25 Best Sour Cherry Recipes

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness of sour cherries. Whether it’s a pie, a cocktail, or a simple snack, sour cherries add a burst of flavor to any dish. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best sour cherry recipes that you absolutely must try. While many of these are desserts, keep in mind that sour cherries can be used in everything from sauces to jams, drinks to marinades. 

Another benefit? Most of these can be made with any kind of sour cherries you have on hand – fresh, frozen, or even canned. Talk about versatility! 

Whatever your taste buds might be in search of, these easy-to-make recipes will satisfy your cravings – and make you fall in love with sour cherries all over again. 

So grab a mixing bowl, turn on some tunes, and let’s get to work. It’s time to put those cherries to good use!

1. Homemade Sour Cherry Jam

Starting off with a classic! This homemade sour cherry jam is equal parts simple and delicious. All you need is some lemon juice, three pounds of sour cherries, and two cups of sugar. 

Combine the ingredients, bring to a boil, and simmer until the mixture thickens. Spread it on your toast, serve with cheese and crackers, or package it up as a gift. It’s as easy as that!

2. Sour Cherry Crisp

This sour cherry crisp is a mouthwatering dessert that’s sure to impress! It combines the tart flavor of sour cherries with warm, crisp topping. It also incorporates ingredients like rolled oats, flour, and sugar – things you probably already have in your pantry. It’s easy to make and perfect for serving at your next potluck or family gathering. 

3. Sour Cherry Ice Cream

Who says you can’t make ice cream with sour cherries?  With this recipe, you can create a creamy, delicious ice cream that showcases the unique flavor of these little cherries. 

Make sure you strain the cherries before adding them to the mixture to prevent any unwanted tartness. You can use heavy cream or half and half (if you want a lighter feel) to create the perfect texture.

4. Sour Cherry Pie

Is there anything more iconic than a freshly baked sour cherry pie for your summer barbecue? 

This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a delicious, homemade cherry pie that’s perfect for all occasions.  The crust is crispy and flaky, while the filling bursts with the flavors of fresh, sour cherries. Don’t forget the whipped cream!

5. Sour Cherry Liqueur 

If you’re looking for a great gift idea, then why not try making your own sour cherry liqueur? This recipe only requires sugar, sour cherries, water, and alcohol.

After a few days of letting the ingredients steep together, all you have to do is strain the cherries and serve the liqueur chilled. This drink is perfect for sipping alone or mixed with champagne for a celebratory treat.  Or throw a bow on it and call it an awesome homemade Christmas present!

6. Sour Cherry Crumble Bars

Sour Cherry Crumble Bars are a quick and easy breakfast or snack that everyone will love. Trisha Yearwood’s recipe is a fan favorite, and for a good reason!   All you need is flour, sugar, butter, oats, and sour cherries. These go great with a cup of coffee!

7. Sour Cherry Scones

There’s something about the tart flavor of these little fruits that make them a favorite among foodies, bakers, and chefs alike. And if you’re looking for a unique recipe that makes use of sour cherries, then you’re in luck. These melt-in-your-mouth scones are perfect for tea time, breakfast, lunch, dessert…well, they’re perfect for just about everything, to be honest!

8. Fresh Cherry Loaf Cake

This cake is super moist and made with yogurt, which gives it a tangy and creamy taste. You can either use fresh or frozen sour cherries for this recipe. 

After mixing the ingredients, just pour into the loaf pan and bake. You can add a glaze after baking, if you’d like, but no matter what you choose, the result is a delicious cake that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any other time of day.

9. Sour Cherry Muffins

These muffins are soft, fluffy, and decadent – but if they’re not quite decadent enough, you can always add a bit of dark chocolate (per the recipe!)The combination of sour cherries and dark chocolate is divine, and it’s perfect for those who love a sweet and tangy flavor.

10. German Cherry Cheesecake

This cheesecake is authentic and has a creamy and slightly tangy taste. The base is made with graham crackers, and the filling has sour cream and sour cherries. This recipe is perfect for those who love a classic cheesecake – but with a twist that’s sure to have you coming back for seconds. 

11. Sour Cherry Sorbet

Cherries aren’t just for warm baked goods! You can cool off on a hot day with this refreshing and tart sorbet. Made with just cherries, sugar, and water, it’s a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for summer. Your kids will love it – and you’ll love how quickly it comes together (and with minimal mess or fuss).

12. Cherry Cheesecake Crumble Bars

These bars are a decadent treat that blends the flavors of sour cherries and creamy cheesecake. The crumbly oat topping adds a nice contrast in texture while also giving the bars a smooth, luxurious feel. Stash them in the freezer or refrigerator for whenever you’re craving a sweet snack!

