Cherry

Prunus avium (sweet), Prunus cerasus (tart) Fruit

Cherry Fruit

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"The jewel of summer, offering both sweet indulgence and tangy complexity."

Definition

A small, round stone fruit, typically red or black, ranging from sweet to tart, used fresh, in desserts, or preserves.

Antioxidant Rich High in anthocyanins
Seasonal Peak Late spring to mid-summer
Water Content Approximately 82%

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cherry are:

Sweet tart juicy slightly floral (varies by type)

Chef’s Secret

When pitting cherries, use a chopstick or a specific cherry pitter to minimize mess and preserve the fruit's shape, ideal for elegant garnishes.

Best Substitutes

Raspberries

volume, in some recipes
Ratio 1:1

Strawberries

volume
Ratio 1:1

Cranberries

for tart, volume
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, shiny, plump cherries with green stems. Avoid soft, shriveled, or bruised fruit.

Recipes Using Cherry

3 Steps Or Less Dietary Cakes Preparation

3 Ingredient Dump Cake

Need a ridiculously easy dessert that tastes amazing? This 3-ingredient dump cake is your new best friend! Perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you're craving something sweet without the fuss. Simply dump, bake, and enjoy this unbelievably delicious cake, best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

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Easy Sauces Occasion A1 Sauce

A 1 Black Cherry Brie Chocolate Walnut Tartlet A1

Indulge in these decadent A1 Black Cherry Brie Chocolate Walnut Tartlets! Flaky puff pastry shells cradle creamy French brie, layered with a unique A1 steak sauce-infused black cherry sauce, and finished with rich dark chocolate-covered roasted walnuts. This seasonal, savory-sweet masterpiece is perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or a delightful dessert. A recipe inspired by an original sauce recipe contest entry.

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Quick Breads Low Carb Low Cholesterol Low Sodium

A To Z Bread

This incredibly versatile and moist bread is a delicious way to use up leftover frozen berries! Packed with flavor and easy to customize, A to Z Berry Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Make it your own by adding your favorite mix of frozen fruits, nuts, and spices.

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Sauces 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation

A 1 Cherry Cobbler Tart A1

Elevate your dessert game with these exquisite A1 Cherry Cobbler Tartlets! This recipe, inspired by an original sauce recipe contest entry, features a tangy A1 ganache that perfectly complements a creamy cherry cobbler filling nestled in flaky puff pastry. Get ready for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor in every bite! Perfect for dessert, brunch, or a special occasion.

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Time To Make 5 Ingredients Or Less Weeknight Course

Alli's Rob Roy

Master the art of the classic Rob Roy with this easy-to-follow recipe! This sophisticated Scottish cocktail is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a refined drink at home. Learn the bartender's secret to a perfectly balanced Rob Roy – sweet, smooth, and undeniably delicious. A twist on the Manhattan, this recipe delivers a memorable taste experience.

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Equipment Course Kid Friendly 30 Minutes Or Less

Almond Butter Cookies With Cream Cheese

A treasured family recipe (source unknown!), these almond butter cookies with cream cheese are incredibly versatile! Perfect for holidays with candied cherries and chocolate drizzle, or enjoy them plain for a delightful anytime treat. This recipe offers three easy methods for shaping the dough: spoon drops, cookie press, or rolled and cut. Get ready for melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness!

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American 3 Steps Or Less Easy Fruit

Almond Cherry Lavender Crunch

This irresistible Almond Cherry Lavender Crunch is the perfect snack, topping for ice cream, or delightful addition to your breakfast oatmeal or yogurt! Packed with Vitamin E and fiber, this recipe is both healthy and delicious. A subtle lavender flavor (easily substituted with lemon zest if needed) complements the sweet cherries and crunchy almonds beautifully. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Preparation Course Lunch Soy Tofu

Alton Brown's Protein Bars

Fuel your body with Alton Brown's incredible protein bars, a healthy and delicious recipe inspired by his Good Eats show! These energy bars are perfect for pre- or post-workout snacks, hiking adventures, or a quick and nutritious breakfast. Made with wholesome ingredients and packed with protein, these bars are surprisingly easy to make and taste amazing!

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Low Cholesterol 60 Minutes Or Less Low Cholesterol Preparation

Apple Cherry Crisp

A delightful and healthy Apple Cherry Crisp recipe inspired by Moosewood! This comforting dessert features a sweet and tart fruit filling topped with a buttery, crunchy oat crumble. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers incredible flavor.

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Easy Novelty Occasion Easy

Apple Pecan And Blue Cheese Salad With Dried Cherries

Inspired by Ree Drummond's Pioneer Woman, this vibrant salad is a symphony of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors! Crisp apples, crunchy pecans, creamy blue cheese, and juicy dried cherries are tossed in a simple yet unforgettable maple Dijon vinaigrette. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer.

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Course 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Time To Make

Apple Cherry Pie Loaves

Delight your friends and family this holiday season with these irresistible Apple Cherry Pie Loaves! This quick bread recipe, discovered in a trove of vintage recipe clippings, combines the comforting flavors of apple and cherry in a delightful mini loaf format – perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. Get ready to bake up a batch of warm, spiced goodness!

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Preparation Main Ingredient Cherries Cookies And Brownies

Apricot Cherry Bars

Dive into delightful apricot cherry bliss with this recipe, originally featured in the USA Weekend newspaper (Dec 10-12, 2004). These irresistible fruit bars offer a burst of sweet and tart flavor in every bite. A perfect treat for any occasion, but remember to carefully remove any stray cherry pits before baking for a truly enjoyable experience!

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Course Tomatoes 30 Minutes Or Less Low Carb

Arugula Tomato And Corn Salad

Capture the taste of summer with this vibrant arugula, tomato, and corn salad, inspired by Atlanta's renowned Mi Spia Ristorante! Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, peppery arugula, and crunchy pecans come together in a light and zesty vinaigrette. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or summer BBQ. Elevate your meal with the fresh flavors of Italy!

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Low In Something Main Ingredient Salads Dietary

B L T Tossed Salad

This vibrant B L T Tossed Salad is a spring and summer sensation! Crisp Boston lettuce forms the base, topped with homemade bacon croutons for irresistible crunch. The creamy, tangy dressing perfectly complements the juicy tomatoes and savory bacon. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavor, this salad is a crowd-pleaser!

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Dietary Main Ingredient Time To Make 1 Day Or More

Banana Ice Cream Cake

Indulge in this decadent Banana Ice Cream Cake! Layers of creamy ice cream, chocolatey goodness, and fresh bananas create a dreamy dessert perfect for any occasion. This show-stopping cake is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal baking and maximum deliciousness. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning and flavorful creation!

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3 Steps Or Less Time To Make Main Ingredient Poultry

Betty Crocker's Light Lemon Dijon Chicken Salad

This vibrant and zesty Lemon Dijon Chicken Salad is ready in just 20 minutes! A quick, easy recipe with minimal ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Perfect for a light lunch, weeknight dinner, or potluck contribution. The bright lemon and tangy Dijon dressing complements the juicy chicken and crisp vegetables beautifully.

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Served Cold Low In Something Peaches Low Protein

Peach Upside Down Muffins

These irresistible Peach Upside Down Muffins are a delightful twist on classic peach upside-down cake! Imagine tender, juicy peach slices nestled in a buttery brown sugar base, all baked into fluffy, golden muffins. This recipe is easily adaptable – perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a delightful weekend brunch. Get ready for a burst of peachy goodness in every bite! (Note: This recipe is easily scalable to make more than 12 muffins.)

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American 15 Minutes Or Less Low Carb Vegetables

Spinach And Pumpkin Seed Salad

This vibrant spinach and pumpkin seed salad is the perfect light lunch or side dish. Its zesty vinaigrette and crunchy pumpkin seeds complement the fresh spinach beautifully. Feel free to substitute mixed baby greens or mesclun for a unique twist! This easy 10-minute recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for a healthy and delicious meal.

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