Some of our favorite summer foods are fragrant stone fruits. Cherries rank high on our list of seasonal treats, and we've got a great lineup of delicious ways to use 'em. Just remember, when shopping for cherries, look for firm, shiny fruit and taste one if possible. Ready to spend a little time in the kitchen? Grab a summer co*cktail, flip on some fun tunes and let's get cooking.
1. Fruit Salad With Fennel, Watercress, and Smoked Salt
Refreshing and healthy, this salad is simple enough to throw together on a weeknight but pretty enough for your next dinner party. You can use this recipe year-round and substitute other seasonal fruits for the cherries and plums. (via Bon Appétit)
2. Bourbon Cherry Tartlets
Bourbon + cherries = a match made in dessert heaven. (via Brit + Co)
4. Easy Cherry Hand Pies
Cherries are delicious on their own, but how about when they're wrapped in flaky pastry crust? These adorable individual pies would be perfect for a picnic or barbecue — no serving utensils necessary! (via PBS.org)
5. Cherry-Limeade Smoothie
Looking for a healthy summer meal on the go? This refreshing drink will do the trick. A little almond milk will add some extra creaminess. (via Minimalist Baker)
6. Cherry Sorbet
A simple sorbet is a great way to highlight the flavors of delicious seasonal produce. Plus, it comes in handy for those hot summer nights! (via Skinny Taste)
7. Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle-Cranberry Sauce
Pork and fruit is a classic pairing. This recipe calls for cranberries, but we think cherries would make an excellent summer substitution. (via The Wanderlust Kitchen)
8. Cherry Cheesecake Shooters
We've all heard of cherry cheesecake before, but how about in shot form? These mini desserts are super simple and will be a hit at any event. (via Pioneer Woman)
9. Cherry-Almond Foccacia
This foccacia uses whole cherries and gets an extra fruity lift with cherry syrup drizzled over the top. Say hello to your next weekend breakfast. (via Bon Appétit)
10. Brandied Cherries
Wish you could enjoy sweet summer cherries all year long? These preserved cherries in brandy might be the answer you're looking for. The boozy treats are perfect in place of maraschino cherries and the syrup is delicious too. (via Nourished Kitchen)
11. Turkey, Brie, Pear and Cherry-Chipotle Panini
This is not your average playground sandwich. Sweet and spicy cherry compote adds a nice kick to that creamy brie and turkey. (via Cookin Canuck)
12. Sweet Cherry Pie
If you want the real deal, look no further. You can't go wrong with a traditional cherry pie like this one. Use a lattice for the top crust so all of those gorgeous juices are visible. (via Martha Stewart)
13. Cherry Coffee Cake
This coffee cake gets an extra dose of decadence with sour cream batter, brown sugar streusel and milky glaze. Your mornings just got a lot more summery. (via Honey & Jam)
14. Chilled Tomato and Stone Fruit Soup
Cherries are an unexpected-yet-delicious pairing in this gazpacho-esque seasonal soup. It's both healthy and refreshing. (via Bon Appétit)
15. Rustic Cherry Tart With Ricotta and Almonds
This simple tart is a showstopper. Fresh ricotta and slivered almonds balance out the decadent pastry crust. (via Martha Stewart)
How do you get your cherry on? Let us know your favorite summer cherry recipe on Twitter and check out our podcast episode with Half Baked Harvest's Tieghan Gerard.
This post has been updated.
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Jessica Smith
Jessica is a blogger and professional pastry cook in San Francisco. When not whipping up desserts, you can usually find her tackling DIY projects with her husband, entertaining for a crowd, or running around the neighborhood with her rambunctious puppy, Rebel. Jessica believes in using seasonal and wholesome ingredients as much as possible and you can check out more of her recipes at her blog: By Guess And By Golly.
