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake recipe!
Cherry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese
This refreshing salad combines sweet cherries, peppery spinach, and tangy goat cheese, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish. The combination of flavors and textures will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves and pitted cherries.
2. Crumble the goat cheese over the top of the salad.
3. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the salad.
4. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Cherry Mojito
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito. This sweet and tangy cocktail is perfect for warm weather parties or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup cherry juice (such as grenadine)
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 2 ounces white rum
– 4 ounces club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, gently press mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release oils and flavor.
2. Add cherry juice and stir until combined.
3. Squeeze lime wedges into the mixture and add rum.
4. Fill the pitcher with ice and top with club soda.
5. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel and cherry.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in no time!)
Cherry Oatmeal Muffins
Cherry Oatmeal Muffins: A Delicious Breakfast or Snack Option!
These moist and flavorful muffins are packed with rolled oats, sweet cherries, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go or as a snack to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup pitted cherries, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
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, oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in chopped cherries.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This sweet and savory recipe adds a delicious twist to the classic pork tenderloin, perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal. The cherry glaze brings out the natural flavors of the pork, while adding a pop of color and sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup cherry preserves
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cherry preserves, honey, and Dijon mustard.
3. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the cherry glaze all over the pork tenderloin.
5. Place the pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle olive oil around the pork tenderloin.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
8. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cherry Yogurt Parfait
This refreshing dessert is perfect for warm weather, featuring sweet cherries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 2 tablespoons granola
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, layer the yogurt and cherries in alternating spoonfuls until all ingredients are used.
2. Sprinkle the granola over the top of the parfait.
3. If desired, drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to serve immediately.
Cherry Ricotta Pancakes
These fluffy pancakes are infused with the sweetness of cherries and the creaminess of ricotta cheese, making them a delightful breakfast or brunch option. Perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 8 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup cherry preserves
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Fresh cherries, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the griddle or non-stick skillet to medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, ricotta cheese, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in cherry preserves.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the griddle.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes (depending on griddle temperature)
Summary
Get ready to savor the sweet and tangy flavor of cherries this summer! From classic desserts like Cherry Pie with Lattice Crust and Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, to refreshing drinks like Cherry Almond Smoothie and Cherry Mojito, these 18 delicious recipes are sure to satisfy your cherry cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or tangy, there’s a cherry recipe on this list that’s perfect for you. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in the juicy goodness of cherries!