20+ Amazing Summer Cherry Desserts Using Fresh Fruit
Fresh summer cherries bring incredible flavor to homemade desserts. These recipes showcase the best ways to use seasonal cherries in pies, cakes, and frozen treats.
From classic cherry pies to creative frozen desserts, these recipes work with both sweet and sour cherry varieties for delicious results.
01. Mixed Fruit Cherry Peach Pie

This colorful pie combines fresh Bing cherries with peaches and berries for amazing seasonal flavor. The mixed fruits create natural sweetness and beautiful color.
Fresh raspberries work perfectly when Bing cherries aren’t available. The fruit mixture holds together well during baking.
This version uses tons of fresh produce for maximum flavor. Perfect for summer when multiple fruits are in season.
02. Cherry Pie with Crunchy Almond Topping

This cherry pie features a sweet almond crumb topping instead of traditional pastry crust. Fresh cherries create the perfect tart-sweet filling underneath.
The almond topping adds nutty flavor and crunchy texture. This method creates less mess than rolling out top crust.
Even cherry pie skeptics love this version with its unique topping. Great for bakers who want something different.
03. Homemade Cherry Chocolate Brownies

These scratch brownies combine rich chocolate with bursts of fresh cherry flavor. Made with fewer than ten common ingredients.
The cherries create pockets of fruity sweetness throughout fudgy brownies. This method mimics chocolate-covered cherry candy.
This easy recipe delivers impressive results without complicated techniques. Perfect for chocolate and cherry lovers.
04. Classic Sweet Cherry Pie

This traditional pie showcases sweet Washington cherries in classic pastry crust. The natural cherry sweetness means using less added sugar.
Fresh sweet cherries from Washington state create the best flavor. The filling stays thick without being overly sweet.
This version takes time but creates authentic results. Serve with vanilla ice cream for the complete experience.
05. Lemon Pound Cake with Fresh Cherry Topping

Moist sour cream pound cake gets topped with simple glaze and cherry compote. The lemon flavor pairs perfectly with tart cherries.
The two-ingredient glaze adds sweetness while cherry compote provides fresh fruit flavor. This combination creates restaurant-quality dessert.
This method works great for entertaining since components can be made ahead. Easy assembly when guests arrive.
06. Traditional French Cherry Clafouti

This classic French dessert bakes fresh cherries in custard-like batter. Traditional preparation leaves pits in for enhanced flavor and fragrance.
The authentic method creates better taste but requires warning guests about pits. Removing pits works fine for safety.
This elegant dessert showcases fresh cherries beautifully. Perfect for impressing dinner guests with authentic French technique.
07. Double-Crust Fresh Cherry Pie

This top-rated pie features traditional pastry lid instead of crumb topping. Fresh cherries from your own tree create the best results.
Using paper clip to pit cherries saves juice and time. The larger end pulls pits out easily without waste.
This classic method creates the absolute best cherry pie. Worth the extra effort for special occasions.
08. Easy Fresh Cherry Crisp

This simple crisp works with fresh or frozen sour cherries. Frozen cherries still taste wonderful and save preparation time.
The crisp topping gets golden and crunchy while cherries bubble underneath. Let it sit after baking to set properly.
This forgiving recipe works great for beginners. Perfect when you can’t find fresh cherries locally.
09. Whole Wheat Cherry Berry Pie

This healthier pie uses whole wheat crust with mixed berries and cherries. Late summer Michigan fruit creates amazing flavor combinations.
The whole wheat adds nutty flavor and better nutrition. Mixed fruits provide complex sweetness and beautiful color.
This version offers better nutrition without sacrificing taste. Great way to use abundant summer fruit.
10. Simple Fresh Cherry Cobbler

This easy cobbler works with fresh sour or sweet cherries. Sweet cherries need less sugar for perfect balance.
The simple batter creates fluffy topping over bubbling cherries. Everyone raves about how easy and delicious this turns out.
This super easy recipe impresses without complicated techniques. Perfect for using up lots of fresh cherries quickly.
11. Refreshing Sour Cherry Sorbet

This vibrant sorbet uses just five ingredients including tart cherries, sugar, and white wine. Almond extract enhances the cherry flavor naturally.
The dry white wine adds complexity while salt balances sweetness. This method creates smooth, scoopable texture.
This elegant dessert showcases cherry flavor perfectly. Great for hot summer days when you want something light.
12. Moist Polish Cherry Cake

This traditional Polish cake features sweet cherries throughout moist, tender crumb. Plain yogurt creates incredible moisture and tangy flavor.
The entire container of yogurt makes this cake extra special. Sweet cherries provide bursts of fruit in every bite.
This irresistible cake stays moist for days. Perfect for coffee time or casual entertaining.
13. Cherry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt

This creamy frozen treat combines tangy yogurt with sweet cherries. Other berries like strawberries or blueberries work equally well.
The frozen yogurt base creates lighter texture than ice cream. Fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and beautiful color.
This healthier option satisfies ice cream cravings perfectly. Great for cooling off during hot summer weather.
14. Old-Fashioned Cherry Dump Cake

This family recipe uses fresh sour cherries in incredibly easy preparation. Everything comes together in just under one hour.
The dump method means minimal mixing and cleanup. Cherries create their own syrup while baking.
This old-fashioned dessert delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Perfect for busy weeknight desserts.
15. Beautiful Cherry Sheet Cake

This magazine-worthy cake works with fresh sour cherries or jarred cherries in syrup. The presentation looks absolutely stunning.
Sheet cake format feeds crowds easily while looking elegant. Sour cherries provide perfect tartness against sweet cake.
This impressive cake works great for parties. As pretty as it is delicious for special occasions.
16. Classic Fresh Cherry Cake

This simple combination of fresh cherries and white cake creates amazing flavor. Not too sweet with just the right tartness.
Fresh cherries throughout homemade cake batter create perfect balance. The flavor seems simple but tastes incredible.
This straightforward recipe lets cherry flavor shine. Great for showcasing really fresh, high-quality cherries.
17. Spiced Cherry Shortcake

This unique shortcake features cinnamon and cardamom spices with fresh cherries. Lemon zest adds bright tang to the fruit.
The cardamom creates distinctive flavor different from traditional shortcake. These warm spices complement cherries beautifully.
This version offers interesting twist on classic dessert. Perfect for adventurous bakers wanting something special.
18. Creamy Cherry Cheesecake Yogurt

This velvet-smooth frozen treat features bursts of cherry throughout creamy base. The texture feels incredibly luxurious and rich.
Fresh cherries create pockets of intense flavor and color. This method balances creamy and fruity perfectly.
This indulgent dessert tastes so good you won’t regret it. Perfect for special summer entertaining.
19. Classic Vanilla Cherry Ice Cream

This homemade ice cream combines vanilla base with almond undertones and fresh cherry pieces. Classic flavors work perfectly together.
The slight almond flavor enhances cherries naturally without overwhelming. Fresh cherry pieces provide texture and color.
This traditional combination never goes out of style. Great for ice cream makers wanting classic results.
Final Thoughts
These fresh cherry recipes showcase summer’s best fruit in creative ways. From traditional pies to modern frozen treats, there’s something for every taste and skill level.
Whether you prefer sweet or sour cherries, these desserts will inspire your summer baking adventures.