15 Ways to Transform Your Frozen Cherries Into Amazing Treats
Got a bag of frozen cherries sitting in your freezer? These ruby-red gems are perfect for creating delicious treats year-round.
From breakfast muffins to decadent desserts, frozen cherries bring natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to every recipe you make.
01. Almond Cherry Breakfast Muffins
Tender, fluffy muffins packed with sweet cherries and almond flavor. Perfect for meal prep or weekend breakfast treats that everyone will love.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅓ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 cup frozen cherries (thawed and chopped), 2 tablespoons flour for coating cherries.
How To Make Almond Cherry Breakfast Muffins
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Toss the thawed, chopped cherries with 2 tablespoons flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, egg, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Don’t overmix or your muffins will be tough. Fold in the flour-coated cherries.
4. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
02. Creamy Sour Cherry Pudding Cake
This magical dessert creates its own sauce while baking. The cake layer rises to the top while creamy pudding forms underneath for double the deliciousness.
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup sugar (divided), 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 2 cups frozen sour cherries, 1 cup boiling water.
How To Make Creamy Sour Cherry Pudding Cake
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish. Mix flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Stir in milk, melted butter, and almond extract until smooth batter forms. Spread evenly in prepared baking dish and top with frozen cherries.
3. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup sugar over cherries, then carefully pour boiling water over everything. Don’t stir – the magic happens during baking.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until top is golden brown and set. The cake will have a pudding-like sauce underneath that’s absolutely divine.
03. Rich Homemade Cherry Ice Cream
Creamy, dreamy ice cream bursting with cherry flavor. This frozen treat rivals any store-bought version with its intense fruit taste and smooth texture.
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 6 large egg yolks, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1½ cups frozen dark cherries (thawed), ¼ cup cherry juice concentrate, pinch of salt.
How To Make Rich Homemade Cherry Ice Cream
1. Heat cream and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale and thick.
2. Slowly pour hot cream mixture into egg yolks while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return mixture to saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until it coats the back of a spoon.
3. Strain custard through fine-mesh sieve and stir in vanilla, cherry juice concentrate, and salt. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until completely chilled.
4. Chop thawed cherries into small pieces. Churn custard in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions, adding chopped cherries during last 2 minutes of churning.
5. Transfer to airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving for best scooping consistency.
04. Award-Winning Classic Cherry Pie
This championship-winning recipe creates the perfect balance of tart cherries and flaky crust. Every slice delivers that classic American pie experience you’ve been craving.
Ingredients: 2 refrigerated pie crusts, 5 cups frozen sour cherries (thawed and drained), 1¼ cups granulated sugar, ⅓ cup cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon almond extract, 2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces), 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash.
How To Make Award-Winning Classic Cherry Pie
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Press one pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, leaving edges hanging over slightly.
2. Mix thawed, drained cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract in large bowl. Let stand 10 minutes to allow juices to develop.
3. Pour cherry mixture into prepared crust and dot with butter pieces. Cover with second crust and crimp edges to seal tightly.
4. Cut several slits in top crust for steam vents and brush with egg wash for golden color.
5. Bake 45-50 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling through vents. Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
05. Cherry Berry Power Smoothie
This antioxidant-packed smoothie uses frozen fruit to create the perfect thick texture. No ice needed means maximum flavor in every refreshing sip.
Ingredients: 1 cup frozen cherries, ½ cup frozen strawberries, 1 ripe banana, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 tablespoons honey, ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds.
How To Make Cherry Berry Power Smoothie
1. Add almond milk and honey to blender first for easier blending. This creates the liquid base that helps everything blend smoothly.
2. Add frozen cherries, strawberries, banana, and Greek yogurt. The frozen fruit will create that perfect thick consistency without watering down the flavor.
3. Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. Add chia seeds and pulse briefly to incorporate.
4. Pour into glasses immediately and enjoy. If too thick, add more almond milk; if too thin, add more frozen fruit and blend again.
06. Cherry Almond Crumb Pie
Skip the top crust and go for this irresistible streusel topping instead. The crunchy almond crumbs perfectly complement the tender cherry filling underneath.
