13 Cherry Desserts So Juicy and Sweet You Will Want a Second Slice

There is something magical about cherry desserts. That deep red color, the sweet and tart flavor, and the way the juices bubble up through a golden crust all feel special. In fact, one bite can take you right back to summer, even on a chilly fall night. So we gathered our favorite cherry desserts, from a classic pie to a rich Black Forest cake. Each one comes with a simple recipe, so you can bake it this week. Which one will you try first? Keep scrolling and pick your favorite..

Classic Cherry Pie With a Lattice Top

Let us start with the queen of all cherry desserts. A homemade cherry pie with a woven lattice top looks fancy, but it is easier than you think. The filling turns glossy and jammy, while the crust bakes up flaky and golden. Also, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm slice is pure joy. Be honest: do you eat the crust first or save it for last?

You will need: 2 pie crusts, 5 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen), 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 egg for brushing

How to make it: First, heat the oven to 400F. Then toss the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and almond extract. Next, pour the filling into the bottom crust and dot it with butter. After that, cut the second crust into strips and weave a lattice on top. Finally, brush with egg and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the filling bubbles. Let it cool for 2 hours so it slices clean.

French Cherry Clafoutis

Clafoutis is a classic French dessert, and it might be the easiest one here. Basically, you pour a sweet, eggy batter over fresh cherries and bake it. The result is soft and custardy, a bit like a puffy pancake. Plus, it only needs a handful of pantry staples. It is lovely warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. Have you ever tried clafoutis before?

You will need: 2 cups pitted cherries, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, pinch of salt, butter for the dish, powdered sugar

How to make it: First, heat the oven to 350F and butter a baking dish. Then spread the cherries in the dish. Next, whisk the eggs, sugar, flour, milk, vanilla and salt until smooth. After that, pour the batter over the cherries. Finally, bake for 40 minutes until puffed and golden, then dust with powdered sugar.

Cherry Desserts for Beginners: Easy Cherry Crumble

If pie crust scares you, this crumble is your new best friend. Also, it is one of the fastest cherry desserts you can make on a weeknight. Juicy cherries bake under a buttery oat topping that turns crisp and golden. You do not need any special tools, just a bowl and a baking dish. In addition, frozen cherries work perfectly here. Serve it warm with cream or ice cream.

You will need: 4 cups cherries, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 3/4 cup oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

How to make it: First, heat the oven to 375F. Then mix the cherries with sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice in a baking dish. Next, rub the oats, flour, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon together with your fingers. After that, scatter the crumbs over the fruit. Finally, bake for 35 to 40 minutes until bubbly.

Rustic Cherry Galette

A galette is a free form pie, so it is supposed to look a little messy. That makes it perfect for beginners. You simply roll out the dough, pile cherries in the middle and fold the edges up. Then it bakes into a crisp, golden dessert with a jammy center. Moreover, it looks gorgeous on a wooden board. Would you serve it with whipped cream or ice cream? Also, if you love this, try our holiday pie bars.

You will need: 1 pie crust, 3 cups pitted cherries, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon coarse sugar

How to make it: First, heat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Then roll the crust into a 12 inch circle. Next, toss the cherries with sugar, cornstarch and zest. After that, pile them in the center and fold the edges over. Finally, brush with egg, sprinkle with sugar and bake for 35 minutes.

Cherry Desserts for Parties: Cherry Topped Cheesecake

Creamy cheesecake and glossy cherry topping are a match made in dessert heaven. In fact, this is one of the most popular cherry desserts at holiday parties. The base is a simple graham cracker crust, while the filling is rich and smooth. Plus, the cherry topping takes only 10 minutes on the stove. Quick poll: do you like your cheesecake (A) plain, (B) with cherry topping, (C) with chocolate, or (D) with caramel?

You will need: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 5 tablespoons melted butter, 24 oz cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 cups cherries, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to make it: First, press the crumbs and butter into a springform pan. Then beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, sour cream and vanilla until smooth. Next, pour it over the crust and bake at 325F for 55 minutes. After that, chill overnight. Finally, simmer the cherries, sugar and cornstarch until thick and spoon it on top.

Cherry Almond Tart

Cherries and almonds are best friends, because they share a sweet, nutty flavor. This tart has a buttery crust, a soft almond cream filling and juicy cherries pressed on top. As it bakes, the almond cream puffs up around the fruit. So every slice looks like it came from a French bakery. Also, it is great for brunch with a cup of coffee.

You will need: 1 tart crust, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup almond flour, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 2 cups pitted cherries, sliced almonds

How to make it: First, heat the oven to 350F and press the crust into a tart pan. Then beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Next, add the eggs, almond flour, flour and extract. After that, spread the almond cream in the crust and press the cherries on top. Finally, scatter almonds over it and bake for 40 minutes.

