30 Fresh Cherry Recipes to Treat Yourself With

When you need something sweet after a meal, you can’t go wrong with these fresh cherry recipes.

There are countless ways to gobble up this sweetly tart summer fruit. But I’ve narrowed it down to 30!

Cherry Recipes We Adore

Cherries are harvested in early summer.

And it’s a short season, so be sure to make the most of it with these fresh cherry recipes!

That said, you can always use dried cherries in the fall and canned cherries in the winter.

Try them in a cake or on some chicken, and you’ll be impressed either way!

1. Cherry Cobbler with Cake Mix 

Cherry cobbler with cake mix is an incredibly easy dessert that’s terrific for any occasion. 

The cherry filling is sweet, tarty, and fruity, while the topping is buttery, crumbly, and delicious.

I guarantee this dish will put a smile on everybody’s face. 

But if you want something with crunch, try this cherry crisp recipe instead!

2. Cherry Pie No-Churn Ice Cream 

I am always so intrigued by unique ice cream flavors, and this one is always a hit!

Cherry pie ice cream would be hard to find in any store or ice cream parlor so why not make it at home?

Plus, there’s no fancy machine needed! 

Tangy cream cheese, sweet and tart cherry pie filling, and graham cracker crumbs come together in this incredible recipe.

3. Frozen Cherry Chocolate Parfait 

This is not your average parfait. 

Layers of rich, decadent chocolate and fruity cherry ice creams team up to make one fancy dessert.

Believe it or not, this is ice cream that you can slice like a cake and it’s super impressive. 

This is a fantastic dessert for a nice dinner party or date night. 

4. Cherry Rolls 

Cherry rolls are like warm, soft, frosting-covered cinnamon rolls.

Instead of the cinnamon-spiced filling, these are filled with fruity cherries. 

These are gorgeous and surprising.

If you’re looking to switch up the usual holiday breakfast menu, this would be a definite crowd-pleaser. 

Cream cheese icing is absolutely lovely with the tart cherries and the soft, gooey rolls.

5. Heaven on Earth Cake 

Heaven on Earth Cake is an aptly named dessert with light, airy layers of pure delight. 

Angel food cake, custard, cherry pie filling, and whipped cream are stacked to perfection.

Cream and cake are subtle flavors that let the sweet custard and fruity cherries shine while adding wonderful textures. 

This easy-to-make dessert is an absolute must-try!

6. Cherry, Pistachio, and Mint Quinoa Salad 

Cherries are fantastic in savoy dishes like this cherry pistachio and mint quinoa salad. 

Quinoa is a grain that’s similar to rice in texture and is filled with protein. Cherries add a nice tartness that is unmatched. 

The crunch from the pistachios with a hint of minty flavor is super tasty. 

7. Cherry Chutney 

Cherry chutney is a sweet and sour condiment that tastes great with savory dishes.

It’s also a perfect addition to any charcuterie board.  

This recipe is filled with cherries, onions, garlic, mustard, ginger, and vinegar. Use it as a topping for grilled meats, and you won’t be disappointed. 

Cherry chutney is an unexpected way to add flavor to your skirt steaks, sandwiches, or veggies. 

8. Cherry Limeade Smoothie 

Cherry and lime are an iconic duo. This smoothie is perfect for an on-the-go meal or mid-day pick-me-up. 

Tons of fresh cherries are blended up with pucker-inducing lime juice.

Nectarines and milk add creaminess and balance the flavors wonderfully. 

Made with only five ingredients, this sweet and sour smoothie will knock your socks off.

9. Fresh Cherry Loaf Cake 

If you’ve never had juicy fresh cherries in a cake before, you have to make this recipe.

Soft, moist, cherry-studded loaf cake is the stuff of dreams. It’s so simple to make, but the flavor is insane. 

You can also call this “bread” if you’d rather slather butter on a warm slice for breakfast. That would be completely acceptable. 

10. Cherry Yum Yum 

Cherry yum yum is a cross between a cheesecake and a cherry pie.

Both are equally delicious on their own, but when combined, they’re unstoppable!

The crust is buttery, crispy, and crumbly with a fantastic nutty pecan flavor. The filling is fruity, tangy, and creamy. 

This recipe also requires no baking, which is always a bonus for me!

11. Cherry Bread with Chocolate Chunks 

Chocolate and cherries are one of my favorite indulgent flavor combinations.

Sweet and tart cherries and rich chocolate just work so well together.

It’s even better when you can turn it into a baked treat that everybody can enjoy.

This cherry bread is full of chocolate chunks and juicy cherries. 

The moist and crumbly texture of the bread is divine and will have you sneaking back to the kitchen for one more slice.  

12. Cherry Chicken 

Cherry chicken is an unexpected dish full of amazing flavors. This is the perfect recipe for any summer dinner. 

Perfectly cooked chicken thighs with crispy skins are topped with a sweet-tart fresh cherry sauce.

The fruit enhances the savory flavors of the chicken and makes this one-pan dish a delightful meal. 

13. Cherry Salsa 

If you’re looking to spice things up, this recipe is the way to go. 

It’s full of juicy cherries, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors.

Basil is an unexpected salsa ingredient and spicy jalapeños and pungent garlic add another extra layer of flavor. 

Enjoy this salsa with some tortilla chips or on top of some freshly grilled chicken. 

14. Summer Cherry-Berry Fruit Salad 

Summer is the best time of year for fruit salad, and this cherry-berry medley has tons of flavor. 

Tangy lemon coats the fruit to balance the sweetness while cinnamon and cardamom make this fruit salad anything but boring. 

