This year, I was looking forward to my tart cherry season. Normally, I freeze some for later and make my usual batch of cherry jelly, but with this time around, I wanted something different.
I wanted to experiment with new recipes beyond the usual jam and jelly routine.
So, I did some research and gathered some fantastic cherry recipes that I tested out—and now, I’m excited to share them with you!
1. Brandy-Soaked Cherries
One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to preserve tart cherries is to soak them in brandy.
I simply pitted them, placed them in a jar, and poured in a budget-friendly brandy.
For extra flavor, I tossed in some cinnamon sticks and cloves.
Over time, the cherries become richer in flavor, making them a perfect addition to desserts or an indulgent topping for ice cream.
2. Cherry Burgers
Now, this one caught me by surprise, but it turned out to be a game-changer.
Finely chopping tart cherries and mixing them into ground beef before grilling adds moisture and a slight sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
The result? A juicy, flavorful burger that looks as good as it tastes.
3. Homemade Cherry Shrub
A cherry shrub is a tart, tangy syrup that works great in cocktails or mixed with sparkling water.
To make it, I macerated my cherries with sugar and let the mixture sit for about 24 hours.
Then, I stirred in apple cider vinegar and let it chill in the fridge.
A splash of this over ice with club soda is the ultimate refreshing drink.
4. Cherry Mustard BBQ Sauce
I combined cherry preserves with grainy mustard and a touch of Thai sweet chili sauce.
This sauce turned out to be a fantastic glaze for ribs or grilled chicken.
The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy combination takes barbecue flavors to the next level!
5. Cherry Almond Yogurt Cake
For a delightful baked treat, I made a cherry almond yogurt cake.
The tart cherries, combined with the nutty almond flour and a hint of lemon zest, created a soft, moist loaf that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
6. Hot Cherry Pepper Jelly
Since I already love making cherry jelly, I decided to experiment with a spicy version.
By adding crushed red pepper flakes and black peppercorns, I created a jelly that has the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
It’s incredible on a charcuterie board or paired with cream cheese on crackers.
7. Cherry-Infused BBQ Sauce
I discovered that cherries make an excellent base for a rich BBQ sauce.
I simmered fresh cherries with red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, and smoked paprika.
Once blended, it turned into a thick, tangy sauce that was perfect for glazing pork chops or brushing over grilled vegetables.
8. Sour Cherry-Amaretto Preserves
For a twist on classic preserves, I made sour cherry-amaretto preserves.
The addition of amaretto gives the cherries a warm, slightly nutty depth that complements their natural tartness.
I used Pomona’s Pectin, which allows me to control the sugar content, making the cherry flavor really shine through.
9. Cherry Sauce for Meat
Instead of the usual cranberry or plum sauce, I made a tart cherry sauce to pair with duck and chicken.
By simmering cherries with balsamic vinegar, honey, and a touch of soy sauce, I created a versatile sauce that’s both sweet and savory.
10. Tart Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
Lastly, I experimented with tart cherries in oatmeal cookies, replacing raisins with dried cherries and adding walnuts for crunch.
They turned out to be the perfect balance of chewy and crisp, with a delightful tartness that made them a hit.
If you have a surplus of tart cherries, I highly recommend trying one (or all) of these recipes! Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there’s something here for everyone. Let me know which one you’d love to try first!