Looking to unlock the flavor of red tart cherries? You’re in luck! Our collection of recipes will transform your perception of this summer gem. Tart cherries, unlike their sweet counterparts, are a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. These stone fruits come in a range of colors and flavors, with the most popular being the sweet cherry variety. However, it’s the tart cherry varieties like Montmorency and Morello that offer an explosion of flavor when used in both sweet and savory dishes.
What sets tart cherries apart is their intense bitterness, which makes them perfect for using in dried, concentrated, or frozen form. But once you start incorporating them into your recipes, you’ll be hooked! Try them in chewy gummies, fillings, pies, mint sorbet, chocolate smoothies, or even savory dishes. If you’re looking for a standout recipe, #23 is my top pick. And if you want more cherry sweetness, check out our favorite cherry desserts!
Double Crust Cherry Crisp
Indulge in this luscious dessert, where a harmonious blend of two fresh cherry types strikes the ideal sweet-sour balance. The star attraction combines succulent filling ingredients with a scrumptious topping, artfully sprinkled atop for a treat that’s sure to delight.
Cherry Gummies
Imagine whipping up a batch of delicious homemade gummy bears using tart cherry juice – it’s a game-changer! This fun and easy recipe is perfect for kids, who will not only enjoy snacking on the finished product, but also get to participate in the process of making them. The only preparation required beforehand is gathering your trusty gummy bear mold, and you’re all set to start having a blast with this tasty treat.
Sour Cherry Crumble Pie
Indulge in this scrumptious sweet treat, packed with an irresistible combination of tart cherry pie filling and crunchy buttery crumble topping. The harmonious blend of brown sugar’s natural sweetness, the tanginess of the cherries, and the flaky texture of the pie crust creates a truly exceptional dessert experience.
Take it to the next level by serving it with a generous scoop of warm cinnamon ice cream, evoking the cozy essence of fall and making it an ideal treat for the season.
Cherry Cheesecake Crumble Bars
Get ready to fall in love with these indulgent treats, comprising a buttery shortbread-style crust, tangy tart cherry pie filling, and a rich, creamy cheesecake layer. The combination is nothing short of divine.
To keep your crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for optimal results.
Oatmeal Cherry Cookies
The pairing of oatmeal and sour cherries may raise some eyebrows, but the resulting cookies are a delightful surprise. The combination of textures and flavors is nothing short of addictive, with each bite delivering a satisfying crunch and a tangy sweetness that will leave you wanting more.
Be warned: once you sink your teeth into these chewy treats, you might find yourself struggling to resist their allure.
Their irresistible flavor and satisfying texture can lead to a cookie-fueled frenzy, leaving you wondering how something so good could be so bad for you!
White Chocolate Cherry Blondies
Indulge in the unassuming delight of tart cherry-infused blondies. These treats masterfully balance the tanginess of dried cherries with the velvety smoothness of white chocolate chips, creating a rich and indulgent flavor profile.
The key to achieving the perfect level of fudginess lies in being mindful of the flour addition – too much can result in a cakey texture, so be gentle when incorporating it into the recipe.
Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate Spritzer
When it comes to using tart cherries, the first step is to turn them into a juice concentrate. This will unlock their full potential and provide a base for some delicious and refreshing drinks. One idea is to combine the cherry concentrate with sparkling water and add a squeeze of lime juice for a calming nightcap. Want to mix things up? Try using citrus-flavored sparkling water instead of regular bubbly water for an added twist.
Tart Cherry & Mint Sorbet
Indulge in the refreshing treat that’s got everyone talking – tart cherry and mint sorbet! This sweet and tangy dessert requires only five ingredients and no ice cream maker, making it a summer must-have. The secret to its creamy texture lies in blending the mixture of tart cherries, lemon juice, fresh mint, coconut milk, and maple syrup in a high-speed blender until smooth and thick, then freezing it overnight.
