My friend Olivia recently invited me over for a backyard barbecue, and I was blown away by the incredible cherry cobbler she served for dessert. It turns out her family has an amazing cherry tree, and she’s become quite the expert at whipping up delicious treats with the fresh fruit.

1. Classic Cherry Pie
Nothing says summer quite like a homemade cherry pie. Start with a buttery, flaky crust and fill it with pitted fresh cherries, sugar, and a touch of almond extract.
Classic Cherry Pie Recipes |
![]() Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Cooking Time: 7 hr.
Rating: 4.8.
Ingredients: Homemade pie crust, fresh cherries, almond extract, lemon juice, egg wash.
|
![]() Classic Cherry Pie Recipe from A Cozy Kitchen.
Cooking Time: 3 hr 40 min.
Rating: 5.
Ingredients: Brown sugar, vanilla bean, cherries, lemon juice, all purpose flour.
|
![]() Cherry Pie Recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.
Cooking Time: 2 hr 45 min.
Rating: 4.9.
Ingredients: Pie crust, sour cherries, sweet cherries, cinnamon, milk.
|
Source: Google.com
|
Add a sprinkle of cornstarch to thicken the filling, then top with a lattice crust for that picture-perfect finish. Bake until golden brown and bubbling, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer dessert.
2. Cherry Cheesecake Bars
These creamy, dreamy bars combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat.
Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipes |
![]() Cherry Cheesecake Bars from Carnation.
Rating: 5.
|
![]() Fresh Cherry Cheesecake Bars from Butternut Bakery.
Cooking Time: 3 h 45 min.
Rating: 4.9.
|
![]() Merry Cherry Cheesecake Bars from Land O’Lakes.
Cooking Time: 40 min.
Rating: 5.
|
Source: Google.com
|
Whip up a graham cracker crust, then top it with a smooth cream cheese filling studded with fresh cherries. Bake until set, then chill and cut into squares. The tangy sweetness of the cherries pairs perfectly with the rich cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s sure to impress at your next potluck or picnic.
3. Cherry Salsa
Give your chips a fruity twist with this unexpected salsa. Chop fresh cherries and mix them with diced red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Cherry Salsa Recipes |
![]() Cherry Salsa from Art From My Table.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Rating: 5.
Ingredients: Ribs, lime, sweet cherries, red onion, cilantro.
|
![]() Cherry Salsa from Everyday Southwest.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Rating: 4.8.
Ingredients: Brown sugar, fresh cherries, red onion, lime juice.
|
![]() Cherry Salsa from Food Network.
Cooking Time: 20 min.
Rating: 4.7.
Ingredients: Cherries, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, jalapeno pepper.
|
Source: Google.com
|
Add a pinch of salt and let the flavors meld for about 30 minutes before serving. This sweet and spicy salsa is great with tortilla chips, but it also makes a fantastic topping for grilled chicken or fish.
4. Fresh Cherry Lemonade
Beat the heat with this refreshing summer sipper. Muddle fresh cherries with sugar, then mix with freshly squeezed lemon juice and water.
Fresh Cherry Lemonade Recipes |
![]() Cherry lemonade from Caroline’s Cooking.
Rating: 5.
|
![]() Easy Cherry Lemonade from Foodtasia.
Rating: 5.
|
![]() Easy Cherry Lemonade from Small Town Woman.
Rating: 5.
|
Source: Google.com
|
Strain into glasses filled with ice and garnish with lemon slices and whole cherries. For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or rum. This pretty pink drink is perfect for lazy afternoons by the pool or backyard barbecues.
5. Cherry Almond Muffins
Start your day on a sweet note with these tender muffins. Mix fresh cherries into a simple almond-flavored batter, then bake until golden brown.
Cherry Almond Muffins Recipes |
![]() Cherry-Almond Muffins from King Arthur Baking.
Cooking Time: 55 min.
Rating: 4.7.
|
![]() Almond Cherry Muffins from Pretty. Simple. Sweet..
Cooking Time: 45 min.
Rating: 4.8.
|
![]() Cherry & almond muffins from Waitrose & Partners.
