Ten Best Cherry Recipes You Need to Try in 2025
Published: September 2025
In this post, you’ll discover ten recipes that consistently rank as the most popular ways to enjoy cherries. These dishes capture the fruit’s sweet-tart flavor while highlighting its versatility in desserts, beverages, and savory pairings.
Ever wondered what the most popular cherry recipes are? From pies that define summer gatherings to jams that brighten winter mornings, cherries have been beloved in kitchens around the world for centuries.
Also, feel free to download our Michigan Cherry Recipe Cookbook for Every Meal of the Day for even more inspiration.
About Traverse Bay Farms
Traverse Bay Farms has won 38+ national food awards for its fruit-based wellness products, proudly using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible.
Key Facts at a Glance
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Montmorency tart cherries are the most common variety in baking and for cherry juice
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Cherry pie has been an American favorite since the 1800s
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Cherries pair well with chocolate, nuts, and savory meats
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Traverse Bay Farms offers sediment-free cherry juice and award-winning jams
The Ten Most Popular Cherry Recipes
1. Classic Cherry Pie
A flaky crust filled with tart, juicy cherries makes this the most iconic cherry dessert.
Recipe:
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2 cups pitted tart cherries
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3/4 cup sugar
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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1/4 tsp almond extract
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1 double pie crust
Mix cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Add almond extract. Fill crust, cover with top crust, and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until golden brown.
2. Cherry Cobbler
Rustic and comforting, cobbler is perfect for highlighting cherry flavor.
Recipe:
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3 cups pitted cherries
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1/2 cup sugar
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2 tsp lemon juice
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1 cup flour
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1/4 cup butter
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1/2 cup milk
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1 tsp baking powder
Place cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a baking dish. Mix dry ingredients, add butter and milk to form batter. Spoon over cherries. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
3. Cherry Smoothie
Quick, refreshing, and naturally antioxidant-rich.
Recipe:
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1 cup frozen cherries
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1/2 banana
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1/2 cup Greek yogurt
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3/4 cup almond milk
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1 tsp honey
Blend until creamy. Serve immediately.
4. Cherry Jam
Homemade jam captures the summer sweetness of cherries.
Recipe:
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3 cups cherries, pitted and chopped - Enjoy fresh cherries shipped to your door, during the summer harvest season
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1 1/2 cups sugar
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2 tbsp lemon juice
Simmer cherries with sugar and lemon juice for 30–40 minutes until thickened. Pour into jars and refrigerate.
5. Black Forest Cake
Decadent layers of chocolate and cherries for special occasions.
Recipe:
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1 chocolate cake (8-inch, baked and cooled)
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2 cups whipped cream
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1 cup cherry pie filling or fresh cherries
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2 oz dark chocolate shavings
Slice cake into two layers. Spread whipped cream and cherries between layers. Top with more cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings.
6. Cherry Salsa
A sweet-spicy surprise perfect with chips or grilled meats.
Recipe:
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1 cup pitted cherries, chopped
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
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2 tbsp lime juice
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2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
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Pinch of salt
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
7. Cherry Clafoutis
A French-inspired custard dessert that’s simple yet elegant.
Recipe:
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2 cups cherries, pitted
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3 eggs
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1/2 cup sugar
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1 cup milk
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1/2 cup flour
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Butter a baking dish and spread cherries inside. Blend remaining ingredients into a batter. Pour over cherries. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes until golden.
8. Cherry Crisp
Comforting, crunchy, and perfect for weeknight desserts.
Recipe:
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3 cups pitted cherries
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1/2 cup sugar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 cup oats
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1/2 cup flour
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup butter, melted
Mix cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a baking dish. Combine oats, flour, sugar, and butter into a crumble topping. Sprinkle on top. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
9. Cherry Sauce for Meat
A savory-sweet glaze that pairs beautifully with pork or duck.
Recipe:
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1 cup tart cherries, pitted
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1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
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2 tbsp honey
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1/2 cup chicken broth
Simmer cherries with vinegar, honey, and broth until reduced and thickened. Spoon over cooked meat.
10. Cherry Juice Spritzer
A refreshing drink that’s both hydrating and health-supportive.
Recipe:
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1 cup sparkling water
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Ice and fresh mint for garnish
Stir juice into sparkling water. Serve over ice with mint.
Summary
From pies and jams to smoothies and salsas, cherries shine in every season. These ten popular recipes show just how versatile this fruit can be in the kitchen.
Michigan Cherry Recipes
Looking to try cherries in a new way? Traverse Bay Farms offers tart cherry juice concentrate, dried cherries, and award-winning jams—crafted with as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and winner of 38+ national food awards.
FAQs
Q: What’s the most popular cherry recipe?
A: Cherry pie consistently ranks as the top favorite.
Q: Can cherries be used in savory recipes?
A: Yes—cherries pair well with meats like pork and duck.
Q: Which type of cherry is best for baking?
A: Montmorency tart cherries are the classic choice for pies and cobblers.
Q: How do I make cherry juice more refreshing?
A: Mix tart cherry concentrate with sparkling water for a spritzer.
People Also Ask
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What makes cherry pie so popular in America?
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How can I use cherries in savory dishes?
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What’s the difference between cobbler and crisp?
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Which cherries are best for smoothies?
Michigan Cherry Recipe Recipe Book
Cherries have a way of transforming simple recipes into something unforgettable. Whether you’re baking a pie, blending a smoothie, or topping ice cream with cherry sauce, these recipes prove that cherries belong in every kitchen.
Want more creative ideas? Download our Michigan Cherry Recipe Cookbook for Every Meal of the Day and discover even more ways to bring cherries to your table.
Start Today...
Bring the taste of Michigan into your home. Explore our tart cherry products or grab our free downloadable recipe cookbook to start cooking today.
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