13 Irresistible Cherry Desserts to Make This Summer

Does the thought of vibrant, ruby-red cherries make your mouth water? Summer brings an abundance of these juicy gems, and transforming them into delicious cherry desserts is one of the season’s greatest pleasures. From classic pies to refreshing frozen treats, the possibilities seem endless, but sometimes knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.

You might find yourself wondering how to best capture that perfect balance of sweet and tart, or perhaps you’re looking for ways to use up a generous haul from the farmer’s market before they spoil. Maybe you’re simply seeking new inspiration beyond the usual cherry pie, wanting something exciting and different to impress family and friends at your next summer gathering. The fear of a runny pie filling or a complicated recipe can often hold us back from enjoying homemade cherry goodness.

What are the best cherry desserts to make this summer? The best options utilize peak-season fresh cherries, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, ranging from refreshing no-bake delights like cheesecakes and semifreddos to comforting baked classics like pies, cobblers, and cakes. This guide provides 13 irresistible recipes, catering to various skill levels and preferences, ensuring you find the perfect way to celebrate cherry season. We’ll explore everything from easy dump cakes and rustic tarts to elegant layered cakes and cool, creamy frozen yogurts. Get ready to unlock the full potential of summer cherries!

Why Are Cherry Desserts the Perfect Summer Treat?

Cherry desserts are perfect for summer because they utilize peak-season fresh cherries, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. They range from refreshing no-bake options ideal for hot days to comforting baked goods perfect for cooler evenings, making them incredibly versatile for various summer occasions and gatherings. Cherries bring vibrant color and juicy texture, instantly elevating any dessert.

Think about it: the arrival of fresh cherries signals the heart of summer. Their natural sweetness, often balanced by a pleasant tartness, makes them uniquely suited for desserts. Unlike heavier winter treats, many cherry desserts can be light and refreshing. Imagine a cool slice of cherry cheesecake on a warm afternoon or a scoop of vibrant cherry sorbet.

Furthermore, cherries are incredibly versatile. They shine in simple preparations like cobblers and crisps, but also star in more complex creations like layered cakes and elegant tarts. Whether you prefer the deep flavor of sweet Bing cherries or the zesty tang of sour Morellos, there’s a cherry dessert recipe waiting for you. This versatility extends to preparation methods – you can find fantastic recipes using fresh, frozen, or even canned cherries, ensuring delicious results regardless of availability. Find answers to more common questions in our Cherry Dessert FAQ.

13 Irresistible Cherry Dessert Recipes for Summer Baking

Discover 13 irresistible cherry desserts perfect for summer, including classic pies, easy cobblers, decadent brownies, refreshing frozen treats, and simple no-bake options. These recipes utilize fresh, frozen, or canned cherries for delicious results, showcasing the incredible versatility of this beloved summer fruit. Get ready to bake (or not bake!) your way through cherry season.

Here’s the deal: we’ve curated a list that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a showstopper or a beginner seeking an easy win, you’ll find inspiration here. We cover different textures, flavor profiles, and preparation times, ensuring you can find the perfect cherry dessert for any occasion. Let’s dive into these amazing cherry dessert recipes!

1. Summer Cherry Crunch Cake

This Summer Cherry Crunch Cake features a moist batter infused with orange and almond, topped with a buttery almond-cinnamon crumble. Fresh cherries are folded in, making it a perfect way to celebrate cherry season and a delightful alternative to standard coffee cakes.

Imagine a tender cake, subtly flavored with bright orange juice and warm almond extract, studded throughout with juicy fresh cherries. Now, picture that topped with a generous layer of buttery, crunchy crumble packed with slivered almonds and a hint of cinnamon. That’s the magic of this Cherry Crunch Cake. It’s relatively straightforward to make and showcases fresh summer cherries beautifully. Serve it warm for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. According to the Kitchen Wrangler, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Key Takeaway: This cake combines a moist, flavorful base with a delightful crunchy topping, making excellent use of fresh, seasonal cherries.

2. Rustic Three-Cherry Tart

The Rustic Three-Cherry Tart is a simple galette featuring an easy-to-make crust filled with a flavorful mix of three fresh cherry varieties. Its free-form style makes it approachable for bakers of all levels and visually stunning with minimal effort.

Don’t let the word “tart” intimidate you! This recipe embraces a rustic, galette style, meaning no fussy pie dish or crimping is required. You simply fold the edges of the easy-to-prepare dough over the vibrant cherry filling. Using a mix of three different fresh cherry varieties (like Bing, Rainier, and sour cherries) creates a wonderfully complex flavor profile – a little sweet, a little tart, and deeply fruity. It’s elegant enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight treat, as demonstrated by recipes like those found inspiration from Martha Stewart.