Ingredients: 1 refrigerated pie crust, 4 cups frozen dark sweet cherries, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, ½ teaspoon almond extract, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup sliced almonds, 6 tablespoons cold butter (cubed).
How To Make Cherry Almond Crumb Pie
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and press pie crust into 9-inch pie pan. Crimp edges decoratively and set aside.
2. Toss frozen cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Let stand 15 minutes, then pour into prepared crust.
3. Make crumb topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and sliced almonds. Cut in cold butter with pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over cherry filling, covering completely. Bake 45-50 minutes until topping is golden brown and filling bubbles.
5. Cool at least 2 hours before serving to allow filling to set properly for clean slicing.
07. Chocolate Cherry Breakfast Loaf
Moist, tender quick bread studded with cherries and chocolate chips. This versatile loaf works perfectly for breakfast, afternoon snack, or even dessert.
Ingredients: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅓ cup melted butter, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup frozen cherries (thawed and chopped), ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
How To Make Chocolate Cherry Breakfast Loaf
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Pat thawed cherries dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl. In separate bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Don’t overmix or the loaf will be dense and tough.
4. Fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips, distributing evenly throughout batter. Pour into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake 55-60 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
6. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely before slicing for best texture.
08. Ginger Cherry Raspberry Smoothie
Bright, refreshing smoothie with a gentle ginger kick. The combination of tart cherries and sweet raspberries creates the perfect flavor balance.
Ingredients: 1 cup frozen cherries, ½ cup frozen raspberries, 1 inch fresh ginger (peeled), 1 cup coconut water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ½ cup ice cubes.
How To Make Ginger Cherry Raspberry Smoothie
1. Start by blending coconut water, honey, ginger, and lemon juice until ginger is completely smooth. This ensures no chunks in your final smoothie.
2. Add frozen cherries and raspberries to the blender. The frozen fruit will create natural thickness while keeping the smoothie cold and refreshing.
3. Blend on high speed for 90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness with more honey if needed.
4. Add ice cubes and blend briefly to reach desired consistency. Pour immediately into glasses and enjoy the bright, energizing flavors.
09. Cherry Bourbon Smash Cocktail
Sophisticated cocktail featuring muddled frozen cherries and smooth bourbon. This elegant drink brings bar-quality mixology right to your home kitchen.
Ingredients: ½ cup frozen cherries, 2 ounces bourbon whiskey, ½ ounce sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 1 tablespoon simple syrup, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ice cubes, fresh cherry for garnish.
How To Make Cherry Bourbon Smash Cocktail
1. Place frozen cherries in bottom of cocktail shaker and let them thaw slightly for 5 minutes. Add bitters and muddle cherries thoroughly to release all their juices.
2. Add bourbon, vermouth, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the muddled cherries. Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
3. Double strain through fine-mesh strainer into rocks glass filled with fresh ice to remove cherry pulp while keeping the intense flavor.
4. Garnish with fresh cherry and serve immediately. The drink should have a beautiful deep red color from the muddled frozen cherries.
10. Cinnamon Dark Cherry Cobbler
Warm, comforting cobbler with tender biscuit topping and spiced cherry filling. Serve this classic dessert with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients: 5 cups frozen dark sweet cherries, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons cold butter, ½ cup milk.
How To Make Cinnamon Dark Cherry Cobbler
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss frozen cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in 9×13 inch baking dish. Dot with 2 tablespoons butter pieces.
2. For topping, whisk flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in milk just until dough comes together. Don’t overmix or the topping will be tough instead of tender and fluffy.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough over cherry mixture, leaving gaps for steam to escape during baking.
5. Bake 35-40 minutes until topping is golden brown and cherry filling is bubbling around edges. Cool 15 minutes before serving warm.
11. Cherry Banana Greek Yogurt Smoothie
Protein-packed smoothie that tastes like dessert but fuels your day. Creamy Greek yogurt balances the sweet fruit flavors perfectly in every sip.
Ingredients: 1 cup frozen cherries, 1 ripe banana, ¾ cup vanilla Greek yogurt, ½ cup milk of choice, 2 tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, handful of ice cubes.
