When the cold months roll in, there’s nothing quite like the cozy sweetness of cherries to lift your spirits. Whether stirred into ice cream, baked into brownies, or blended into a smoothie, cherries add a burst of color and comfort to your kitchen. Their natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits make them a treat for both your taste buds and your well-being.
So grab a bowl, an apron, and maybe a bag of Freeze-Dried Cherries—let’s create something delicious.
Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream¹
Creamy • Tart • Frozen Delight
Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 10 min | Freeze Time: 8 hours
A no-churn frozen dessert that blends the richness of cheesecake with the sweet-tart bite of cherries and a graham cracker crunch. Freeze-dried cherries make this recipe easy and shelf-stable.
Ingredients
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3 cups cold heavy cream
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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¾ tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup crushed graham crackers
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1 cup cherry pie filling (or ¾ cup rehydrated freeze-dried cherries, lightly sweetened)
Instructions
-
Whip the cream:
In a large mixing bowl, whip cold heavy cream using a hand mixer until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. -
Fold in base ingredients:
Gently fold in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully combined. -
Add graham crackers:
Stir in crushed graham crackers, distributing evenly throughout the mixture. -
Layer and swirl:
Pour half of the ice cream mixture into a loaf pan. Swirl in half of the cherry filling or rehydrated cherries. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cherries on top. -
Freeze:
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 8 hours, or until firm. -
Serve:
Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
Tips
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Sprinkle extra crushed graham crackers on top just before serving for added crunch.
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Use a metal loaf pan for faster freezing and easier scooping.
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Swap cherries for freeze-dried strawberries or blueberries for a variation.
2. Cherry Garcia Brownies²
Rich • Fudgy • Cherry Brightness
Serves: 12 | Prep Time: 15 min | Bake Time: 45–50 min
These indulgent brownies swirl dark chocolate richness with a creamy cherry cheesecake layer. Rehydrated freeze-dried cherries bring a bright, fruity bite that cuts the sweetness and adds a festive twist.
Ingredients
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1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 large egg
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½ cup sugar
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⅔ cup pitted and quartered cherries (or ½ cup rehydrated freeze-dried cherries)
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½ cup chocolate chips
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1 Tbsp butter + flour, for greasing pan
Instructions
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Preheat and prepare pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter and lightly flour. -
Mix brownie base:
Prepare the brownie mix in a large bowl according to the package directions. Set aside. -
Make cream cheese swirl:
In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, vanilla, egg, and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Stir in cherries and chocolate chips. -
Assemble:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect. -
Bake:
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Edges will be set and center slightly soft. -
Cool and serve:
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing. For best results, chill overnight before serving.
Tips
-
Rehydrate freeze-dried cherries in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then pat dry before using.
-
For extra texture, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top before baking.
-
These brownies freeze well—wrap individually for easy future treats.
3. Cherry Delight²
Creamy • Fruity • No-Bake (Almost)
Serves: 12 | Prep Time: 25 min | Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 35 min
A layered dessert that’s sweet, creamy, and bursting with cherries—this nearly no-bake treat features a buttery graham cracker crust and whipped cream cheese filling, topped with bright cherry goodness.
Ingredients
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2½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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2 Tbsp sugar
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¾ cup melted butter
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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8 oz whipped topping
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21 oz can cherry pie filling (or 1½ cups rehydrated freeze-dried cherries + 2–3 Tbsp cherry jam or thick syrup)
Instructions
-
Pre-bake crust:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool completely. -
Make the filling:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. -
Fold in whipped topping:
Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula until light and fluffy. -
Assemble the layers:
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust. Top with cherry pie filling or a mixture of rehydrated freeze-dried cherries and cherry jam. -
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow layers to set.
Tips
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Add shaved dark chocolate or drizzle cherry syrup over the top for a festive finish.
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For a more tart contrast, use sour cherry preserves with the rehydrated cherries.
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Prepare a day ahead—flavors meld beautifully overnight.
4. Cherry Kissel (Cherry Soup)³
Bright • Velvety • Slavic-Inspired
Serves: 6–8 | Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 23 min
A smooth, fruit-forward dessert soup served warm or chilled. This Eastern European favorite is made with sweet cherries and thickened with potato starch, offering a vibrant finish to any meal.
Ingredients
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1 lb sweet cherries, pitted (or 1½ cups rehydrated freeze-dried cherries)
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8 cups water
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¾ cup sugar
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1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
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4 Tbsp potato starch, dissolved in ¼ cup cold water
Instructions
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Cook the cherries:
In a large pot, bring cherries and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until cherries are soft. -
Sweeten and flavor:
Stir in sugar and lemon juice. Simmer for another 3 minutes. -
Thicken the soup:
Gradually stir in the potato starch mixture while whisking to avoid clumps. Continue cooking until the soup thickens and coats the back of a spoon. -
Cool and serve:
Remove from heat. Let cool slightly if serving warm, or refrigerate until chilled.
Tips
-
Add a few drops of cherry extract for deeper flavor and color.
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Serve with a dollop of sour cream or swirl of cream for richness.
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This soup pairs beautifully with shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers.
5. Cherry Smoothie¹
Refreshing • Fruity • Energizing
Serves: 2 | Total Time: 10 min
A quick, vibrant blend of cherries, banana, and yogurt. This smoothie is perfect for a fast breakfast or a post-workout boost—with the option to customize for added fuel.
Ingredients
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10 oz frozen or fresh cherries (or ¾ cup rehydrated freeze-dried cherries)
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5 oz natural yogurt
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1 banana, sliced
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½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
-
Blend ingredients:
In a blender, combine cherries, yogurt, banana, and vanilla extract if using. Blend until smooth. -
Adjust consistency:
Add a splash of cold water or milk to thin the smoothie if needed. Blend again briefly. -
Serve:
Pour into glasses and serve immediately, chilled.