Tip: A sprinkle of coarse sugar on the crust before baking adds a lovely sparkle and extra crunch.

3. Cherry Cobbler

This Cherry Cobbler combines juicy fresh or frozen cherries with a hint of almond and vanilla, topped with a unique, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie-like crust. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate classic comfort dessert experience.

Cobbler is a quintessential fruit dessert, and this cherry version is a standout. What makes it special? The topping! Instead of a traditional biscuit or batter, this recipe features a topping that bakes up like a soft, tender sugar cookie, infused with vanilla or almond extract. Beneath lies a bubbling, juicy filling made with either fresh or frozen cherries, making it accessible year-round. As highlighted by recipe creators like Celebrating Sweets, the simplicity and comforting flavors make it a perennial favorite. The Food Network also offers variations showcasing its enduring appeal.

Key Takeaway: This cobbler recipe is easy to adapt using fresh or frozen cherries and features a unique, delicious cookie-like topping.

4. Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

a decadent close-up photograph of several cut squares of Cherry Cheesecake Brownies, highlighting the distinct layers of dark fudgy brownie base, creamy white cheesecake middle, and vibrant red cherry swirl topping, arranged attractively on a rustic wooden board, soft natural lighting, style: high-resolution food photography

a vibrant close-up shot of Cherry Cheesecake Brownies, showcasing several cut squares with the distinct layers of dark fudgy brownie, creamy white cheesecake, and vibrant red cherry swirl, arranged on a glossy white plate, bright studio lighting, style: modern food styling

a high-quality close-up photograph of Cherry Cheesecake Brownies, featuring several cut squares with the distinct layers of dark fudgy brownie, creamy white cheesecake, and vibrant red cherry swirl, arranged artfully on a marble countertop, warm ambient lighting, style: gourmet food photography

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies feature a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a layer of creamy cheesecake swirled with sweet-tart cherry pie filling. It’s an incredibly decadent and visually stunning combination of classic chocolate, tangy cheesecake, and bright cherry flavors.

Why choose between brownies, cheesecake, or cherry pie when you can have all three? These bars layer intense, fudgy chocolate brownies with a smooth, creamy cheesecake mixture. The crowning glory is a generous swirl of vibrant cherry pie filling, adding fruity sweetness and a tart counterpoint. They look impressive but are surprisingly manageable to make. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these bars, often featured in publications like Southern Living, are a guaranteed hit.

Tip: Use a good quality chocolate for the brownie base for the best flavor. Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices.

5. Fresh Cherry Pie

A classic Fresh Cherry Pie uses sweet or sour cherries enveloped in a buttery homemade crust, often enhanced with a touch of almond extract. The beautiful lattice top makes it a quintessential summer dessert, perfect for showcasing the bounty of the season and creating lasting memories.

There’s nothing quite like a homemade cherry pie, especially when made with fresh, peak-season fruit. While it requires a bit more effort than some other desserts on this list, the reward is immense. Learn how to make cherry pie with a flaky, buttery crust encasing a bubbling, perfectly sweet-tart cherry filling. Whether you prefer sweet Bing or tangy sour cherries, the key is a good balance of fruit, sugar, and a thickener like cornstarch or tapioca. A hint of almond extract complements the cherries beautifully. Many resources like Allrecipes offer reliable methods, while bakers like Zoë Bakes provide expert tips for achieving that perfect slice.

Key Takeaway: A truly iconic summer dessert. Making your own crust and using fresh cherries yields the most rewarding flavor.

6. Cherry-Raspberry Semifreddo

This Cherry-Raspberry Semifreddo is a sophisticated no-churn frozen dessert blending sweet cherries and tangy raspberries. A subtle hint of elderflower liqueur adds a delicate floral note, making it incredibly refreshing and elegant for summer entertaining.

Semifreddo, meaning “half-frozen” in Italian, offers the creamy texture of ice cream without requiring an ice cream maker. This version combines the sweetness of cherries with the bright tang of raspberries for a balanced fruit flavor. A touch of elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) adds an unexpected and sophisticated floral dimension. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up – simply fold the fruit puree and flavorings into whipped cream and meringue or condensed milk base, then freeze until firm. Inspired by elegant desserts often featured by creators like Martha Stewart, it’s perfect for making ahead.

Tip: Gently fold the ingredients to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream or meringue.

7. Sour Cherry Sorbet

Make a vibrant Sour Cherry Sorbet using only five ingredients: sour cherries, sugar, dry white wine, almond extract, and salt. This intensely flavored, light, and refreshing dessert is perfect for cooling down on hot summer days and showcasing the unique tang of sour cherries.