Cherry Strudel

Strudel sounds hard, but store bought puff pastry makes it simple. You roll a sweet cherry filling inside the pastry, then bake it until it is golden and flaky. Next, a dusting of powdered sugar makes it look bakery perfect. It is wonderful with an afternoon coffee, just like in a Vienna cafe. So who is ready for a cozy coffee break?

You will need: 1 sheet puff pastry, 2 cups pitted cherries, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 egg, powdered sugar

How to make it: First, heat the oven to 400F. Then cook the cherries, sugar and cornstarch for 5 minutes until thick, and let it cool. Next, roll out the pastry and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs and cinnamon. After that, spoon the filling down the middle and roll it up. Finally, brush with egg and bake for 25 minutes.

Cherry Desserts With Chocolate: Black Forest Cake

This German classic is a chocolate lover dream. Layers of moist chocolate cake are filled with whipped cream and dark cherries. Then the whole cake gets covered in more cream and chocolate shavings. It looks impressive, yet each step is simple. Moreover, it is a showstopper for birthdays and Christmas. Is Black Forest cake your favorite of all the cherry desserts?

You will need: 1 box or homemade chocolate cake (two 8 inch layers), 2 cups heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 cups pitted cherries, 1/2 cup cherry juice, chocolate shavings

How to make it: First, bake and cool the chocolate cake layers. Then brush each layer with cherry juice. Next, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. After that, spread cream and cherries on the first layer and add the second layer. Finally, cover the cake in cream, add chocolate shavings and top with cherries.

Chocolate Cherry Drip Cake

Want a cake that makes people gasp? This one does it every time. A tall vanilla cake is covered in fluffy frosting, then dark chocolate drips down the sides. Finally, fresh cherries sit on top like little jewels. Surprisingly, the drip is just chocolate and cream melted together. So you can make a party cake without any special skills.

You will need: 2 or 3 cake layers, 3 cups buttercream frosting, 4 oz dark chocolate, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 12 fresh cherries with stems

How to make it: First, stack the cooled cake layers with frosting in between. Then cover the outside in a smooth layer of frosting and chill for 30 minutes. Next, heat the cream and pour it over the chopped chocolate. After that, stir until glossy and let it cool slightly. Finally, spoon it around the edge so it drips, then add the cherries.

Cherry Sponge Cake

This light sponge cake is studded with juicy cherries all the way through. In Germany, a cake like this often shows up at afternoon coffee time. The crumb is soft and fluffy, while the fruit adds bursts of sweet and tart flavor. Also, it is a great way to use up frozen cherries. Tip: toss the cherries in flour so they do not sink.

You will need: 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 cups pitted cherries

How to make it: First, heat the oven to 350F and grease a round pan. Then beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, and add the eggs one at a time. Next, mix in the flour, baking powder, milk and vanilla. After that, fold in the floured cherries. Finally, bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

No Bake Cherry Desserts: Cherry Cream Pie

When it is too busy to bake, this pie saves the day. The creamy filling is made with cream cheese and whipped cream, so it sets up in the fridge. Then you spoon cherry pie filling on top or around the edge. It is cool, light and super easy for potlucks. In fact, kids can help make it too. Would you make this for your next family dinner?

You will need: 1 graham cracker crust, 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

How to make it: First, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Then whip the heavy cream until stiff. Next, fold the cream into the cream cheese mixture. After that, spread it into the crust. Finally, top with cherry pie filling and chill for at least 4 hours.

Dutch Cherry Crumb Pie

Cannot decide between pie and crumble? This one gives you both. A flaky bottom crust holds sweet cherry filling, and then a thick, buttery crumb topping covers it all. Many people say this is the best of the cherry desserts for beginners, because there is no lattice to weave. Plus, the crumbs soak up a little juice and taste like cookies.

You will need: 1 pie crust, 5 cups pitted cherries, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup cold butter, pinch of salt

How to make it: First, heat the oven to 375F and fit the crust in a pie dish. Then toss the cherries with sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice. Next, pour them into the crust. After that, rub the flour, brown sugar, butter and salt into big crumbs and scatter them on top. Finally, bake for 55 minutes, covering the edges if they brown too fast.

Cherry Desserts for a Crowd: Cherry Slab Pie

Feeding a big crowd? A slab pie bakes in a sheet pan, so it serves around 20 people. It has all the flavor of a classic pie, but it is easier to cut and share. Also, the lattice top looks beautiful on a holiday table. Make it a day ahead and simply warm it before serving. Quick poll: for a party, would you bake (A) a slab pie, (B) cupcakes, or (C) cookies?

You will need: 2 boxes pie crust (4 crusts), 10 cups pitted cherries, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 egg, coarse sugar

How to make it: First, heat the oven to 375F. Then roll two crusts together and press them into a rimmed sheet pan. Next, toss the cherries with sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice and spread them in the pan. After that, cut the other crusts into strips and make a lattice. Finally, brush with egg, sprinkle sugar and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.