Get ready to indulge in a world of sweet and tangy flavors with our collection of 19 irresistible sour cherry recipes. This beloved fruit is often overlooked, but its unique tartness and juicy sweetness make it the perfect addition to a wide range of dishes, from classic desserts to savory meals. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new twist on old favorites, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to sour cherry recipes.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 19 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the best of what sour cherries have to offer. From traditional pies and tarts to creative compotes and sauces, these recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with new flavors and combinations.
Sour Cherry Pie with Almond Crust
This classic pie recipe combines the tartness of sour cherries with the nutty flavor of almonds, creating a delightful dessert for any occasion. With its flaky crust and sweet-tart filling, this pie is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pitted sour cherries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup ground almonds
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and salt; let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Roll out almond crust dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish; fill with cherry mixture.
4. Roll out remaining dough; use to cover pie and crimp edges.
5. Brush top with melted butter and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling bubbles.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sour Cherry Compote with Vanilla Bean
Sour Cherry Compote with Vanilla Bean
This sweet and tangy compote is a perfect topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream. The vanilla bean adds a creamy and aromatic flavor to the tart cherries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sour cherries, sugar, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the cherries have broken down and the compote has thickened slightly.
3. Add the split vanilla bean to the compote and continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Sour Cherry and Dark Chocolate Brownies
These rich and fudgy brownies are elevated by the tartness of sour cherries and the depth of dark chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Perfect for a special treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
– 1 cup (200g) sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) sour cherries, pitted
– 1 and 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter.
2. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Whisk together sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add flour and salt to the wet ingredients; whisk until just combined.
5. Fold in melted chocolate and sour cherries.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sour Cherry Jam with Cinnamon
Sour Cherry Jam with Cinnamon: A Sweet and Tangy Treat
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sour cherries with the warmth of cinnamon to create a deliciously balanced jam that’s perfect for toast, yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pitted sour cherries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
3. Stir in the cinnamon and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sour Cherry Clafoutis
A traditional French dessert, Clafoutis is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy cherries. This recipe uses sour cherries for a tangy twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sour cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Add cherries, heavy cream, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sour Cherry and Almond Cake
A delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors, this cake is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a treat any time of the year. The addition of ground almonds adds texture and depth to the moist sour cherry filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup sour cherries, pitted
– 1/4 cup ground almonds
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Fold in the dry ingredients, then stir in sour cherries and ground almonds.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sour Cherry Sorbet
This refreshing sorbet recipe showcases the tart flavor of sour cherries, perfect for a warm weather dessert or palate cleanser between courses.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen sour cherries, pitted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Combine the sour cherries and sugar in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherry mixture, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once frozen, scoop the sorbet into bowls and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (chilling time: at least 2 hours or overnight)
Sour Cherry and Ricotta Pancakes
These fluffy pancakes are infused with the sweetness of sour cherries and the creaminess of ricotta cheese, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 6 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup sour cherry jam or preserves
– Butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and ricotta cheese until smooth.
3. Add the sour cherry jam to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease with melted butter.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the pan.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on pancake size)
Sour Cherry and Chocolate Tart
This tart combines the sweetness of chocolate with the tanginess of sour cherries, creating a unique and delicious dessert. Perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup sour cherry jam
– 8 oz dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spread sour cherry jam evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
5. Pour melted chocolate over the cherry jam, spreading it to the edges of the pastry.
6. Fold the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush egg wash over the pastry and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sour Cherry and Pistachio Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins combine the tartness of sour cherries with the crunch of pistachios, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup sour cherry jam
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh pistachios
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sour cherry jam, and egg. Add Greek yogurt and whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in pistachios.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Sour Cherry and Brie Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the sweet and savory combination of sour cherries and creamy brie.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1/4 cup of sour cherry jam
– 1/4 cup of brie cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, divided
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, buttered-side down, on the griddle.
4. Spread 1/8 cup of sour cherry jam on top of the bread.
5. Place 1/8 cup of brie cheese on top of the jam.
6. Place the second bread slice, buttered-side up, on top of the filling.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Sour Cherry and Rosemary Focaccia
This sweet and savory focaccia combines the tanginess of sour cherries with the herbaceousness of rosemary, perfect for a unique appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sour cherry jam
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Coarse sea salt, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour, kneading the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a rectangle.
5. Spread sour cherry jam over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Sprinkle chopped rosemary over the jam.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sour Cherry and Honey Glazed Chicken
This sweet and tangy glaze elevates chicken breasts to a new level of flavor and moisture, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of sour cherries and honey creates a rich, fruity flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup sour cherry jam
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cherry jam, honey, olive oil, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sour Cherry and Walnut Salad
This refreshing salad combines the tanginess of sour cherries with the earthy flavor of walnuts, perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh sour cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sour cherries and chopped walnuts.
2. If using feta cheese, crumble it over the cherry-walnut mixture.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Sour Cherry and Bourbon Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this bold and tangy Sour Cherry and Bourbon recipe. Combining the richness of bourbon with the tartness of sour cherries, this drink is perfect for those who like a little complexity in their cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz grenadine
– 1/4 cup sour cherries (see note)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, and grenadine to the shaker.
3. Muddle the sour cherries gently with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their flavor and texture.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Note: To use sour cherries, you can either purchase them at most grocery stores or make your own by soaking 1/4 cup of dried cherries in 2 tablespoons of simple syrup for at least 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and discard the solids before using.
Sour Cherry and Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the natural sweetness of oatmeal with the tartness of sour cherries, creating a unique flavor profile that’s sure to delight. Perfect for snacking or as a sweet treat with your morning coffee.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup sour cherries, pitted and chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in sour cherries.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sour Cherry and Cream Cheese Danish
This recipe combines the sweetness of cream cheese with the tartness of sour cherries, all wrapped up in a flaky danish pastry. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these pastries are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup sour cherries, pitted
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth.
5. Roll out dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
6. Spread cream cheese mixture over half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with sour cherries.
7. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press edges to seal.
8. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sour Cherry and Ginger Chutney
This sweet and tangy chutney is perfect for topping yogurt, naan bread, or using as a condiment for grilled meats. The combination of sour cherries, fresh ginger, and spices creates a unique flavor profile that’s both familiar and exotic.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh ginger
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and sugar to taste
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine cherries, ginger, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is soft and fragrant, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Add salt, sugar, and vinegar. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the chutney has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: About 25-30 minutes total
Sour Cherry and Coconut Energy Balls
These bite-sized treats combine the sweetness of sour cherries with the creaminess of coconut, perfect for a pre-workout snack or post-exercise pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup dried sour cherries
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine oats, sour cherries, and shredded coconut.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together peanut butter and honey until smooth.
3. Add the chia seeds and salt to the peanut butter mixture and stir well.
4. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Use your hands to shape the dough into small energy balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: None, as these energy balls are best served chilled or at room temperature.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of sour cherries! This article presents 19 delectable recipes that showcase the versatility of this ingredient. From classic desserts like pie and compote to innovative combinations like brownies and pancakes, there’s something for every taste bud. Discover how to create mouthwatering treats like clafoutis, cake, sorbet, and cookies, or elevate your savory dishes with sour cherry-glazed chicken and walnut salad. Whether you’re a sweet tooth or a foodie, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and inspire your next culinary adventure!
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