If you love the bright, tangy flavor of sour cherries, this sorbet is for you. It captures the pure essence of the fruit in a light, icy treat. Using just a handful of ingredients – sour cherries (fresh or frozen), sugar for sweetness, dry white wine for complexity and smoother texture, a drop of almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor, and a pinch of salt to balance – this sorbet is incredibly straightforward. An ice cream maker yields the smoothest results, but no-churn methods are also possible. Find simple, effective recipes on sites like Allrecipes for this delightful summer cooler.

Key Takeaway: A simple, intensely flavored sorbet that highlights the unique tartness of sour cherries.

8. Cherry-Vanilla Milkshake With Root Beer Granita

Try a Cherry-Vanilla Milkshake topped with Root Beer Granita for a fun, unexpected twist on a classic root beer float. Blend creamy vanilla ice cream with sweet or sour cherries, then top generously with fluffy, frozen shavings of root beer for an extra layer of flavor and icy texture.

This creative concoction elevates the humble milkshake. Start with a creamy base of vanilla ice cream blended with cherries (sour cherries add a nice tang). The real star is the topping: a simple granita made by freezing root beer and scraping it into icy flakes. The combination of creamy cherry-vanilla shake and the sharp, icy root beer granita offers a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. It’s playful, nostalgic, and utterly delicious – a unique idea sometimes explored by inventive cooks like those at Martha Stewart.

Tip: Make the root beer granita ahead of time; it needs several hours to freeze properly.

9. Cherry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt

This Cherry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt offers a creamy, velvety texture with delightful bursts of cherry flavor and tangy cheesecake notes. It’s an indulgent yet refreshingly lighter frozen treat perfect for satisfying summer cravings without the heaviness of traditional cheesecake.

Capture the beloved flavors of cherry cheesecake in a cool, creamy frozen yogurt. This recipe typically involves blending yogurt (Greek yogurt adds extra tang and creaminess) with cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and plenty of cherries (either fresh, frozen, or a cherry swirl). The result is a smooth, tangy, and intensely cherry-flavored frozen dessert. Many home cooks find inspiration on platforms like Allrecipes or follow techniques from bakers like Zoë Bakes (adapting her cheesecake concepts to froyo), achieving that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fruity. An ice cream maker helps achieve the best texture.

Key Takeaway: A lighter way to enjoy cherry cheesecake flavors in a refreshing frozen format.

10. Sweet Washington Cherry Pie

Use peak-season Bing cherries, known for their natural sweetness, for this Sweet Washington Cherry Pie, packed with intense fruit flavor balanced by a touch of lemon juice. A simple sugar mixture enhances the cherries’ profile within a classic pie crust for a truly delicious pie experience celebrating sweet cherries.

While some prefer the tartness of sour cherries in pie, this recipe celebrates the deep sweetness of Bing cherries, often associated with Washington state’s harvest. The key is using perfectly ripe, sweet cherries and balancing their natural sugars with just enough added sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. This allows the pure, intense cherry taste to shine through. Encased in your favorite pie crust, it’s a simpler, often sweeter take on the classic cherry pie, highlighted in recipes found on sites like Allrecipes.

Tip: Taste your cherries before adding sugar; adjust the amount based on their natural sweetness.

11. Chocolate-Cherry Cake With Marsala Cream

This elegant Chocolate-Cherry Cake pairs rich, moist dark chocolate cake layers with a vibrant, tart cherry compote, potentially spiked with Kirschwasser. It’s finished with a luxurious, subtly sweet Marsala-infused whipped cream for a sophisticated dessert reminiscent of Black Forest cake but with a unique twist.

For a truly show-stopping dessert, consider this layered creation. Deep, dark chocolate cake provides a rich foundation. This is complemented by a bright cherry compote, often made with sour cherries and perhaps a splash of Kirschwasser (cherry brandy) for authentic Black Forest vibes. What sets this cake apart is the light, airy whipped cream infused with sweet Marsala wine, adding a complex, nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate and cherries. It’s a sophisticated combination perfect for special occasions, drawing inspiration from creative recipes sometimes featured by sources like the Food Network or Zoë Bakes’ chocolate cherry variations.

Key Takeaway: An elegant, multi-layered cake offering a sophisticated blend of chocolate, cherry, and Marsala wine flavors.

12. Cherry Dump Cake

A Cherry Dump Cake is incredibly easy to make, simply layering fresh, frozen, or canned sour cherries (or pie filling) in a baking dish, topped evenly with dry cake mix and slices of butter, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a simple, foolproof, and delicious dessert perfect for potlucks or quick weeknight treats.