Tips
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Add a scoop of protein powder or oats for an energy boost.
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Swap yogurt with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
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Garnish with a few extra cherries or a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Cherry Recipe Tips
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When cherries are in season, buy them fresh and freeze extras for later.
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To revive bland cherries, toss them in a little honey or fruit vinegar.
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Freeze-Dried Cherries are perfect year-round—no pitting, no waste, just pure cherry flavor.
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Use them in everything from oatmeal to baked goods for a burst of natural sweetness.
References
- https://www.delish.com/search/?q=cherry%20recipes
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/cherry-recipes
- https://natashaskitchen.com/cherry-soup-kissel-recipe/
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Are you looking to indulge your sweet tooth and want something straight out of the cookbooks? Try these easy to make cherry recipes that will have your kitchen radiating a heavenly aroma. The benefits of cherry are innumerable – from curing insomnia to their anti-aging properties – both your taste buds and your body will be grateful.
These cherries are delicious, and you can experiment with a myriad of delicacies. Whether you're looking to make for mouth-watering cakes, cherry pies, jelly, or some ice cream, cherries do not disappoint. Grab a cherry and an apron, and let's get cooking.
1. Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream1
There's ice-cream, and then there's cherry cheesecake ice cream. This is one of the most delicious cherry recipes.
Time
Preparation – 10 minutes
Total time – 8 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cup cold heavy cream
- 14 oz. can condensed milk; sweetened
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup of crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Method
- Put the cream in a large bowl and beat using a hand mixer for 3 minutes. Ensure that it gets completely fluffy.
- Fold in the condensed milk and vanilla extract until it's fully incorporated. Next, fold in the crushed graham crackers.
- Pour half of the mixture to a large pan. Scoop and dollop 1/2 cup pie filling over the top and then stir it slowly with a knife.
- Add the remaining cream mixture, and then fold in the remaining 1/2 cup pie filling. Top with graham crackers.
- Put it in the freezer and cover loosely with plastic wrap after 4 hours. Let it sit in the freezer for at least 8 hours until it's until firm.
- To serve, remove it from the freezer and let it soften before scooping and serving.
2. Cherry Garcia Brownies2
A cherry recipe for brownies is an excellent choice for any occasion.
Time
Preparation – 15 minutes
Baking – 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (check for the ingredients called for on the box)
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2/3 cup of cherries, pitted and quartered
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter and a handful of flour (for greasing pan)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Grease a large baking dish with butter and sprinkle with flour. Pour out excess flour.
- Follow the package instructions and make the brownie batter
- Beat the cream cheese, vanilla, egg, and sugar in a medium-sized bowl with an electric mixer until it's light and fluffy.
- Slowly stir the cherries and the chocolate chips in.
- Pour brownie batter into the greased baking tray. Drop the cream cheese-cherry mixture over the brownie layer, and swirl it through with a knife.
- Bake for about 45 minutes. To check if it's cooked, insert a toothpick, and if it comes out dry, then it's ready.
- Let it sit in the pan until it's completely cool, then slice into your desired slices and serve.
3. Cherry Delight2
For this cherry recipe, pre-bake the crust to make it tougher.
Time
Preparation – 25 minutes
Total time – 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 cups melted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz cream cheese; softened
- 8 oz whipped topping; Whipped
- 21 oz can cherry pie filling
Method
- Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes at 375° F. Set it aside to completely cool.
- Line a large pan with aluminium foil.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Set it aside.
- With an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it's smooth. Mix vanilla and powdered sugar for 2 minutes until it's well mixed.
- Add the mixed icing in two additions into the whipped cream until it's well combined. Do not over mix. Spread the filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. You can let it stay overnight for it to set better.
- To serve, cut the dessert into desired shapes, and top it with filling. Refrigerate leftovers.
4. Cherry Kissel (Cherry Soup)3
Cherry kissel is a Slavic fruit jelly juice, and it can be served hot or cold. If you're looking to learn how to make an exotic delicacy, start with this cherry recipe that also has roots in Russia.
Time
Preparation – 5 minutes
Total time – 23 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet red cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 8 cups of filtered water
- ¾ cup of sugar
- 4 tablespoon potato starch in 1/4 cup cold water
Method
- In a medium pot, pour the 8 cups of water. Throw in 1 pound of pitted cherries and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 12 minutes. Partially cover the pot, don't cover it to prevent the contents from spilling over.
- Stir in the sugar and lemon juice
- Continue simmering another 3 minutes.
- Dissolve the potato starch in 1/4 cup of water and gradually add it to the pot while stirring.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the kissel cool down.
- Serve with the cherries in for texture and flavor. You can strain the cherries out if you prefer.
5. Cherry smoothie1
Frozen cherries are the best for this amazing cherry recipe.
Time
Total time – 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 10 oz frozen or fresh cherries, pitted
- 5 oz natural yogurt
- 1 banana, sliced
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (this is optional)
Method
- Pour all the ingredients into a blender and blitz until it's smooth free of lumps.
- Adjust the thickness to your liking with 1-3 oz cold water.
- Serve chilled.
Cherry Recipes Tips
When the cherries are in season, don't get confused about what to do with them. Indulge your family and guests with these sumptuous cherry recipes from around the world.
If your cherries have somehow turned bland and tasteless, pit and sweeten them with a spoonful of honey to get the sweetness back. You can also dip them in a little balsamic vinegar of fruit vinegar to give them some flavor.
Alternatively, use our freeze dried cherries in these recipes. Apart from saving you time and money, they are just as pleasant and delicious just like fresh cherries.