Sour Cherry Muffins
While there’s an abundance of scrumptious tart cherry recipes readily available online, let’s begin with a classic: sour cherry muffins. These delightful treats make for an ideal breakfast option, offering a harmonious balance of tart and sweet flavors in each bite. The subtle tartness is expertly tempered by the sweetness of the sanding sugar topping, creating a truly mouthwatering experience.
Sour Cherry Sauce
Indulge in the tangy sweetness of this homemade sour cherry sauce, bursting with juicy cherries that will tantalize your taste buds. A cinch to prepare, this versatile topping is sure to delight on pancakes, waffles, and even vanilla ice cream. The only hurdle lies in pitting the cherries, but once that’s accomplished, this top-rated sauce comes together in mere minutes, leaving you with a delicious treat that’s simply irresistible.
Tart Cherry Fat Bombs
Indulge in the unparalleled delight of heavenly tart cherry desserts (or snacks) with these delectable tart cherry fat bombs. Their unique taste profile is reminiscent of a rich cheesecake, minus the crust, making them an irresistible treat. Each bite-sized morsel bursts with sweet-tart flavor, perfectly balanced by the creamy textures of cream cheese, whipped cream, and heavy cream, ensuring a truly indulgent experience.
Tart Cherry Lime Granita
While you can make this Italian ice dessert at any time of the year, it’s truly meant to be savored during the peak summer-cherries season. There’s something special about indulging in its sweet and tangy goodness when nature’s sweetness is at its best.
To create this treat, combine fresh or frozen pitted tart cherries with sugar and a squeeze of lime juice in a food processor, blending until the mixture is smooth as silk.
Then, freeze it to preserve the flavors and textures, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Tart Cherry Limeade
While the ingredient list may be unassuming – comprising tart cherry juice, lime juice, coconut water, and salt – the resulting flavor is truly unique. The absence of sugar only adds to the surprise. To craft this unconventional limeade, simply whisk all ingredients together in a pitcher until well combined. If desired, add ice cubes to chill and serve.
Tart Cherry Mint Mojito
Indulge in a refreshing treat this summer by crafting a delightful drink that’s as fizzy as it is flavorful. Combining tart cherries, invigorating mint, and zesty lime, you’ll be whipping up a boozy beverage in no time for your next outdoor gathering.
Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned mixologist – this cocktail is ridiculously easy to prepare. Simply combine the ingredients, give it a gentle stir, and let the good times roll.
To take it to the next level, fill a glass with ice, top it off with club soda, and stir once more before serving. Your guests will thank you for this revitalizing treat that’s sure to be a hit at your summer soiree.
German Sour Cherry Cake
Indulge in this delightful German-inspired cake, a true showstopper when it comes to simplicity and flavor. With just nine ingredients that are likely already stocked in your pantry, you can whip up this scrumptious treat with ease. And the best part? It’s even more indulgent when topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Tart Cherry Honey Granola
Creating this scrumptious granola recipe with Montmorency tart cherries and honey is a remarkably swift process that can be accomplished in just an hour’s time! The combination of flavors and textures is truly a delight, and it’s amazing how quickly everything comes together. Once the oat mixture has finished baking, the dried fruits are carefully stirred in to avoid any burning or scorching.
Meanwhile, the honey plays a crucial role in balancing out the tartness of the cherries, resulting in a harmonious blend that will leave you wanting more.
Tart Cherry Chocolate Smoothie
In a harmonious blend of flavors, frozen Montmorency tart cherries, avocado, cacao powder, and Medjool dates come together to create a rich and indulgent smoothie that’s as decadent as a dessert. The sweetness of the dates and the creaminess of the avocado perfectly balance the tanginess of the tart cherries, while the cacao powder adds a deep, velvety chocolate flavor. This treat-like concoction is so good, you’ll want to start your day with it – add it to your breakfast menu ASAP!
Cherry Chipotle Slow Cooker Barbacoa
While sour cherries are often a staple in sweet treats, they also surprisingly pair well with savory flavors. In this slow cooker recipe, the tart cherry juice harmonizes beautifully with the spicy kick of chipotles. Meanwhile, the crowd-pleasing barbacoa beef is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, including tacos, burritos, salads, and even sandwiches.
