Cherry Recipes - Cooking Light

Photo: José Picayo

Fantastic Cherry Recipes

Anyone who's stood over a sink pitting a bowlful with stained hands can attest to the cherry's dangerous squirtability. Sweet, deep-crimson Bing and peachy-colored Rainier are most abundant—and what we use in our recipes—though you might find yellow or inky purple varieties, too. If you live in an area where sour cherries reign, by all means use those; just be sure to balance the tang with a bit more sweetness.

We'll start with Bourbon Candied Cherries.

The taste of a Manhattan in a fruit snack! Serve the cherries as a fun party nibble, or use in cocktails. Don't toss the soaking liquid—stir it into cocktails, or drizzle over ice cream or pound cake. The cherries taste best after soaking at least three days (we loved them after six days), and they will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

View Recipe: Bourbon Candied Cherries

Photo: José Picayo

Double-Cherry Upside-Down Cake

Juices released from the fruit make for a moist cake. The batter comes to the top of the pan and threatens to spill over. It shouldn't, but just in case, bake on a foil-lined baking sheet.

View Recipe: Double-Cherry Upside-Down Cake

Photo: José Picayo

Bing Cherry Sorbet with Proseco

For extra cherry essence, top with chopped fresh cherries.

View Recipe: Bing Cherry Sorbet with Proseco

Photo: José Picayo

Fresh Cherry Galette

The galette looks and sounds fancy, but with its free-form shape, it's ridiculously easy. Rainier cherries have pale, creamy flesh and are larger and sweeter than Bing cherries. If you opt for another variety, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.

View Recipe: Fresh Cherry Galette

Photo: José Picayo

Cherry-Peach Sangria

We recommend zesty Spanish albariño, but you can use any other refreshing white wine.

View Recipe: Cherry-Peach Sangria

Photo: José Picayo

Salad with Cherries, Goat Cheese, and Pistachios

Fruit in salad may not be your thing, but the cherries really work here, offering a sweet, juicy burst to complement peppery greens and tangy cheese. Although we like the color of Rainiers, any cherry variety would be great.

View Recipe: Salad with Cherries, Goat Cheese, and Pistachios

Photo: Quentin Bacon

Fresh Cherry Cheesecake Bars

With their combo of shortbread-like crust, creamy cheesecake, and fresh summer cherry goodness, these bars will make you the hit of the picnic.

View Recipe: Fresh Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Photo: Anna Williams

Cherry-Almond Crisp

Fresh tart cherries can be hard to find, which is why we add some dried ones to boost the flavor of this crisp. If you have access to fresh tart cherries, use 3 pounds and omit the dried fruit. Serve with vanilla low-fat ice cream, if desired; a small (1/4-cup) scoop will add 55 calories and 0.5 grams of saturated fat to each serving.

View Recipe: Cherry-Almond Crisp

Photo: John Autry

Pork Chops with Cherry Couscous

Sweet red cherries are a bountiful bargain, and they lend a wonderfully fresh, fruity element that pairs well with grilled pork.

View Recipe: Pork Chops with Cherry Couscous

Photo: Gentl & Hyers

Bittersweet Chocolate-Cherry Sorbet

Tart-sweet cherry and strong dark chocolate flavors meld beautifully in this surprisingly rich sorbet crowned with juicy fresh cherries. Use a high-quality jam for the sorbet, and be sure to start the process a day ahead for the best flavor and texture.

View Recipe: Bittersweet Chocolate-Cherry Sorbet

Photo: Oxmoor House

Cherry-Merlot Granita

Sweet cherries and robust merlot make for a colorful, refreshing chilled dessert. Because the granita requires at least 8 hours to freeze, add this to your list of smart entertaining recipes. Or have it on hand for a low-calorie mid-week dessert.

View Recipe: Cherry-Merlot Granita

Photo: Randy Mayor

Summer Cherries Jubilee

A cherry pitter makes short work of this recipe, but if you don't have one, just place two or three fruits at a time under the flat side of a knife and hit the knife lightly (not as hard as you would to crush garlic). The pits will pull right out with the stems, bringing this surprisingly sophisticated dessert together in a flash.

View Recipe: Summer Cherries Jubilee