Got a bag of frozen cherries and no idea what to do with them? Here’s over 30 of the best frozen cherries recipes that’ll save you time, money, and effort (no pitting required!). Read on for delicious recipes using a frozen shortcut (hint: you can use them for so much more than a smoothie!).
It’s no secret that fresh cherries are ridiculously expensive (at least in the United States anyway!). I can only think of a handful times I forked over the money to buy them and most times I regretted it. There are so many equally, if not more delicious, fruits that are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper like bananas, apples, pears, watermelon, etc.
But that’s where frozen cherries come in! They’re already pitted, and frozen fruit (and vegetables) are actually picked and frozen at their peak ripeness.
This means they might be even better tasting than fresh produce, since fresh fruits and vegetables have to sit on a truck and travel to their destination, and then they often sit on store shelves before they are finally purchased and consumed. Further, this means they’re usually more nutritious. Talk about bang for your buck!
And if you already know you love these frozen little stone fruits (maybe you have a supersized bag from Costco in your freezer like I do), find new recipes using frozen cherries below. If you’re one of those people that really utilizes their freezer (or wants to), check out my free printable freezer inventory sheets.
Frozen cherries come in different varieties. The two most common types are sweet (usually dark) cherries and tart cherries.
Sour cherries (also called tart cherries) are often inedible in their fresh form, which is smaller and usually brighter in color than sweet cherries. Sour or tart cherries are often cooked or processed in some ways. You may see them in yogurt flavors, in the canned section, or in processed foods. You can definitely purchase sour cherries, but keep in mind that they are indeed sour!
Most frozen cherries that you see will be sweet cherries (unless they say otherwise), and these are usually deep red in color and a large size. Frozen sweet cherries are picked at the peak of ripeness and are usually very sweet and luscious in whatever way you like to use them. One of my favorite recipes using frozen cherries is a chocolate cherry smoothie with cocoa powder, plant milk, and of course frozen cherries.
Sometimes you can find frozen cherries in a blend with other fruits like berries. Cherries are sweeter than berries, so these mixes are great for smoothies, parfaits, chia pudding, and oatmeal.
But if you are looking for more delicious recipes using frozen cherries, keep reading.
Recipes Using Frozen Cherries
Instead of spending hours pitting cherries, save yourself the mess and headache and give frozen cherries a try! Check out this big list of recipes using frozen cherries and make your grocery list. You’ll definitely want to try at least a few of these recipes.
1. Vegan Cherry Ripe Cups
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Vegan Cherry Ripe Cups by Rainbow Nourishments
Love peanut butter cups? Try these juicy cherry coconut filled dark chocolate cups! They only require 5 ingredients and are the perfect bite size treat.
Vegan Cherry Mango Popsicles by The All Natural Vegan
Cherry mango popsicles are an easy and healthy vegan frozen treat. Made with simple and wholesome ingredients, these popsicles are great for kids and adults alike.
Vegan Black Forest Cake by Gretchen’s Vegan Bakery
Vegan black forest cake is a gorgeous centerpiece for any holiday table. This chocolate cake features Kirschwasser marinated cherries and homemade vegan whipped cream.
Cherry Smoothie with Cocoa Nibs by Keeping the Peas
Full of bright, sweet and tart flavors, this refreshing cherry smoothie with cocoa nibs is a healthy yet delicious addition to your breakfast or a refreshing treat on a warm afternoon. Whip this smoothie up in just a few minutes with frozen cherries.
Cherry frosé (aka cherry rosé wine slushies) is an easy cocktail recipe that comes together in less than 5 minutes with only a handful of ingredients. This recipe makes enough for a group and can be frozen and stored for later too.
Black Forest Chia Seed Protein Pudding by Randa Nutrition
Black forest chia seed protein pudding looks and tastes like a dessert but it also makes a healthy breakfast or snack! Load up on healthy fats and sweet frozen cherries in this yummy and easy treat.
Cherry Chocolate Granola Smoothie Bowl by Homebody Eats
Loaded with cherries and chocolate granola, this easy to make smoothie bowl is better than anything you'd get at a juice bar or cafe. Swap the honey for agave or maple syrup for a delicious vegan breakfast or healthy dessert.
Vegan Cherry Muffins (with gluten-free option) by A Virtual Vegan
Vegan cherry muffins are buttery, moist, soft, and full of almond flavor and cherry goodness. You don't even have to defrost your frozen cherries for this recipe!
Nice cream uses frozen bananas and frozen cherries in this case to create an easy and creamy frozen treat without an ice cream maker. Freeze your bananas when they are ripe and spotty for extra sweetness.
Make this impressive and delicious cherry roll wreath recipe for a family gathering. This delicious recipe uses frozen cherries and is a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
Cherry Chia Banana Smoothie by Feast for a Fraction
Need a new favorite smoothie? Try this cherry chia banana smoothie and swap the milk and yogurt for your favorite dairy-free options (coconut yogurt and almond milk would be great here, for example).
A big bowl of satisfying cherry chocolate oatmeal is a great breakfast. Serve with your favorite toppings like nut butter, vegan yogurt, or chocolate chips!
Ninja Creami Cherry Ice Cream Recipe by Healthy Slow Cooking
Have a Ninja Creami? Make up a batch of this whole food plant-based cherry ice cream that uses either frozen or fresh cherries. The base includes homemade almond and cashew milk but substitutions are included.
Sweet Cherry Jam (Low Histamine, No Pectin) by Low Histamine Eats
Use frozen cherries as a quick shortcut to make this delicious date-sweetened jam (or substitute your favorite sweetener). Spread this cherry jam on toast, muffins, or use it as a mix-in or topping for vegan ice cream.
Surprisingly easy (with frozen cherries), these vegan black forest cupcakes feature a homemade Kirsch cherry filling for classic black forest flavor. These little cupcakes are a couple-bite version of the German classic cake.
Homemade Vegan Almond Cherry Ice Cream by The All Natural Vegan
Looking for another whole foods plant based ice cream recipe? Treat yourself with this vegan cherry almond ice cream and serve with fresh fruit or with a sprinkle of cacao nibs.
Use this cherry sauce over cakes, vegan cheesecake, vegan ice cream, pancakes, waffles, and more. This delicious sauce only uses 5 ingredients and is super easy to make.
Chocolate Cherry Oat Smoothie (No Banana) by Go Eat Green
Need a smoothie without bananas? This chocolate cherry smoothie with oats is a quick and healthy shake that is very satisfying and weight loss friendly.
Everyone will love this classic dessert that can be made with sweet or tart frozen cherries. This easy vegan cherry pie is the perfect dessert any time of year.
This banana cherry smoothie bowl is easy to make and loaded with micronutrients and antioxidants. It's also super filling and makes a great breakfast, dessert, or snack.
Warm summer evenings beg for this bourbon cherry cocktail. All you need to do is make a simple cherry-infused syrup to make whipping up these bourbon cocktails quick and easy.
Vegan & Paleo Cherry Crumble by What Great Grandma Ate
With frozen cherries, this delicious cherry crumble can be made any time of year. Serve it warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a delightful and easy dessert.
Easy 3 Ingredient Chia Pudding by And Hattie Makes Three
This 3 ingredient chia pudding makes for a refreshing yet satisfying breakfast, snack, or dessert. Use frozen cherries to sweeten the dish naturally, or add your favorite sweetener if you like it even sweeter.
Homemade Gluten-free Cherry BBQ Sauce by Grain Free Table
Cherry BBQ sauce is a fantastic addition to your roster of vegan BBQ recipes. Use this delicious gluten-free BBQ sauce for BBQ tempeh or anything else you like!
Cherry Blueberry Smoothie by Through The Fibro Fog
Cherries and blueberries make for a beautiful deep purple and flavorful smoothie that's perfect for breakfast or a snack. This smoothie is loaded with fruit, oats for satiety, and a little coconut for a nutritious and refreshing drink.
Black forest overnight oats are a nutritious and satisfying breakfast that is perfect for meal prep. Chocolate and cherry are a classic combination for a reason.
Roasted Cherry Farro Salad Recipe by Jessica Levinson
Another savory recipe! Make this roasted cherry farro salad for your next light lunch or if you need a fabulous side dish. This sweet and savory dish uses frozen or fresh cherries for a beautiful marriage of flavors and textures.
Chocolate Covered Cherry Popsicles by The Healthful Ideas
Chocolate covered cherry popsicles are a creamy and decadent frozen treat perfect for summer. Swap the yogurt for vegan yogurt or coconut cream to make these treats vegan.
Protein-packed and full of delicious chocolate cherry flavor, this smoothie is great if you're looking to bulk up. This vegan weight gain smoothie is delicious and super quick to make.
Cherry compote is very easy to make with frozen cherries. This compote is the perfect topping for pancakes, waffles, vegan French toast or French toast casserole, crepes, vegan ice cream, and more.
Plant based and super yummy, these almond and cherry baked oats are a satisfying vegan breakfast. Baked oats have a more firm bar-like texture than regular oatmeal but are just as nutritious and full of protein and healthy carbs.
