13 Irresistible Cherry Desserts To Make Before Summer Ends
August is prime time for cherries – ripe, juicy, and just begging to be turned into something delicious. These vibrant little fruits bring a burst of flavor and color to all your summer baking, no matter if you’re into the sweet or tart kind.
That is why I’ve rounded up 13 irresistible cherry desserts that celebrate the season in the most mouthwatering ways, guaranteed to wow your taste buds (and your guests).
1. Classic Cherry Pie with Lattice Crust
Nothing captures summer’s essence like a homemade cherry pie cooling on the windowsill. The ruby filling bubbles through a golden lattice crust, creating that irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.
I remember my grandmother teaching me to weave the lattice strips, her patience endless as my small fingers fumbled with the dough.
The secret to perfect cherry pie? A touch of almond extract enhances the natural cherry flavor without overwhelming it.
2. Cherry Clafoutis
This rustic French dessert transforms ordinary cherries into something magical. The fruit sits in a custard-like batter that puffs up during baking, creating a texture somewhere between pudding and cake.
Traditionally made with unpitted cherries (the pits supposedly add flavor), modern versions often use pitted fruit for easier eating. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm for maximum enjoyment.
3. No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars
Beat the August heat with these adorable no-bake treats. Layers of graham cracker crumbs, creamy cheesecake filling, and homemade cherry compote create an impressive dessert without turning on the oven.
I started making these during last summer’s heatwave when my kitchen felt like a sauna. The jars can be prepared days ahead, making them perfect for entertaining.
The portable format works wonderfully for picnics and backyard gatherings.
4. Cherry Almond Galette
Galettes bring rustic charm to your dessert table with their free-form shape and visible fruit filling. The combination of cherries and almonds creates a flavor profile that feels both sophisticated and comforting.
The beauty of galettes lies in their imperfection. Uneven edges and juice bubbling onto the parchment paper only add to their appeal.
The exposed fruit caramelizes slightly during baking, intensifying the cherry flavor.
5. Cherry Chocolate Brownies
Cherries and chocolate form a partnership made in dessert heaven. These fudgy brownies feature fresh cherries that become jammy pockets of fruit during baking, cutting through the richness of the chocolate.
My first batch came about when I had too many cherries about to turn. The combination was so good that it’s now a deliberate choice rather than a rescue mission.
For an adult version, try soaking the cherries in kirsch before adding them to the batter.
6. Cherry Hand Pies
These portable pastries deliver all the pleasure of cherry pie in an individual serving. The higher crust-to-filling ratio satisfies pastry lovers, while the sealed edges keep the sweet cherry filling contained for mess-free enjoyment.
Hand pies travel well, making them ideal for picnics or lunch boxes. They freeze beautifully, too. Simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture and aroma.
7. Cherry Upside-Down Cake
Flip expectations with this showstopper dessert. Fresh cherries caramelize in brown sugar and butter at the bottom of the pan, then become the gorgeous top layer when inverted after baking.
The contrast between the moist vanilla cake and the glossy fruit topping makes this a feast for both eyes and palate. I stumbled upon this recipe during a cooking show marathon while nursing a broken ankle last summer.
The limited mobility made me appreciate simple yet impressive desserts like this one.
8. Cherry Crumb Bars
These versatile bars feature three distinct layers: buttery shortbread base, juicy cherry filling, and crumbly streusel topping. The textures complement each other perfectly, creating a balanced bite every time.
The same dough forms both the base and crumble topping, streamlining the preparation process. These bars hold well for several days, with the flavors melding and improving over time.
They work equally well as a dessert or breakfast treat.
9. Cherry Ricotta Crostata
This Italian-inspired tart combines creamy ricotta cheese with sweet-tart cherries for a sophisticated dessert that isn’t overly sweet. The ricotta layer becomes slightly custardy during baking while maintaining its fresh cheese flavor.
Growing up with an Italian neighbor who made this every summer left me with fond memories of helping pit cherries at her kitchen table. The rustic crust folds over partially, leaving the colorful filling visible in the center.
A light dusting of sugar before baking creates a delicate sparkle.
10. Cherry Frangipane Tart
Almond cream filling studded with cherries makes this elegant tart a standout on any dessert table. The frangipane puffs beautifully around the fruit, creating little nests that hold the cherries in place.
The combination of buttery crust, nutty almond filling, and juicy cherries offers complexity without complication. The tart looks professional but requires no special skills beyond basic pastry techniques.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for maximum impact.
11. Cherry Fool
This old-fashioned English dessert deserves a modern revival. Essentially a cherry compote folded through softly whipped cream, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The ripples of fruit through the cream create a marbled effect that’s visually stunning in glass serving dishes. For a quick dinner party dessert, prepare the compote ahead of time and fold through freshly whipped cream just before serving.
The contrast between tart cherries and sweet cream is refreshingly balanced.
12. Cherry Mascarpone Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream reaches new heights with the addition of Italian mascarpone cheese and ripe summer cherries. The mascarpone creates an incredibly smooth, rich base that doesn’t require a traditional custard.
My ice cream machine was gathering dust until I discovered this recipe three summers ago. Now it’s in constant use during cherry season.
Small chunks of cherries throughout provide bursts of fruit flavor against the creamy background.
13. Cherry Cobbler with Cornmeal Biscuits
Cornmeal adds delightful texture and subtle sweetness to the biscuit topping of this homestyle cobbler. The golden biscuits develop a slight crunch outside while remaining tender inside, perfectly complementing the soft, juicy cherry filling below.
Unlike pie, cobbler forgives imperfection and welcomes adaptation. Use whatever cherries you have on hand. Sweet varieties might need a squeeze of lemon juice, while tart ones might require extra sugar.
The rustic presentation makes it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.