Deliciously Simple: 21+ Easy Frozen Cherry Recipes for Every Craving
Got a stash of frozen cherries waiting to be transformed into something spectacular? You’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive guide brings you over 21 incredibly easy, unbelievably delicious, and strikingly bold frozen cherry recipes that promise to inspire your culinary adventures. From refreshing, chilled cherry smoothies that awaken your senses to the sophisticated layers of a gorgeous Black Forest cake, and an abundance of comforting cherry pies and bars, your frozen fruit will never go to waste again.
If this curated list of the best frozen cherry recipes doesn’t spark serious inspiration in your kitchen, we don’t know what will! You’ll discover incredible ways to use up your freezer stash, from quick breakfasts to show-stopping desserts. Just wait until you see number 10 – it’s a truly mouth-gaping, gorgeous dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion!
Frozen cherries are truly a culinary marvel. They are naturally sweet, bursting with vibrant flavor, and packed with health benefits, making them an ideal ingredient for everything from wholesome breakfasts to indulgent desserts. Their convenience means you can enjoy the taste of summer’s bounty all year long, without worrying about seasonality or spoilage.
Tips for Cooking with Frozen Cherries
While frozen cherries are incredibly versatile, understanding how to best use them can elevate your dishes. Many recipes seamlessly incorporate cherries straight from the freezer, especially smoothies, sauces, and baked goods where their moisture content won’t significantly alter the final texture. However, some recipes, particularly those requiring a firmer consistency or less liquid (like pies, tarts, or certain cakes), may benefit from thawing and draining the cherries first. This crucial step prevents your delicious creations from becoming too watery or soggy. To thaw, simply spread them on a baking sheet at room temperature for an hour, or transfer them to a bowl in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Whether you choose to thaw them or use them frozen, the rich, sweet-tart flavor of cherries will shine through. Ready to dive in? Here are 21 of the best frozen cherry recipes that are so tempting, they’ll make you want to lick the screen. And hey, we won’t judge!
If you’re also looking for recipes made with fresh cherries, click here to explore more delightful options.
Our Top Frozen Cherry Recipes
1. Cherry Chocolate Smoothie
Kickstart your day with a luxurious yet healthy treat: the Cherry Chocolate Smoothie. This intensely rich and velvety smoothie perfectly blends the deep, sweet-tart notes of frozen cherries with the indulgent bitterness of dark chocolate. It’s not just a delight for your taste buds; it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition, being naturally vegan and gluten-free. Just toss your frozen cherries straight into the blender – no thawing needed – and enjoy a truly decadent breakfast or a revitalizing snack that fuels your body and satisfies your sweet tooth. It’s a convenient and delicious way to get your fruit in!
2. Cherry Oat Milk Chia Pudding
Prepare for a delightful morning with this creamy Cherry Oat Milk Chia Pudding, a fantastic breakfast recipe that requires minimal effort the night before. Featuring the goodness of frozen (or fresh!) cherries, this pudding can be prepped before bed, allowing you to wake up to a wholesome and delicious meal. For an added layer of flavor and texture, combine it with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of crunchy granola in the morning. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast that feels incredibly indulgent yet is packed with nutrients.
3. Black Forest Ice Cream Cake
Indulge in pure decadence with this show-stopping Black Forest Ice Cream Cake. It features a rich, fudge-like brownie base, generously topped with a sweet, homemade cherry sauce crafted from your frozen cherries, and a creamy layer of vanilla ice cream. The masterpiece is then completed with a luscious dark chocolate ganache and a scattering of fresh cherries for garnish. This luxurious treat is an absolute showstopper, perfect for celebrations or when you simply crave something extraordinary. The tartness of the cherries beautifully balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
4. Cherry Sauce
With a minimalist approach and only 5 ingredients, this vibrant sweet cherry sauce is an absolute game-changer for utilizing your frozen cherries. It comes together in a mere 10 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, glossy sauce perfect for drizzling over cheesecakes, pancakes, ice cream, or even as a filling for tarts. Whether you have frozen, fresh, or canned cherries on hand, this recipe is incredibly adaptable and always delivers a burst of intense cherry flavor. It’s a fundamental recipe for any cherry lover!
5. Black Cherry Ice Cream
Cool down with this sumptuously silky smooth Black Cherry Ice Cream, a homemade delight that’s infused with a subtle cream cheese flavor and punctuated by vibrant bursts of sweet cherry. The star of this show is undoubtedly the rich, sweet black cherries, making it an absolutely perfect summertime treat. Using frozen black cherries allows you to capture their intense flavor, ensuring every scoop is a refreshing and memorable experience. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the fruit in a classic, chilled dessert.
6. Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
For a dessert that’s both incredibly simple and utterly decadent, look no further than this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This super easy recipe combines the delightful contrast of sweet and sour cherries with luscious cream cheese, all topped with a buttery cake mix and a generous amount of butter. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that vanishes quickly at any get-together or party. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, office events, or casual family gatherings, it offers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, making excellent use of your frozen cherry supply.
7. Cherry Tartlets with Puff Pastry
These elegant and utterly gorgeous cherry tartlets are astonishingly easy to make, requiring just 5 simple ingredients. Utilizing store-bought frozen puff pastry, these delightful bites are filled with the sweet-tart goodness of fresh or frozen cherries, then baked until they achieve a beautiful golden hue and a wonderfully crunchy texture. They serve as a perfect light dessert or an impressive appetizer for any party or gathering. The convenience of frozen cherries means you can whip up these charming treats on short notice, delighting your guests with minimal effort.
8. Black Forest Overnight Oats
Transform your breakfast routine with these Black Forest Overnight Oats, offering a sweet yet remarkably healthy start to your day. This recipe is quick to prepare, incredibly nutritious, and deeply satisfying. It embraces the classic, beloved combination of rich chocolate and vibrant cherries, creating an addictively delicious and luxurious morning meal. Despite its decadent taste, it’s crafted with wholesome ingredients like hearty oats and beneficial chia seeds, making it a guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for meal prepping with frozen cherries.
9. Vegan Cherry Pie
This exquisite Vegan Cherry Pie boasts a luscious, sweet-tart cherry filling encased within a beautifully flaky, homemade pie crust. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, as the vibrant cherry filling can be made equally well with either fresh or frozen cherries, making it a perfect dessert for any season. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but its stunning presentation also makes it a true showstopper. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience that caters to all dietary preferences.
10. White Forest Cake
Prepare to be mesmerized by this breathtaking White Forest Cake, a stunning variation of the classic. This exquisite cake features delicate white cake layers generously filled with sweet cherries and adorned with a heavenly white chocolate whipped cream frosting. It’s an absolute showstopper, making it the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion that calls for something truly magnificent. The vibrant red of the cherries against the pristine white frosting creates an elegant contrast that is as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. Have you ever seen anything more beautiful? This recipe is ideal for frozen cherries, ensuring a vibrant cherry flavor even when fresh are out of season.
11. Cherry Mango Popsicles
If you’re yearning for a truly refreshing and naturally sweet summer treat, these Cherry Mango Popsicles are an absolute must-try! Made with just three simple ingredients – succulent mango, vibrant cherries (perfect from frozen!), and creamy coconut milk – they are incredibly easy to whip up and delightfully healthy. These delicious pops boast no added or refined sugars, allowing the natural sweetness of the fruits to shine. They’re a fantastic way to cool down on a hot day while enjoying a guilt-free burst of tropical and berry flavors, showcasing the versatility of frozen fruit.
12. Keto Cherry Pie Bars
Indulge without the guilt with these decadent, easy, and utterly delicious Keto Cherry Pie Bars. They feature a rich, buttery crust providing the perfect foundation for a sweet-tart cherry jam filling, all crowned with a delightful almond flour and coconut crumble topping. These bars are practically impossible to resist, with their incredible flavor and satisfying texture. What makes them even better? They’re low-carb with just 5.2 net carbs per serving, plus they are gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. Frozen cherries make them a breeze to prepare, offering a guilt-free pleasure for any time of year.
13. Cherry Crumb Pie
This easy and irresistibly delicious Cherry Crumb Pie recipe features a delightful homemade streusel topping that provides a perfect textural contrast to the sweet, jammy cherry filling beneath. Made with simple, accessible ingredients, this pie is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for home bakers. The use of frozen cherries ensures that you can enjoy this comforting dessert no matter the season. For the ultimate indulgence, serve a warm slice with a large scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, allowing the flavors to meld into pure bliss.
14. Cherry Frosé
This quick and effortless Cherry Frosé cocktail is the ultimate companion for a warm, sunny day! Crafted with just three simple ingredients – including your flavorful frozen cherries – and blended to perfection, it creates a fantastic frozen concoction. It offers the ideal blend of refreshing coolness and fruity sweetness, making it a sophisticated yet fun drink. Perfect for summer parties, casual gatherings with friends, or simply unwinding after a long week, this frosé highlights how frozen cherries can elevate your beverage game with minimal fuss and maximum impact.
