21 Must-Try Cherry Dessert Recipes: From Easy to Gourmet Delights

Beautifully dark red and sweet cherries are already delicious on their own as a healthy snack. But they also add vivid flavors to some of your favorite desserts. 

I’ve already covered the 25 Best Sour Cherry Recipes, so it’s time to give its closely related cousin, the sweet cherry, its well-deserved spotlight.

Buckle up because we’ve cherry-picked (pun intended!) 21 irresistible cherry dessert recipes that will take your taste buds on a delicious dessert ride. 

We have some super easy treats for you that you can whip up in a jiffy, but we did not leave out some of those gourmet masterpieces that you want to make for those special occasions and that’ll make you feel like a Michelin-star chef.

We’ve got it all. Let’s dive in!

1. Maraschino Cherry Muffins

Perfect for Valentine’s Day or whenever you want a healthy snack, these beautiful pink muffins will satisfy your sweet cravings. They also have zero fat, are low in sugar, and have low Weight Watchers points, which make them an ideal guilt-free sweet bite.

2. Chocolate Cherry Greek Yogurt Muffins

Made with frozen cherries and cherry-flavored Greek yogurt, these muffins are a lovely all-year-round treat. The chocolate and cherry combo also makes it a kid’s favorite, and you would never guess they are low in calories.

3. Cherry Clafoutis

Don’t let the name intimidate you. This French dessert is ridiculously easy to make. And because it’s not overly sweet, it can double as a beautiful Sunday brunch centerpiece. You only need simple pantry ingredients and fresh or canned cherries—your choice. This delicious cherry dessert has a wonderfully custard-like texture and sweet cherry bites complemented with powdered sugar dust.

4. Cherry Cream Puffs

Who doesn’t want a bite in these cream puffs, filled with an extra swirl of cream and cherry jam and then topped with a sweet glaze? This recipe has step-by-step instructions and visual images, so nobody has to feel intimidated making the choux pastry dough. It’s a cherry-licious delight and an absolute showstopper of a dessert.

5. Cherry Pie Bars

Here’s a beautiful dessert for the 4th of July or summer gatherings. It contains all the flavors of a good old classic cherry pie but without the need to make the pie crust. Instead, the recipe uses a shortbread crust that doubles as a crumble topping. A cherry pie filling creates that beautiful middle red layer that feasts your eyes. It’s simple, delicious and easy to make.

6. Black Forest Flourless Brownie Cookies

This cherry dessert is like a black forest gateau wrapped in mini bites. And they’re flourless, making them ideal for those following a gluten-free diet. A mouthwatering syrupy cherry filling and lightly sweetened vanilla whipped cream create a creamy middle layer between ultra-fudgy brownie cookies. Each bite is heavenly and delicious, yet it’s easy to make with only 6 ingredients.

7. Chocolate Cherry Galette

This fruity, buttery galette combines the classic favorite flavors of sweet cherries and dark chocolate and comes with a lovely crunch of sliced almonds. It’s a no-stress, free-form pie dough that’s deliciously buttery, flaky, and easy to make. Even the homemade pie filling comes together quickly, leaving every bite sweet and juicy.

8. Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

A creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, chocolate cookie crust, and cherry sauce come together in this beautiful dark, no-bake cherry dessert. It’s a fancy showstopper that only requires 30 minutes of prep time, and then the fridge does the rest.

9. Rustic Cherry Tarts

Lightly sweetened fresh cherries fill up these homemade rustic tartlets. Although the buttery crust is pretty easy to prepare, you could make them with a stand-by-crust recipe, making them the easiest summer cherry tartlets you’ll ever make.

10. Mini Cherry Bakewell Tartlets

These British bakes combine sweet cherry with almond flavors. It’s definitely one of these recipes for special occasions and when you want to impress your guests. Scrumptious layers of buttery pastry, a rich cherry jam, and almond frangipane form these beautiful mini cherry bites. But don’t let the amount of steps fool you. They are really easy to make and are a memorable dessert. Your guests will be forever grateful.

11. Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

What is not to love about chocolate chips loaded with fudgy brownies topped with roasted fresh cherries? Every bite is a chocolate and sweet cherry goodness. What better way to say Happy Valentine’s Day?

12. Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe

It’s time to impress with this amazing-looking, cherry-filled vanilla cake and a sweetened buttercream frosting. Every bite is deliciously moist with just enough cherry flavors and creamy goodness. The recipe has detailed step-by-step instructions to make your cherry cake baking a first-time success.

13. Cherry Crumble With Hazelnut Struddle

This cherry dessert does not come with your typical traditional crumb. Instead, a crispy hazelnut streusel covers a thick and juicy cherry layer. Serve it warm, topped with whipped cream, a big scoop of your favorite ice cream, or a caramel drizzle—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family get-togethers.

14. Black Forest Chocolate Tart

This elegant and beautiful chocolate tart brings together the classic flavors of dark chocolate and fresh cherries with chocolate truffle, cherry jelly, and ganache layers. And I’ve good news for you. This showstopper only takes 15 minutes to make; the rest is chilling time. It’s the most fun you’ll have making a fantastic cherry chocolate tart.

15. Cherry Pistachio Cupcakes

Sweet cherry and pistachio flavors join in these adorable cupcakes, with a cherry compote surprise in the center and a double vanilla and pistachio buttercream. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, yet it tastes and looks delicious.

16. Cherry Almond Breakfast Cake

Now, this is a brunch or breakfast centerpiece that brings everyone together to celebrate the cherry season. Pockets of juicy and fresh cherries fill this simple-to-make cake with a hint of almond flavor. The cake crumb is moist and tender. If serving it to guests, expect them to ask for the recipe.

17. Chocolate Cherry Cake In a Jar

Who doesn’t love an easy, no-bake dessert in a jar? It’s fruit combined with cream and cake crumbles. And you don’t have to make the cake or cookie crumble from scratch, either. It’s such an adaptable recipe that you can easily use leftover chocolate cake or cookies. The whipped cream is infused with a cherry marmalade or jam for that extra sweet, yummy cherry flavor.

18. Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars

Blondies filled with chocolate chips and cherries come together in one bowl; no mixer is required. Each bite is deliciously moist and juicy with an almost caramel buttery gooeyness. My only advice is to double the recipe since they are easy to freeze.

19. Cherry Cashew Miso Ice Cream

Vegan and no churn, this summer dessert has a lovely sweet cherry swirl, a cashew miso base, and chocolate chip toppings. Nope, it’s not your regular ice cream, but that’s why it’s a unique cherry-worthy dessert with amazing flavors. And no ice cream maker is required.

20. Black Forest Trifle

If you’re looking for an impressive dessert that’s also super easy to make, this recipe is for you. It’s a black forest cake wrapped in a trifle with layers of soft cherry liqueur drizzled chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, a cherry pie filling, and vanilla whipped cream. Best of all, you can make it with store-bought ingredients or prep each layer from scratch. It’s luscious, delicious, gorgeous, and you can make this ahead of time.

21. Cherry Scones Recipe

Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or afternoon tea snacks or pack them for a picnic, these cherry scones are worth baking. Lemon zest, orange zest, vanilla, almond extract, and delicious ripe red cherries merge in one buttery bite. They are fun, portable, and such a simple, beautiful bake.

Here you have it; 25 amazing cherry desserts worth making, and there is something for every occasion. The hardest part might be deciding which one to make first! Enjoy.