C.Herry Pie is a delicious dessert, but it’s certainly not the only way to use cherries as an ingredient. As these ruby red beauties mature in the warm summer months, there are myriad ways to cook with them. From refreshing smoothies to pre-workout snacks, the tart (or sweet!) Cherry can do it all with the right recipes. They’re also extremely nutritious and can aid post-exercise recovery, improved sleep, and reduction in inflammation, to name a few benefits.
Whether you fancy something sweet for dessert or are looking for a light side dish for dinner, you will want to make these cherry recipes over and over again.
Creative cherry recipes for the summer
1. Perfect coconut cherry
Photo: Getty Images / Karisssa
This recipe comes from journalist and explorer Dan Büttner, a world-renowned expert on longevity hotspots called Blue Zones. His coconut and cherry parfait recipe is low-sugar and plant-based, which is what people in the Blue Zones mostly like to eat. Büttner swaps yoghurt for silky tofu, which he mixes with coconut milk, lemon peel and honey to create a vegetarian-friendly alternative. Topped with a cherry maple syrup reduction, this cherry parfait recipe is the perfect breakfast snack or healthy dessert.
Get the Recipe: Perfect coconut cherry
2. Northwest cherry and lime smoothie
This recipe makes a light, refreshing smoothie with fresh summer products such as zucchini, beets, raspberries and of course sweet cherries. The recipe calls for almond milk, but you can get creative with other dairy-free options like creamy coconut milk or delicious oat milk. Pour your mixture straight onto ice and add a squeeze of lime for a little more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Northwest cherry and lime smoothie
3. Brilliant vegan berry crumble
Photo: sweet potato soul
If you’re a fruit fanatic, don’t skip this recipe. Sweet Potato Soul’s incredible berry crumble is packed full of summery fruits like cherries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.
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“For years I made this Brilliant Berry Crumble in my cooking classes when I lived in New York. It was always a hit for the obvious reasons: It’s absolutely delicious, easy to prepare and healthier, ”writes recipe creator Jenné Claiborne on her blog. “But people also love it because you can exchange the fruit for anything that’s in season. Berries, cherries and peaches are perfect for spring and summer, while persimmons, pears and apples are divine in the cooler months. “
Get the Recipe: Brilliant vegan berry crumble
4. Sour cherry tabbouleh
Photo: Love & Lemons
Cherries aren’t just for dessert. The spicy fruit can also be used for hearty dishes, such as this sour cherry tabbouleh recipe from Love & Lemons. This simple salad calls for lots of fresh ingredients like hearty millet, crunchy parsley, and crunchy cucumber. Topped with dried sour cherries and spicy dressings such as lemon juice and white wine vinegar, this tabbouleh is ideal as a side dish or main course. In addition, it only takes 35 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh with cherry cake
5. Cherry and strawberry crumble cake
Photo: Half-baked harvest
Would you like to make a dessert with sweet, juicy cherries that is not a cherry pie? Check out this cherry and strawberry crumble cake from Half-Baked Harvest. The streusel filling makes it light enough to indulge in on hot summer days, while its fruit flavors blend seamlessly with hints of cardamom, vanilla and bourbon. Eat it straight or garnish it with some creamy vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
Get the Recipe: Cherry and strawberry crumble cake
6. Energy balls with cherry chocolate chips
Photo: Fit Mitt Kitchen
These gluten-free energy balls are perfect for pre-workout snacking. Fit Mitt Kitchen’s recipe calls for healthy ingredients like oatmeal, chia seeds, raw honey, and creamy nut butters. Rolled with some mini chocolate chips, dried cherries, and a pinch of cinnamon, you have an easy on-the-go snack that you can take with you almost anywhere. Replace the honey with a brown rice syrup for a vegan-friendly alternative.
Get the Recipe: Cherry chocolate energy balls
7. Sweet cherry and chocolate chia pudding
Photo: Emilie eats
Don’t let the look of this chocolate pudding recipe fool you – it’s packed with nutrients. From the sweet cherries that help with inflammation and sleep regulation to the fiber-friendly chia, this decadent dessert from Emilie Eats is actually good for you. Beat together non-milk, chia seeds, and cocoa powder before allowing it to sit for two hours. Once it’s chilled, add your sweet cherries and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet cherry chocolate chia pudding
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