Cooling mint is a terrific finishing touch for these cherries and berries.

For a top-notch fruit salad that everybody will love, this salad is a must!

15. Cherry Pie Crumb Bars 

Cherry pie crumb bars are little layered bites of heaven.

Buttery crust, fruity cherries, and a crumbly topping make one of the best grab-and-go desserts there are. 

These delightful squares are like portable pies. They’re super easy to make and incredibly tasty. 

Add a scoop of ice cream to these dessert bars for a scrumptious treat. 

16. Cherry Sauce 

Homemade cherry sauce is sweet, versatile, and easy to make. 

Plump cherries make a spectacular sauce that’s perfect for topping all kinds of desserts.

From cheesecake and ice cream to chocolate cake and angel food, you’re sure to keep this recipe close by. 

Your friends and family will be amazed that this gorgeous, glossy sauce is all made from home!

17. Cherry Compote 

Cherry compote is a quick and easy recipe to throw together when you need a last-minute dessert. 

With only three ingredients, this impressive compote can be made in just about 10 minutes.

You can throw this cherry sauce on top of ice cream, yogurt, cakes, and more! 

It’s sweet, juicy, and a lovely addition to all of your favorite things. 

18. Grilled Lamb Rib Chops with a Fresh Cherry Port Sauce 

Grilled lamb chops with cherry port sauce is a date night dinner that will blow them away.

Fresh herbs coat the lamb and the cherry sauce adds a bit of sweetness that makes this dish ultra-rich. 

Lamb chops are a bit pricey, but they’re quick to cook and so tender and flavorful that they’re worth every penny. 

19. Pork Chops with Cherry Sauce 

Pork chops are notoriously delicious with applesauce. They’re even better with this homemade cherry sauce. 

Sweet cherries and salty pork are a match made in heaven.

This combination is one that will keep this recipe in your rotation for a while. 

20. Grilled Cherry Chipotle Chicken Wings 

Cherry chipotle chicken wings have a smokey-sweet flavor that you will crave.

This recipe is perfect for game day or family game night.

Tender chicken wings are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. 

You can also use this sauce on top of regular chicken if you’re making more of a sit-down meal. 

21. Cherry Jam 

Cherry jam is a wonderful recipe for keeping those summer cherries around as long as possible. 

With only three ingredients, this jam can be made in a jiffy!

Spread it on toast, muffins, pancakes, or ice cream for that tart cherry flavor you know and love. 

I love how versatile cherry jam can be. This is a fantastic gift, but you probably want to hoard it all for yourself. 

22. Cherry Hand Pies 

Cherry hand pies are one of my favorite twists on a classic pie. 

Flaky crust surrounds an incredible, juicy, and tart filling that you’ll adore.

These hand pies don’t require any slicing or serving. They’re the perfect fit for a crowd. 

Make these for your next holiday party, and your guests will line up for the dessert table. 

23. Chocolate Cherry Brownies 

Chocolate cherry brownies are decadent squares of heaven. 

These fudgy, rich, and chocolatey brownies have little pockets of fresh cherries suspended within.

This combination of flavors is spectacular. 

Although you won’t want to, these brownies are perfect for sharing. 

24. Tart Cherry Tabbouleh 

Tabbouleh is a Mediterranean salad made with cucumbers, quinoa, mint, parsley, lemon juice, and typically tomatoes.

This recipe replaces those tomatoes with tart and juicy cherries. 

It’s a fantastic swap since the cherry flavors marry perfectly with the mint, parsley, and lemon. 

The next time you throw together a summer salad, try this cherry tabbouleh recipe. 

25. Cherry Camembert Grilled Cheese Sandwich 

Although cherries wouldn’t be my first thought to add to a grilled cheese, this upscale sandwich is totally worthy of this fruity addition. 

Sweet cherries and tangy camembert make a wonderful combination.

They balance really well and make this a sandwich that’s not overly sweet. 

26. Cherry Couscous and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Cherry couscous and arugula salad is your new favorite dish for any meal. 

Peppery arugula, sweet cherries, fluffy couscous, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette come together to create one of the best salads around. 

27. Brie Salad with Cherries and Macadamias 

Brie cheese always pairs seamlessly with fruity flavors. This salad has the most delicious ingredients. 

Creamy brie, juicy cherries, and crunchy honey macadamia nuts are a textural experience that you will be obsessed with. 

This is no boring salad, and it’s perfect for your next dinner party. 

28. Cherry Barbecue Sauce 

Barbecue sauce is surprisingly easy to make and this one has a summer cherry twist. 

Since barbecue sauce already has a little bit of sweetness, adding fruity flavors is a no-brainer.

The cherries in this barbecue sauce will be a welcomed accompaniment to all of your grilled meats. 

Try this on a chicken sandwich with gooey melted cheese. Yum!

29. Grilled Chicken with Cherry-Chile Sauce 

Chicken with cherry-chile sauce is sure to be all the rage at the next family picnic. 

This sauce is sweet, spicy, and super crave-worthy. Just slather it onto your tender and juicy grilled chicken and enjoy. 

Say bye-bye to boring barbeque and make this cherry-chile sauce all year-’round!

30. Apple, Cherry, and Walnut Salad

Apples, cherries, and walnuts, are a terrific trio of flavors and textures that are sure to turn any salad from drab to fab. 

During the early fall, this salad will be making frequent appearances in my house.

Crisp apples, chewy cherries, and crunchy walnuts are just so irresistible, healthy, and fresh. 

Drizzle on a sweet and tangy maple dressing for a salad that you’ll enjoy every bite of.