13. Sour Cherry Cobbler Coffee Cake 

This sour cherry cobbler coffee cake has a real mouthful of a name – but who cares? It is a must-try recipe that combines coffee cake texture with the perfect tartness from sour cherries. It makes for a perfect breakfast or brunch item that can be made well in advance (and even stashed in the freezer, if you choose).

14. Sour Cherry Blondies

This recipe is perfect for those who love both brownies and cherries. It’s a unique twist on a classic dessert that will have you reaching for another piece. The sour cherries add a delicious pop of tartness that perfectly offsets the sweetness of the blondie. 

Plus, a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top not only gives it an elegant look, but also balances the flavors. 

15. German Sour Cherry Streusel Cake 

The combination of buttery shortcrust pastry, sour cherry filling, and hazelnut crumble make for an irresistible dessert that is sure to impress your loved ones. This traditional German recipe is a must-try for those who enjoy baking and want to take the next step in their culinary adventures. 

Pro tip – the addition of whipped cream on top makes it even more decadent and perfect for special occasions.

16. Sour Cherry Sweet Rolls 

For those who prefer a sweet breakfast treat, these sour cherry sweet rolls are a must-try. Similar to cinnamon rolls, but with a fruity twist, these rolls are perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a special brunch. 

The combination of sweet dough and tart cherries is heavenly, and the addition of a cream cheese glaze takes it to the next level. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

17. Sour Cherry Lemonade

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink, try making some sour cherry lemonade. It’s super easy to make and only takes a few ingredients. You will need fresh sour cherries, lemon juice, sugar, and water. 

Simply blend the cherries and strain the juice, then add the other ingredients on the list. Serve it chilled and enjoy your delicious sour cherry lemonade.

18. Brioche Twist with Cherry Jam and Rum Glaze

If you want to indulge in both sweet and savory flavors, then try this brioche twist with cherry jam and rum glaze. 

For this recipe, you will need bread dough, cherry jam, poppy seeds, and rum glaze, among other ingredients. It’s absolutely decadent with a cup of coffee or tea!

19. Cherry Upside Down Cake

If you’re looking for a new twist on the classic upside-down cake, you’ve got to give this recipe a try and put your Bundt pan to good use. then you must try this cherry upside-down cake. This recipe is a perfect combination of sweet and sour flavors. 

You will need basic ingredients like sour cherries, flour, sugar, butter, egg, and baking powder. Simple as that!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/86694361568611682/

20. Chocolate and Sour Cherry Cake

Who doesn’t love chocolate cake? Now, imagine pairing it with sour cherries. It’s a heavenly combination that you have to try. It tastes great warm, cold, and leftover – but you may want to make a double batch. It’s sure to have everybody coming back for more!

21. Cherry Wine

are you a wine lover? Then you’ll love this cherry wine recipe. It’s simple to make, and it’s the perfect addition to your summer drink menu. The recipe requires sour cherries, sugar, water, yeast, and some other basic ingredients. 

All you need to do is mix the ingredients together and let it sit for a few weeks to ferment. You’ll have a deliciously sweet and tart cherry wine that’ll impress your friends and family.

22. Cherry Surprise Dessert

Looking for a dessert with a twist? Try out this cherry surprise dessert that’s a cobbler-like dish with hidden ingredients in the batter. Once it’s done baking, you’ll have a delicious and unique dessert that’ll leave your taste buds feeling happy – and your family totally surprised at how amazing this one-of-a-kind dessert really is.

23. Sour Cherry Almond Bars

Don’t have a super sweet tooth, but still want to enjoy cherries? Try these sour cherry almond bars that are the perfect snack for any time of the day. The cherries lend the bars a mild natural sweetness without overpowering them, while the almond flavor helps balance out some of the acidity of the fruit. 

24. Chocolate Cookies with Sour Cherries

Who doesn’t love warm chocolate cookies? Add some tangy sour cherries and you have a perfect combination of flavors. This Martha Stewart inspired recipe uses eggs, sour cherries, brown sugar, bittersweet chocolate, and other simple ingredients that are easily available. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233765036899701423/

25. Sour Cherry Fro-Yo

A refreshing and healthy dessert that will satisfy your sweet cravings guilt-free? Look no further than Sour Cherry Fro-Yo. This recipe uses Greek yogurt, almond and vanilla extract, sugar, and sour cherries to create a creamy and tangy frozen yogurt treat. It is perfect for hot summer days, and it takes only a few minutes to make. 

You can also add some granola, nuts, or fresh fruit on top for some extra crunch.