Looking for maximum flavor with minimal effort? Meet the dump cake! This aptly named dessert requires virtually no mixing. You literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish. Typically, it starts with a layer of cherry pie filling or fresh/frozen cherries tossed with sugar. This is topped with a layer of dry cake mix (yellow or white works well), followed by melted butter or thin pats of butter dotted over the top. As it bakes, the butter melts into the cake mix, creating a buttery, crumbly, cobbler-like topping over the bubbling cherry base. It’s a beloved shortcut dessert found everywhere from Southern Living to home bakers like Zoë Bakes, proving its enduring appeal.

Tip: While cherry pie filling is common, using canned or frozen sour cherries tossed with sugar and a little cornstarch yields a less overtly sweet, more balanced result.

13. No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

Make an easy No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake featuring a smooth, creamy ricotta or cream cheese filling set in a graham cracker crust, crowned with a unique cherry topping enhanced with balsamic vinegar and cinnamon. No oven is needed for this cool, tangy, and refreshing summer dessert!

Beat the summer heat with a delicious cheesecake that requires zero oven time! No-bake cheesecakes typically rely on cream cheese, whipped cream, or sometimes ricotta, set in a classic graham cracker crust. This version gets a flavor upgrade with a sophisticated cherry topping. Instead of standard pie filling, fresh or frozen cherries are simmered with sugar, a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth and tang, and a hint of cinnamon for warmth. This creates a complex, not-too-sweet topping that beautifully complements the creamy filling. Concepts like this appear in various forms, with inspiration drawn from reliable sources like Martha Stewart or adaptations from Food Network classics.

Key Takeaway: A refreshing, oven-free cheesecake option with a uniquely flavored balsamic-cherry topping.

FAQs About Cherry Desserts:

Have questions about baking with cherries? You’re not alone! Here are answers to some common queries about making delicious cherry desserts. We cover everything from choosing the right cherries to storing your creations. Check out these cherry dessert tips for more guidance.

What kind of desserts can I make with cherries?

You can make an incredibly wide variety of desserts with cherries, including pies, cobblers, crisps, cakes, tarts, galettes, cheesecakes (baked and no-bake), brownies, bars, muffins, scones, sorbets, ice creams, frozen yogurts, milkshakes, sauces, and compotes. Cherries work well in both rustic, simple preparations and elegant, complex desserts.

Can I use fresh, frozen, or canned cherries interchangeably in recipes?

Often, yes, but with adjustments. Fresh cherries offer the best flavor and texture. Frozen cherries (thawed and drained) are a great substitute, though they might release more liquid; you may need extra thickener. Canned cherries (especially pie filling) are convenient but usually much sweeter and softer; reduce sugar significantly and be mindful of texture differences. Always check your specific recipe for recommendations.

What’s the difference between sweet and sour cherries for baking?

Sweet cherries (like Bing, Rainier) are best eaten fresh but can be used in desserts where less tartness is desired, often requiring less added sugar. Sour cherries (like Montmorency, Morello) hold their shape better when cooked and provide a classic tart flavor ideal for pies, cobblers, and sauces; they typically require more sugar to balance their tanginess.

How do I prevent my cherry pie filling from being too runny?

Use an adequate amount of thickener (like cornstarch, tapioca starch, or flour), ensuring it’s properly incorporated with the sugar before adding liquid. Cooking the filling briefly on the stovetop before adding it to the pie crust can help activate the thickener. Allowing the pie to cool completely (several hours) before slicing is crucial for the filling to set properly.

How should I store leftover cherry desserts?

Most baked cherry desserts (pies, cobblers, cakes) can be stored loosely covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. Desserts with cream cheese or whipped cream (cheesecakes, certain cakes, semifreddo) should always be refrigerated. Frozen desserts (sorbet, frozen yogurt) must be kept in the freezer. Bring baked goods to room temperature or gently reheat before serving if desired.

Summary:

Summer and cherry desserts go hand-in-hand, offering a delightful way to celebrate the season’s bounty. From the comforting warmth of a Cherry Cobbler to the cool refreshment of a No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake or Sour Cherry Sorbet, the versatility of cherries is truly remarkable. We’ve explored 13 irresistible recipes, showcasing everything from easy Cherry Dump Cakes and Rustic Tarts to decadent Cherry Cheesecake Brownies and elegant layered cakes.

Whether you prefer sweet or sour cherries, fresh or frozen, baked goods or frozen treats, there’s a perfect cherry dessert waiting for you to try. Don’t be intimidated by homemade pie crusts or layered cakes – many of these recipes are surprisingly simple, and the results are always rewarding. So, head to the kitchen, embrace the vibrant flavor of summer cherries, and create some delicious memories with these fantastic best cherry dessert ideas. Happy baking (or chilling)!