How To Make Cherry Banana Greek Yogurt Smoothie
1. Add milk and honey to blender first, which helps create a smooth base for all the other ingredients to blend easily.
2. Add frozen cherries, banana, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. The frozen cherries will naturally thicken the smoothie without diluting the flavor.
3. Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer it thinner and colder. Taste and adjust sweetness with additional honey if needed before serving immediately.
12. Easy Sour Cherry Crisp
Simple, rustic dessert that lets the tart cherries shine. The golden oat topping adds perfect crunch to contrast the tender fruit filling below.
Ingredients: 6 cups frozen sour cherries, 1 cup granulated sugar (divided), 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup cold butter (cubed).
How To Make Easy Sour Cherry Crisp
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Toss frozen cherries with ¾ cup granulated sugar and cornstarch, then spread in prepared dish.
2. Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pieces.
3. Sprinkle oat mixture evenly over cherries, covering completely. The topping should look rustic and uneven for the best texture.
4. Bake 40-45 minutes until topping is golden brown and cherry juices are bubbling around the edges.
5. Cool for 20 minutes before serving to allow juices to thicken slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the perfect finish.
13. Orange Cherry Wild Rice Pilaf
Elegant side dish that bridges sweet and savory beautifully. The nutty wild rice pairs surprisingly well with tart cherries and bright orange flavors.
Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice, 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, ½ cup frozen cherries (thawed), ¼ cup fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 2 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup toasted almonds (sliced), 2 green onions (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Orange Cherry Wild Rice Pilaf
1. Rinse wild rice until water runs clear. Bring broth to boil in medium saucepan, add rice, and reduce heat to low simmer.
2. Cover and cook 45-55 minutes until rice is tender and has popped open slightly. Most liquid should be absorbed but rice shouldn’t be dry.
3. Stir in butter, orange juice, and orange zest while rice is still warm. The heat will help meld all the flavors together beautifully.
4. Fold in thawed cherries, toasted almonds, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let stand 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. Serve warm as an elegant side dish that complements both poultry and pork.
14. Sweet Cherry Cake Cobbler
This crowd-pleasing dessert features a cake-like topping over bubbling sweet cherries. Much easier than pie but just as satisfying for any gathering.
Ingredients: 5 cups frozen sweet cherries, 1 cup granulated sugar (divided), 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, ½ cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
How To Make Sweet Cherry Cake Cobbler
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss frozen cherries with ½ cup sugar and cornstarch, then spread in buttered 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, remaining ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl. Create a well in center of dry ingredients.
3. Pour milk, melted butter, and vanilla into the well. Stir just until combined – don’t worry if batter looks slightly lumpy.
4. Spoon batter over cherry mixture in large dollops. Don’t worry about covering completely as batter will spread during baking.
5. Bake 35-40 minutes until topping is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. Cherry filling should be bubbling around edges.
6. Cool 15 minutes before serving. The cake topping will have a tender, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the tart cherries.
15. Mixed Berry Cherry Coulis
Versatile fruit sauce that elevates any dessert instantly. This silky coulis transforms frozen fruit into an elegant topping for countless sweet treats.
Ingredients: 2 cups frozen cherries, 1 cup frozen mixed berries, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.
How To Make Mixed Berry Cherry Coulis
1. Combine frozen cherries, berries, sugar, and 2 tablespoons water in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fruit breaks down and releases juices.
2. Simmer 10-12 minutes until mixture is thick and jammy. The natural fruit pectin will help create the perfect consistency.
3. Stir cornstarch mixture and add to fruit. Cook 2-3 minutes more until sauce coats the back of a spoon nicely.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice for brightness. For smooth coulis, strain through fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids with spoon.
5. Cool completely before using. Store covered in refrigerator up to one week. Perfect over cheesecake, pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream.
Final Thoughts
These frozen cherry recipes prove that keeping a bag in your freezer opens up endless delicious possibilities. From breakfast treats to elegant desserts, cherries add natural sweetness and beautiful color.
Start with your favorites and experiment with different combinations. Your kitchen adventures with frozen cherries will create memorable moments and satisfied smiles.