Cooking Time: 45 min.
|
Source: Google.com
|
The cherries become jammy and delicious in the oven, creating pockets of fruity goodness throughout the muffins. Sprinkle the tops with sliced almonds before baking for extra crunch and flavor. These make a great grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon snack.
6. Cherry Caprese Salad
Give the classic Italian salad a fruity twist. Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella and halved cherries on a platter, then sprinkle with torn basil leaves.
Cherry Caprese Salad Recipes |
![]() Cherry Caprese Salad from Better Homes & Gardens.
Rating: 5.
|
![]() Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.
Rating: 4.5.
|
![]() Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze from Natasha’s Food Adventures.
Rating: 5.
|
Source: Google.com
|
Drizzle with good-quality olive oil and balsamic glaze, then finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. The sweet cherries complement the creamy cheese beautifully, creating a unique and refreshing summer salad.
7. Cherry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Take your grilling game to the next level with this homemade sauce. Simmer fresh cherries with bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, and spices until thick and syrupy.
Cherry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce Recipes |
![]() Cherry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce from Cooking with Curls.
Cooking Time: 50 min.
Rating: 4.6.
Ingredients: Brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, fresh cherries, four roses, olive oil.
|
![]() Bourbon-Cherry Barbecue Sauce from Certified Piedmontese.
Ingredients: Orange juice, tomato sauce, dark brown sugar, cider vinegar, frozen cherries.
|
![]() Cherry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce from Healthy Nibbles by Lisa Lin.
Cooking Time: 55 min.
Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, tomato sauce, bourbon, pear juice, tomato paste.
|
Source: Google.com
|
Blend until smooth, then brush onto grilled chicken, pork, or ribs during the last few minutes of cooking. The cherries add a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce, elevating your barbecue to gourmet status.
8. Fresh Cherry Clafoutis
This classic French dessert is easier than it sounds. Whisk together a simple batter of eggs, milk, flour, and sugar, then pour it over fresh cherries in a buttered dish.
Fresh Cherry Clafoutis Recipes |
![]() Cherry Clafoutis from Simply Recipes.
Rating: 4.8.
|
![]() Cherry Clafoutis from Tastes Better From Scratch.
Rating: 4.9.
|
![]() Cherry Clafoutis from Once Upon a Chef.
Rating: 5.
|
Source: Google.com
|
Bake until puffed and golden, then dust with powdered sugar. The result is a custardy, pancake-like dessert studded with juicy cherries. Serve warm for breakfast or with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
9. Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini
Impress your guests with these elegant appetizers. Toast baguette slices, then spread with creamy goat cheese.
Cherry Goat Cheese Crostini Recipes |
![]() Cherry & Goat Cheese Crostini from EatingWell. |
![]() Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil from Ambitious Kitchen.
Rating: 5.
|
![]() Balsamic Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini from LideyLikes. |
Source: Google.com
|
Top with a mixture of chopped fresh cherries, honey, and fresh thyme. The combination of tangy cheese, sweet cherries, and aromatic herbs creates a perfect bite-sized treat. These are great for summer parties or as a light lunch alongside a crisp green salad.
10. Cherry Garcia Ice Cream
Create your own version of the famous flavor at home. Start with a vanilla ice cream base, then fold in chopped fresh cherries and dark chocolate chunks.
Cherry Garcia Ice Cream Recipes |
![]() Homemade Cherry Garcia Ice Cream from Served From Scratch.
Cooking Time: 7 h 15 min.
Rating: 4.8.
|
![]() Best Cottage Cheese Cherry Garcia Ice Cream Recipe from Gentle Tummy.
Cooking Time: 10 min.
Rating: 5.
|
![]() Cherry Garcia Ice Cream Recipe from Laura in the Kitchen.
Cooking Time: 25 min.
|
Source: Google.com
|
Freeze until firm, then scoop and enjoy. The fresh cherries add bursts of fruity flavor, while the chocolate provides a rich contrast. This homemade ice cream is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
From sweet treats to savory dishes, these fresh cherry recipes showcase the versatility of this beloved summer fruit.