10 Delightful Dried Cherry Desserts You Have To Try

In the world of desserts, dried cherries are a delightful ingredient that can elevate your sweet treats with their tart yet sweet flavor profile. These little gems are not only packed with antioxidants but also provide a burst of color and a unique chewiness that can transform any dessert into something extraordinary. If you've been curious about experimenting with this versatile fruit, you're in for a treat. Here, we've compiled a list of 10 delightful dried cherry desserts that you have to try. Each dessert showcases how dried cherries can be the star ingredient, adding both flavor and health benefits to your culinary creations.

Cherry Chocolate Brownies 🍒🍫

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

Ingredients:

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

Preparation:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. Combine Ingredients: Mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

3. Add Goodies: Fold in the dried cherries and chocolate chips.

4. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cool & Serve: Allow brownies to cool before cutting into squares.

<p class="pro-note">🍒 Note: Dried cherries add a wonderful contrast to the rich chocolate flavor, making these brownies irresistibly moreish!</p>

Dried Cherry and Almond Scones 🍒🥜

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

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp almond extract

Preparation:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

2. Cut in Butter: Add butter, using a pastry cutter or fork, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add Cherries & Almonds: Fold in the dried cherries and almonds.

4. Prepare Wet Mixture: Whisk cream, egg, and almond extract together in a small bowl. Pour this over the flour mixture.

5. Form Dough: Stir until just combined. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead gently until a dough forms.

6. Shape and Bake: Shape into an 8-inch circle, cut into 8 wedges. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

<p class="pro-note">🥜 Note: The almonds complement the sweetness of the cherries, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.</p>

Cherry White Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍒🍪

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

Ingredients:

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

Preparation:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat butter with white and brown sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs.

3. Combine: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cherries.

4. Bake: Drop by rounded tablespoon onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden.

5. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

<p class="pro-note">🍪 Note: The white chocolate enhances the cherries' tartness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.</p>

Cherry Oatmeal Bars 🍒

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

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Preparation:

1. Prepare Base: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add melted butter and stir to combine.

2. Assemble: Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.

3. Layer: Sprinkle dried cherries over the base. Drizzle with condensed milk.

4. Top & Bake: Cover with remaining oat mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

5. Cool: Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

<p class="pro-note">🍒 Note: These bars are great for breakfast on the go or as an afternoon snack!</p>

Dried Cherry Cheesecake Bites 🍒🎂

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

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. Prepare Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tbsp sugar. Press into a lined mini muffin tin.

2. Filling: Beat cream cheese with 2/3 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then cream, vanilla, and dried cherries.

3. Bake: Pour filling over crusts. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until set.

4. Chill: Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

<p class="pro-note">🎂 Note: These cheesecake bites are perfect for parties or as a personal indulgence.</p>

Cherry Rum Balls 🍒🥃

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

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/3 cup dark rum
• 2 tbsp light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. Soak Cherries: Combine rum and cherries, let sit for 1 hour.

2. Mix Ingredients: Mix crushed wafers, nuts, powdered sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. Add cherries and rum.

3. Shape: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.

4. Coat: Roll balls in additional powdered sugar or cocoa powder.

5. Set: Allow to set at room temperature or chill.

<p class="pro-note">🥃 Note: These rum balls have a delightful cherry twist, perfect for adult gatherings.</p>

From chocolate brownies to sophisticated rum balls, these dried cherry desserts showcase the versatility and delightful flavor of dried cherries. They not only add a splash of color but also a complex taste that can elevate your dessert game. Whether you're baking for yourself, a gathering, or a special occasion, these recipes will ensure you impress with their unique flavor profiles and vibrant aesthetics.

Dried cherries, with their tart-sweet flavor, provide not just a unique taste but also a host of health benefits. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making these desserts slightly more indulgent in a good way. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and let each bite of cherry bring a little joy to your culinary journey.

FAQs

<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?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but they will add more moisture to your desserts. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe or cook the cherries a bit to reduce the moisture content.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I store dried cherry desserts?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Most of these desserts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days, or refrigerated for longer freshness. Freezing is also an option for up to 3 months for some desserts like cheesecake bites and cookies.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I replace dried cherries with other dried fruits?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can substitute dried cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change with each fruit, so adjust other ingredients accordingly to complement the new flavors.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>