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• Discover 5 easy cherry recipes using fresh, frozen, or dried cherries

• Learn the secret to the perfect Michigan cherry pie

• Explore savory and sweet cherry dishes for every occasion

What Are the 5 Best Cherry Recipes to Try at Home?

Published: April 2017 | Updated October 2025

Introduction

Curious about the best ways to enjoy cherries in your kitchen? Cherries aren’t just for pie—they can be transformed into salsa, cookies, and even elegant desserts. Whether fresh, frozen, or dried, cherries bring a balance of tartness and natural sweetness that elevates almost any dish.

In this post, you’ll discover five of the best cherry recipes, including Traverse Bay Farms’ own Michigan Cherry Pie. Each recipe is simple to follow and celebrates the natural flavor of cherries. For more cherry inspiration, check out our Michigan Cherry Recipe Cookbook.

About Traverse Bay Farms

Traverse Bay Farms has won 38+ national food awards for award winning taste, proudly using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible in their products and more.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Michigan produces over 70% of the nation’s tart cherries

• Cherries balance natural tartness with natural sugars

• Fresh, dried, or frozen cherries can be used in most recipes

• Traverse Bay Farms offers the industry’s only sediment-free cherry juice guarantee

1. Fresh Northwest Cherry Salsa

This salsa blends tart cherries, peppers, basil, and lemon for a fresh mix of sweet and heat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pitted fresh or frozen sweet cherries

• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped

• 1/3 cup green peppers, finely chopped

• 2 tsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp grated lemon peel

• ¼ tsp salt

• Dash of hot pepper sauce

Instructions

1. Chop cherries in a food processor or by hand.

2. Combine all ingredients and mix well.

3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition (per serving): 124 calories, 0g fat, 5g fiber.

2. Traditional Michigan Cherry Pie

This classic tart cherry pie is George Washington’s favorite dessert—reimagined with a dash of Traverse Bay Farms cherry juice concentrate.

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen or 2 cans unsweetened tart cherries (drained)

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 tbsp quick-cooking tapioca

• ½ tsp almond extract

• ¼ tsp Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Juice Concentrate

• Pastry for a 9-inch double crust

• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Mix cherries, sugar, tapioca, almond extract, and concentrate. Let sit 15 minutes.

2. Line pie pan with crust, add filling, dot with butter, cover with top crust.

3. Bake at 400°F for 50–55 minutes, until crust is golden.

3. Cherry Chewbilees (Dried Cherry Cookies)

A chewy, nutty cookie featuring Traverse Bay Farms dried cherries.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened

• ¾ cup sugar + ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 2¼ cups flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1½ cups dried tart cherries

• 1 cup cashews, chopped

• 10 oz white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Cream butter and sugars; add eggs and vanilla.

2. Stir in flour and baking soda. Fold in cherries, cashews, and chocolate.

3. Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

4. Maraschino Thumbprint Cookies

A chocolate cookie topped with cherry-filled centers.

Ingredients

• 2 jars maraschino cherries (reserve juice)

• ½ cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 egg, 1½ tsp vanilla

• 1½ cups flour, ½ cup cocoa, ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ cup chocolate chips, 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Make dough from butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, flour, cocoa, and baking powder.

2. Melt chocolate chips with milk, stir in cherry juice.

3. Roll dough into balls, press thumbprint, fill with chocolate, and top with a cherry.

4. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

5. Sweetheart Cherry Puff

A show-stopping puff pastry dessert with cherries and chocolate.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 6 oz semisweet chocolate, ¼ cup margarine, ¼ cup cream

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 can cherry pie filling

• 1 cup whipped topping

Instructions

1. Shape pastry into a heart, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. Cool.

2. Spread cooled pastry with chocolate-cream mixture.

3. Top with cherry filling and whipped cream.

People Also Ask

• What cherries are best for baking? Tart Montmorency cherries are preferred for pies and baked goods.

• Can dried cherries replace raisins in cookies? Yes, they add a tangy-sweet flavor and extra antioxidants.

• Are frozen cherries as healthy as fresh? Yes, frozen cherries retain nutrients and can be used year-round.

Summary

These five cherry recipes showcase just how versatile cherries can be. From salsa to cookies to a classic Michigan cherry pie, cherries fit into sweet and savory dishes alike. Enjoy Traverse Bay Farms award-winning products with every meal of the day ensures you enjoy the best flavor and quality every time.

Experience Award-Winning Flavor

Want to enjoy these recipes at home? Explore Traverse Bay Farms’ award-winning cherry products, with every meal of the day, Enjoy dried cherries, cherry concentrate, and tart cherry capsules—delivered straight to your door.

FAQ – Cherry Recipes

Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen cherries work well in most recipes and save prep time. They also retain nutrients.

Q: What’s the difference between tart and sweet cherries?
A: Tart cherries are sharper and commonly used for baking, while sweet cherries are best eaten fresh.

Q: Do dried cherries lose nutrients?
A: No, dried cherries still provide fiber and antioxidants, though natural sugars are more concentrated.

Q: How can I make cherry pie filling thicker?
A: Add quick-cooking tapioca, cornstarch, or a bit of flour to the cherry mixture before baking.

Q: Are cherries healthy to eat every day?
A: Yes, cherries are rich in antioxidants, melatonin, and fiber that support sleep, joints, and digestion.

Q: What are some savory dishes with cherries?
A: Try cherry salsa, quinoa salad with cherries, or glazed chicken with cherry sauce for a tangy twist.

Resources

Check these other resource for great cherry recipes.

• Grab a free copy of the Official Tart Cherry Health Report
• Cherry Nutrition Profile - Cherry Calories - 7 Facts