5 Delicious Dried Cherry Recipes You Have To Try

Here's a guide to transforming your culinary creations with the addition of dried cherries. If you've ever wandered down the dried fruit aisle, you've likely noticed these ruby gems, but have you thought about how versatile they can be? Let's explore five delectable recipes that will convince you that dried cherries are a must-try ingredient in your kitchen!

Cherry Almond Granola Bars 🚀

Kick off your cherry adventure with homemade granola bars - not only are they nutritious, they're also incredibly tasty!

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Cherry Almond Granola Bars" alt="Cherry Almond Granola Bars"> </div>

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients - oats, almonds, cherries, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Warm the wet ingredients - in a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat gently until sugar dissolves.
4. Combine wet and dry - pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Press into the dish - spread the mixture evenly and press down firmly.
6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
7. Cool and cut - let it cool completely before slicing into bars.

<p class="pro-note">✨ Note: You can substitute the honey with agave syrup for a vegan option.</p>

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍒

Nothing beats the classic pairing of cherries and chocolate, except perhaps combining them in a cookie.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies" alt="Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies"> </div>

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients - sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the butter - in another bowl, beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla.
4. Combine ingredients - gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in cherries and chocolate chips.
5. Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned.
7. Cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

<p class="pro-note">🍪 Note: Try using dark chocolate chips for an even richer flavor profile.</p>

Dried Cherry and Quinoa Salad 🥗

Switch it up with a savory application of dried cherries by incorporating them into a nutritious quinoa salad.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Dried Cherry and Quinoa Salad" alt="Dried Cherry and Quinoa Salad"> </div>

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook the quinoa - bring the quinoa and water (or broth) to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes until quinoa is tender.
2. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
3. Prepare the dressing - mix olive oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix - in a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, cherries, parsley, almonds, and feta. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
5. Adjust seasoning - taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

<p class="pro-note">🍓 Note: This salad also works wonderfully with grilled chicken for added protein.</p>

Cherry Almond Rice Pilaf 🥄

For a side dish that's both sweet and savory, try this rice pilaf with dried cherries.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Cherry Almond Rice Pilaf" alt="Cherry Almond Rice Pilaf"> </div>

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté onions until translucent.
2. Toast the rice - add rice to the pot, and cook for a few minutes until it starts to smell nutty.
3. Add stock - pour in the stock and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Add cherries - after about 10 minutes of simmering, stir in cherries and cinnamon. Cook until rice is tender.
5. Fluff with a fork, stir in almonds, and season to taste.

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: Opt for wild rice or a rice mix for a different texture.</p>

Dried Cherry Muffins with Citrus Glaze ✨

Finally, indulge in some freshly baked cherry muffins with a bright citrus glaze.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Dried Cherry Muffins" alt="Dried Cherry Muffins"> </div>

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
• Glaze: Juice and zest of 1 lemon or orange, mixed with 1 cup powdered sugar

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Combine dry ingredients - whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Whisk wet ingredients - in another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Mix - add wet to dry ingredients, stir until just mixed. Fold in cherries.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool slightly, then prepare glaze and drizzle over warm muffins.

<p class="pro-note">🍊 Note: You can also use a mix of orange and lemon for the glaze to balance the flavors.</p>

By incorporating dried cherries into these recipes, you're adding a burst of flavor that's both sweet and tart, making these dishes not just delightful to eat, but also memorable. Each recipe takes advantage of the unique texture and taste of dried cherries, enhancing everything from breakfast granola to decadent muffins.

Now let's move on to a few common questions about dried cherries in cooking:

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries in these recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, but you'll need to adjust the moisture content. Fresh cherries have more water, so you might need to decrease other liquids in the recipe, and cooking time might need to be slightly increased to evaporate excess moisture.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long can I store dried cherry granola bars?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last up to 2 weeks. For longer shelf life, refrigerate or freeze them.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Do dried cherries have nutritional benefits?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! Dried cherries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins like A and C. However, since they are dried, they also contain more sugar per serving than fresh cherries.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I add other dried fruits to these recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Definitely! Dried cranberries, apricots, or even raisins can complement or substitute dried cherries in most of these recipes for a varied flavor.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What's the best way to rehydrate dried cherries for baking?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Soaking dried cherries in warm water, fruit juice, or even alcohol like brandy or rum for about 30 minutes to an hour can plump them up, making them softer and more moist in your baked goods.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

The joy of cooking with dried cherries lies in their versatility and the balance they bring to dishes. From enhancing morning meals to creating dessert treats or even providing a delightful twist in salads, dried cherries are truly a culinary treasure waiting to be explored.