Cherry Recipes That Make the Most of Every Bite

Cherries are a bold, juicy fruit that work well in both sweet and savory recipes. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or dried, they add color, flavor, and a little something extra to the dish. Their natural sweetness also makes them great for reducing added sugar.

You’ll find cherries in everything from baked goods and sauces to salads and drinks. They pair nicely with chocolate, citrus, herbs, and even meats like pork or duck. That versatility makes them a go-to ingredient across seasons.

These recipes are a great way to make the most of every cherry—nothing fancy, just practical, flavorful ideas. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, there’s something here worth trying with a bag of cherries.

Sweet Cherry Handpies

Buttery, flaky pastry wrapped around a thick, jammy cherry filling—these handpies are made for snacking on the go. A quick brush of egg wash gives them that golden finish. They’re simple to make and hard to stop at one.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Handpies

Gluten free cherry cobbler

This cobbler keeps things naturally gluten free with an easy, crumbly topping over a juicy cherry layer. It’s warm and homey, perfect with a scoop of something cold on top. You won’t miss the flour at all.
Get the Recipe: Gluten free cherry cobbler

Bing Cherry Pie Filling

Made with fresh or frozen Bing cherries, this thick, glossy filling works beautifully in pies, bars, or even spooned over pancakes. It’s got just the right balance of tart and sweet. Keep a jar on hand—it stores well and adds flavor to so many things.
Get the Recipe: Bing Cherry Pie Filling

Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake

Sticky-sweet cherries and soft apricots caramelize under a golden, tender cake. Flip it out of the pan and you’ve got a stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks. The stone fruit pairing is especially nice in warmer months.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Apricot Upside Down Cake

Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Smooth and creamy, this ice cream is loaded with chocolate chips and chunks of cherries in every bite. It’s easy to make at home and even easier to finish off. A good pick when you want something cool with a little extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie

A thick blend of cream cheese, cherries, and a splash of vanilla makes this smoothie taste like dessert in a glass. It’s a great way to use frozen cherries, and it feels like a treat without a lot of fuss. Great for breakfast or an afternoon recharge.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

Classic cinnamon rolls meet juicy cherries in this soft, swirled bake. The fruit adds a nice brightness to the usual brown sugar filling. Drizzle with glaze and serve warm—it’s a twist that works especially well for brunch.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Danish

Using store-bought dough makes these danishes quick to prep but still big on flavor. Each one is filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and spoonful of cherry topping. They look pretty enough to share, but you might not want to.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Danish

Cherry Bars a GBBO Traybake

These cherry bars are a nod to that classic bake-off format—easy to slice, easy to serve. With a tender base, cherry filling, and a bit of crumble on top, they’re great for potlucks or picnics. One pan feeds a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Bars a GBBO Traybake

Cherry Chocolate Blossoms

Think of these like a cross between a cookie and a candy. Soft chocolate dough is pressed with a cherry in the center, making a nice contrast of rich and fruity. They’re small, festive, and fun to make with kids.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Chocolate Blossoms

Cherry Pie Bars

All the flavor of cherry pie but baked in a pan for easy slicing. These bars have a shortbread-like crust, a sweet-tart cherry layer, and a simple glaze. They’re great for holidays or everyday snacking.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pie Bars

Mid-Winter Rhubarb Cherry Crunch

This mix of tart rhubarb and sweet cherries bakes under a buttery oat topping. It’s especially good when fresh fruit is harder to come by. Serve warm—it’s got that cozy, old-fashioned feel.
Get the Recipe: Mid-Winter Rhubarb Cherry Crunch

Cherry Salad

This chilled dish mixes cherries with creamy and crunchy ingredients for a fresh, sweet side. It’s the kind of thing that shows up at summer picnics or holiday tables. Quick to prep and always a surprise hit.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Rich cheesecake gets dotted with cherries and mini chocolate chips, making each slice a little bit different. The flavors are bold but not over the top. It holds up well in the fridge too—if you have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Ground Cherry Jam

Ground cherries aren’t true cherries, but they make a golden, sweet-tart jam that’s perfect for toast or cheese boards. It cooks down quickly and sets up nicely without a lot of fuss. A small-batch favorite.
Get the Recipe: Ground Cherry Jam

Sweet Cherry Cobbler

This version leans into the natural sweetness of ripe cherries, baked under a biscuit-style topping. It’s rustic and straightforward, just the way cobblers should be. Add a scoop of vanilla if you’re in the mood.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Cobbler

Chocolate Cherry Cobbler Cake

Somewhere between a brownie and a cobbler, this one is rich with chocolate and studded with cherries. It forms a soft cake layer as it bakes, with fruit bubbling underneath. It’s easy to throw together and feels a little fancy.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Cobbler Cake

Cherry Dump Cake

No mixing bowls needed—just layer canned cherry filling, cake mix, and butter, then bake. It comes out golden and gooey, perfect with whipped cream or ice cream. Great when you want something warm and low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Dump Cake

Cherry Cheesecake

A graham crust, creamy filling, and glossy cherry topping make this one a classic. It’s as good for celebrations as it is for a weekend treat. Chilling it well is the key to clean slices.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake

Old Fashioned Cherry Strudel

Thin layers of pastry wrap around a spiced cherry filling in this old-school bake. It takes a little time, but the flaky layers are worth it. Serve in slices with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Cherry Strudel