🍒 What to Do with Fresh Cherries: 15 Delicious Ways to Use Them

🇬🇧 Introduction: Got Too Many Cherries? Here’s How to Use Them All

Cherry season in the UK typically runs from late June to early August, and if you’re lucky enough to have a cherry tree or you’ve picked up a big punnet from a market or farm shop, you might be wondering what to do with them before they go soft. Fresh cherries are versatile, nutritious, and delicious, but they don’t last long—so it’s best to act fast.

This guide will walk you through sweet, savoury, preserved and frozen ideas to make the most of every cherry in your bowl.

🧁 Sweet Treats Using Fresh Cherries

1. Cherry Pie

• The ultimate classic. Use shortcrust or puff pastry, fill with pitted cherries, sugar, and a little cornflour.
• Serve warm with ice cream or clotted cream.

2. Cherry Clafoutis

• A rustic French dessert made with a custard-like batter poured over cherries and baked until golden.

3. Cherry Crumble

• Easy and crowd-pleasing. Mix cherries with sugar and top with an oat-based crumble. Great with vanilla custard.

4. Cherry Muffins or Cakes

• Fold pitted cherries into muffin batter or use them to top an almond sponge.

5. Cherry Scones or Biscuits

• Add chopped cherries to scone dough or biscuit mix for a juicy twist.

🍒 Preserving & Storing Cherries

6. Cherry Jam

• Cook cherries with sugar and lemon juice until thickened. Store in sterilised jars for a taste of summer all year.

7. Cherry Compote

• A quicker, fridge-friendly version of jam. Great on yoghurt, porridge, ice cream or pancakes.

8. Freeze Cherries

• Wash, pit, and freeze them in a single layer before transferring to bags or containers. Use in baking, smoothies or sauces.

9. Dry or Dehydrate Them

• Slice and dry in a dehydrator or low oven. Store in jars for snacking, cereal or baking.

10. Make Glacé Cherries

• Slowly simmer cherries in sugar syrup over several days to create homemade glacé cherries for baking and decorating.

🍷 Drinks & Syrups

11. Cherry Cordial or Syrup

• Simmer cherries with sugar and water to make a fruity syrup. Use in cocktails, lemonade, or to drizzle over desserts.

12. Cherry Liqueur

• Soak cherries in vodka or brandy with sugar to create your own cherry liqueur. Store for a few months before enjoying.

🥗 Savoury Ideas & Salads

13. Cherry Salad

• Combine fresh cherries with rocket, goat’s cheese, walnuts, and balsamic glaze for a sweet-savoury salad.

14. Cherry Chutney

• Cook cherries with onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices for a tangy chutney—great with cheese boards or roast meats.

🍗 Cooking with Meat

15. Cherry Sauce for Pork, Duck or Chicken

• Simmer cherries with red wine, shallots, and herbs to create a glossy, tart sauce that cuts through rich meats beautifully.

🧠 FAQs

1. Do I need to pit cherries for cooking?
Yes—especially for pies, jams, and baking. You can use a cherry pitter or poke the stone out with a straw or chopstick.

2. How long do fresh cherries last?
Stored in the fridge, they last 3–5 days. Wash just before eating to prevent mould.

3. Can I freeze cherries with the stones in?
You can, but it’s best to pit them first for easier use later.

4. Are sour and sweet cherries interchangeable in recipes?
Sour cherries are best for baking and jam; sweet cherries are ideal raw, but can be cooked too.

5. What goes well with cherries?
Almonds, vanilla, lemon, dark chocolate, goat’s cheese, pork, duck, red wine and balsamic vinegar.

📋 Quick Storage Tips

🌟 Conclusion

Fresh cherries are one of summer’s greatest pleasures—but they disappear fast. Whether you’re baking, preserving, drinking, or freezing, there are plenty of ways to use every last cherry. From crumbles and compotes to savoury sauces and homemade liqueurs, this versatile fruit brings flavour and colour to sweet and savoury dishes alike.