7 Creative Cherry Recipes That Go Beyond Cherry Pie

cHeri pie is a delicious dessert, but it certainly isn’t the only way to use cherries as an ingredient. As the warm summer months ripen these ruby red beauties, there are endless ways to cook with them. From refreshing smoothies to pre-workout snacks, tart (or sweet!) cherries can do it all with the right recipes. It is also highly nutritious and can aid in recovery after exercise, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation, to name a few.

Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet for dessert or looking for an easy side dish for dinner, these are the cherry recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

Creative cherry recipes for summer

1. Coconut Cherry Parfait

Photo: Getty Images / Karissa

This recipe comes from journalist and explorer Dan Buettner, a world-renowned expert on long-lived hot spots called blue zones. His cherry-coconut parfait recipe is low-sugar and plant-based, which is pretty much how people in the Blue Zones like to eat. Buettner replaces the yogurt with silken tofu, which he mixes with coconut milk, lemon peel, and honey as a vegan alternative. Covered with reduced cherry and maple syrup, this cherry parfait recipe makes the perfect light breakfast or healthy dessert.

Get the recipe: Coconut Cherry Parfait

2. Northwest Lemonade

This recipe makes a light, refreshing smoothie filled with fresh summer produce, like zucchini, beets, berries, and of course sweet cherries. The recipe calls for almond milk, but you can get creative with other non-dairy options, such as creamy coconut milk or delicious oat milk. Pour the mixture directly over the ice and top with a few lemons for added flavour.

Get the recipe: Northwest Lemonade

3. Brilliant vegan berry crumble

If you are a fan of fruit, you won’t want to skip this recipe. The amazing berry crumbs in Sweet Potato Soul are filled with summer fruits, like cherries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and raspberries.

“For years, I’ve done Brilliant Berry Crumble in cooking classes when I lived in New York. It’s always been a hit for the obvious reasons: It’s so tasty, easy to prepare, and on the healthy side,” recipe creator Jenné Claiborne wrote in her blog. “But people also love it because you can substitute the fruit for whatever is in season. Berries, cherries, and peaches are perfect for spring and summer, while persimmons, pears, and apples are great in the cooler months.”

Get the recipe: Brilliant berry crumble

4. cherry tabbouleh tart

Cherries aren’t just for dessert. The refreshing fruit can be used in savory meals, too, like this tart cherry tabbouleh recipe from Love & Lemons. This easy salad calls for loads of fresh ingredients like flavorful millet, crisp parsley, and crunchy cucumbers. Topped with dried cherries and spicy spices like lemon juice and white wine vinegar, this tabbouleh is great as a side or main dish. Plus, it only takes 35 minutes.

Get the recipe: cherry tabbouleh

5. Strawberry cherry streusel cake

Want to make a dessert with sweet and juicy cherries Not Cherry pie? Check out this cherry strawberry cake from Half-Baked Harvest. The streusel filling makes it light enough to enjoy on a hot summer day, while the fruity flavors blend seamlessly with hints of cardamom, vanilla, and bourbon. Eat it straight away or top it with some creamy vanilla ice cream for a mouth-watering treat.

Get the recipe: strawberry cherry streusel cake

6. Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Balls

Gluten Free Energy Balls are perfect for pre-workout snacks. This Fit Mitt Kitchen recipe calls for healthy ingredients like rolled oats, chia seeds, raw honey, and creamy nut butter. Wrapped in some mini chocolate chips, dried cherries, and a pinch of cinnamon, you’ll have an easy on-the-go snack to bring anywhere. Replace honey with brown rice syrup for a vegan alternative.

Get the recipe: Cherry Chocolate Energy Balls

7. Sweet Cherry Chocolate Chia Pudding

Don’t let the look of this chocolate fudge recipe fool you – it’s loader with nutrients. From sweet cherries, which help regulate inflammation and regulate sleep, to fiber-friendly chia, this decadent dessert from Emilie Eats is actually good for you. Whisk the nondairy milk, chia seeds, and cocoa powder together before letting it sit for two hours. Once cool, add sweet cherries and enjoy.

Get the recipe: Sweet cherry chia pudding

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