15. Cherry Blackberry Red Wine Granita
Granita is a surprisingly simple and intensely refreshing treat, and this Cherry Blackberry Red Wine Granita is no exception! You just mix the ingredients, chill, and then scrape it up with a fork to create a delightful icy dessert. This lightly sweetened granita is crafted with vibrant chopped frozen cherries, juicy blackberries, and a splash of red wine, offering a complex and sophisticated flavor profile. But the innovation doesn’t stop there! It’s also uniquely topped with a sweetened black pepper sour cream, adding an unexpected kick that elevates the entire experience. Yes, please, to this adventurous and absolutely delicious frozen cherry creation!
16. Cherry Flapjack Recipe
This Cherry Flapjack Recipe creates irresistibly tasty and addictively satisfying oat bars. These fruity squares are beautifully crisp on top, giving way to a wonderfully chewy and decadent interior, all interspersed with delightful bursts of sweet cherry flavor. Utilizing frozen cherries makes these flapjacks a fantastic year-round snack or dessert, perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or an afternoon treat. The combination of wholesome oats and vibrant cherries makes them both comforting and nourishing, a delightful way to enjoy the fruit in a portable format.
17. Black Forest Cherry Cake
Immerse yourself in the rich, luxurious flavors of this classic Black Forest Cherry Cake. This iconic dessert combines deep, intensely chocolatey sponge cake layers with a hint of cherry brandy, luscious fresh or frozen cherries, generous swirls of whipped cream, and delicate chocolate shavings. The interplay of sweet, tart, and rich notes creates a truly harmonious and indulgent experience. It’s a showstopping dessert that’s perfect for any grand occasion, proving that frozen cherries are indispensable for capturing that authentic Black Forest taste at any time of year.
18. Cherry Apple Crisp
This heartwarming Cherry Apple Crisp offers a perfect balance of flavors, combining tart cherries with sweet apples, all nestled under a wonderfully buttery oat crisp topping. It’s a simple yet incredibly comforting dessert that speaks to the soul. Crown this delightful creation with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and prepare to dig into pure bliss! This recipe is naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable to be gluten-free, making it a versatile dessert for many. Using frozen cherries ensures a consistent and vibrant fruit component regardless of the season, creating a wholesome and satisfying treat.
19. Overnight Oats with Chocolate, Cherry, & Banana
Overnight oats are an absolute lifesaver for busy mornings, offering an effortless way to pack in essential nutrients while still tasting incredibly delicious. This particularly nutritious and flavorful version combines the creamy goodness of chocolate milk with the sweet-tartness of cherries and the natural sweetness of bananas. Simply prep it the night before, and you’ll have a convenient, ready-to-grab-and-go breakfast waiting for you in the morning! Frozen cherries are perfect here, adding a wonderful chill and vibrant flavor without any extra steps.
20. Roasted Rack of Lamb with Red Wine Cherry Sauce
Think sweet cherries are exclusively reserved for dessert? Think again! This sophisticated recipe beautifully proves their savory potential. Succulent rack of lamb, generously rubbed with aromatic garlic and fresh thyme, is roasted to perfection. This drool-worthy main course is then exquisitely complemented by a rich pan sauce crafted with robust red wine, vibrant fresh or frozen cherries, and fragrant herbs. The sweet-tartness of the cherries cuts through the richness of the lamb, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. This dish is a testament to the incredible versatility of frozen cherries in elevating gourmet savory meals.
21. Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Sauce
Experience a delightful culinary synergy with this Grilled Pork Tenderloin perfectly paired with a sweet and savory cherry sauce. This easy cherry sauce comes together in a mere 10 minutes, harnessing the vibrant flavor of frozen cherries to create a truly irresistible accompaniment. The pork tenderloin, known for its quick cooking time, develops a wonderfully smoky and charred exterior on the grill, adding depth of flavor and fantastic texture. This dish is a must-try for a weeknight dinner that feels gourmet or a casual get-together with friends, offering a unique and memorable flavor combination that highlights the versatility of cherries beyond desserts.
More Delicious Ways to Use Frozen Fruit:
Don’t stop at cherries! There are endless possibilities for transforming your frozen fruit into delightful meals and treats. Explore these other fantastic recipes to make the most of your freezer stash:
- 23 Must-Try Frozen Strawberry Recipes
- 17+ Best Frozen Banana Recipes
- 15 Best Frozen Peach Recipes
- Banana Bread with Frozen Bananas
- Triple Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries