Introduction
Frozen cherries are one of those ingredients that are both versatile and easy to keep on hand. They’re perfect for a variety of dishes, from smoothies to baked goods, and they’re a great way to enjoy the flavor of cherries year-round. Whether you’re craving something sweet, tangy, or indulgent, frozen cherries can be the star ingredient in many different recipes.
In this article, we’ll explore some creative and mouthwatering frozen cherry recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends. From simple desserts to decadent treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s get started!
1. Frozen Cherry Smoothie
A frozen cherry smoothie is a quick and refreshing treat, perfect for breakfast or as a mid-day snack. This recipe combines frozen cherries with a few other simple ingredients to create a creamy, satisfying smoothie.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Place the frozen cherries, Greek yogurt, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately, topped with a few whole frozen cherries for extra texture.
Tips:
- Add greens: If you want to pack some extra nutrients into your smoothie, add a handful of spinach or kale. The flavor of the cherries will mask the taste of the greens.
- Boost the protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra filling boost.
2. Frozen Cherry Sorbet
For a dairy-free, refreshing dessert, frozen cherry sorbet is a perfect choice. This simple, homemade recipe is made with just a few ingredients and is bursting with the natural sweetness of cherries.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups frozen cherries
- 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the frozen cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and has the consistency of sorbet.
- Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture, or transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for 2-3 hours to firm up.
Tips:
- If you want a smoother texture, you can run the sorbet through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- For an added twist, you can mix in a few other fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a mixed berry sorbet.
3. Frozen Cherry Pie
A classic cherry pie made with frozen cherries is an easy and delicious way to indulge in a traditional dessert. The filling is sweet, tart, and packed with flavor, and the buttery, flaky crust makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 4 cups frozen cherries
- 3/4 cup sugar (adjust depending on the sweetness of your cherries)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and mix until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Mix until the cherries are coated and set aside.
- Assemble the pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one half of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Add the cherry filling to the crust. Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the cherries. Crimp the edges together to seal and cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let it cool before slicing and serving.
Tips:
- If you want a golden-brown crust, brush the top with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water).
- For an extra special touch, serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
4. Frozen Cherry Yogurt Bark
Frozen cherry yogurt bark is an easy-to-make treat that combines the creamy texture of yogurt with the sweetness of frozen cherries. It’s perfect for a light snack or a healthy dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (or any yogurt of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup frozen cherries, thawed and chopped
- 1/4 cup granola or crushed nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Spread the yogurt mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Top the yogurt with the chopped frozen cherries and sprinkle with granola or crushed nuts for added crunch.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours or until the yogurt is completely frozen.
- Break the frozen yogurt bark into pieces and serve.
Tips:
- For added flavor, drizzle a little dark chocolate over the top before freezing.
- You can also use other frozen fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variety.
5. Frozen Cherry Ice Cream
Making homemade ice cream is easier than you might think! This frozen cherry ice cream is rich, creamy, and the perfect way to enjoy frozen cherries in a classic dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen cherries
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Blend the cherries: In a blender or food processor, puree the frozen cherries with a tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Make the ice cream base: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
- Combine: Stir the cherry puree into the cream mixture until well combined.
- Churn: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy.
- Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 4-6 hours or until firm.
Tips:
- For a smoother texture, you can strain the cherry puree to remove any skin or seeds before mixing it into the ice cream base.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a container and stir it every 30 minutes to break up any ice crystals until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Conclusion: Creative Ways to Enjoy Frozen Cherries
Frozen cherries are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from smoothies and sorbets to pies and ice cream. Not only do they provide a deliciously sweet and tart flavor, but they’re also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a healthy addition to your desserts.
These frozen cherry recipes are just the beginning—feel free to get creative and add your own twist. Whether you’re making a batch of frozen cherry yogurt bark for a snack or serving up a decadent cherry pie for dessert, you’re sure to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors that cherries bring to the table.