Tart Cherry BBQ Chicken
While traditional sour cherry recipes often center around sweet treats like cookies and pies, this versatile fruit can also elevate savory dishes, such as BBQ chicken. The bold flavors of the spicy dry rub, crafted with a blend of aromatic spices, beautifully complement the tangy-sweet notes of the barbecue sauce.
What may appear to be an intimidating array of ingredients is actually worth the effort, especially when you witness the sauce caramelize over the chicken legs in the final moments of grilling, adding a depth and richness that’s simply irresistible.
Apple, Cherry & Walnut Salad
This delectable salad offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The combination of juicy, slightly tart cherries, satisfyingly crunchy walnuts, and sweet green apples creates a delightful sensory experience.
Add a drizzle of rich maple dressing to bring all the elements together, making it an ideal choice for dinner parties, family celebrations, or special occasions.
Pearl Couscous With Leeks And Dried Tart Cherries
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures in this innovative couscous recipe, featuring leeks, dried tart cherries, walnuts, and herbs. This quick and easy dish makes a fantastic lunch or light supper option, requiring minimal prep work and cooking time. Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding sautéed mushrooms for an added layer of earthy depth.
Tart Cherry Chia Jam
Turn those frozen tart cherries into a delicious homemade jam that’s perfect for spreading on various treats. To make this tasty spread, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: maple syrup, chia seeds, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Once prepared, the jam can be enjoyed on homemade biscuits, sandwiches, or even paired with yogurt and oatmeal. With proper storage in an airtight container, it will keep for several weeks in the fridge.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Naan Pizza
Imagine a pizza that combines the smoky sweetness of grilled chicken, the creaminess of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, the tangy burst of dried tart cherries, and the earthy freshness of spinach. Sounds like a match made in heaven, right? This crowd-pleasing recipe brings it all together on naan bread in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a quick yet impressive dinner or gathering.
Duck With Cherry Sauce
The culinary masterpiece begins with a duck dish that’s been marinated to perfection before being seared in a hot pan. But what truly elevates this recipe is the tangy, sweet, and sour cherry sauce made from a unique blend of fresh sour cherries, lemon juice, Sherry, maple syrup, and butter. The combination may seem unusual, but trust us, it’s a game-changer.
To add some extra texture and flavor to the dish, the duck is served alongside a flavorful Persian-inspired farro that’s infused with saffron and topped with crushed pistachios. And let’s not forget the crowning glory: a drizzle of rich red wine that brings everything together.
Tart Cherry Moon Milk
Indulge in the creamy tranquility of this moon milk recipe, where soothing ingredients harmonize to promote relaxation. A blend of honey, tart cherry juice, and steamed almond milk (or alternative milks like whole or cashew) creates a dreamy concoction that can be further enhanced by adding ashwagandha and powdered valerian root for an extra calming effect. For a velvety finish, whip it up with a handheld frother to release its silky texture.
No-Bake Tart Cherry Bars
Indulge in these scrumptious tart cherry bars, featuring a raw date crust base, a vibrant tart cherry filling, and a satisfying topping of nuts, seeds, or even coconut flakes. To achieve the perfect texture, it’s essential to freeze the treat for at least two hours before cutting it into bars. Once set, store them in the refrigerator to enjoy for a few days, savoring each bite.
Tart Cherry Ginger Cooler
Summer’s sweetest treat is this revitalizing drink that blends tart cherry juice with the zesty warmth of fresh ginger and the effervescence of ginger ale. The perfect combination to quench your thirst on a sweltering day.
Got an abundance of tart cherries? Pour yourself a big pitcher, and as you sip away, you’ll be transported to a state of pure refreshment.
But feel free to tweak the flavor to suit your taste buds.
A drizzle of maple syrup can add just the right touch of sweetness to balance out the bold flavors.
The bottom line
While our collection of tart cherry recipes may include sweet treats like cookies, pies, and tarts, it’s just the beginning. Our comprehensive guide also delves into a wide range of other culinary applications, showcasing the versatility and flavor potential of this remarkable fruit.
