Delicious Pitted Cherry Recipes for Summer Desserts
Guide or Summary:Cherry ClafoutisCherry Cheesecake BarsCherry Almond TartCherry SorbetSummer is the perfect time to indulge in sweet and refreshing desserts……
Guide or Summary:
Summer is the perfect time to indulge in sweet and refreshing desserts, and there's no better ingredient to highlight than pitted cherries. These juicy, vibrant fruits add a burst of flavor and color to any dish. Whether you're planning a picnic, a barbecue, or simply a family dinner, pitted cherry recipes can elevate your dessert game to a whole new level. In this article, we'll explore a variety of mouthwatering pitted cherry recipes that are sure to become your go-to summer treats.
Cherry Clafoutis
One of the most classic pitted cherry recipes is the French dessert, Cherry Clafoutis. This rustic, yet elegant dish is a custard-like cake that's studded with pitted cherries. It's incredibly easy to make and perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of the cherries.
To prepare Cherry Clafoutis, you'll need:
- 1 cup of pitted cherries
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a baking dish and scatter the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth. Gradually add the flour, followed by the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour the batter over the cherries and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the clafoutis is set and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Cherry Cheesecake Bars
For a more decadent treat, try making Cherry Cheesecake Bars. These bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the tartness of pitted cherries, creating a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 2 cups of pitted cherries
- 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to form the crust. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Fold in the pitted cherries. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Cherry Almond Tart
If you're looking for a dessert that's both beautiful and delicious, the Cherry Almond Tart is an excellent choice. This elegant tart features a buttery crust filled with almond cream and topped with pitted cherries.
- 1 pre-made tart crust
- 1/2 cup of almond flour
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- Sliced almonds for garnish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tart crust in a tart pan and set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream together the almond flour, sugar, and butter until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract. Spread the almond cream evenly over the tart crust and arrange the pitted cherries on top. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tart is golden brown and the filling is set. Let it cool before slicing and serving.
Cherry Sorbet
For a refreshing and light summer dessert, Cherry Sorbet is a fantastic option. This simple and healthy recipe highlights the natural sweetness of pitted cherries without any added dairy.
- 4 cups of pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool. In a blender, puree the pitted cherries with the lemon juice until smooth. Add the sugar syrup to the cherry puree and blend until well combined. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
These pitted cherry recipes are just a few examples of how you can incorporate this delicious fruit into your summer desserts. From the classic Cherry Clafoutis to the refreshing Cherry Sorbet, there's a recipe here for every taste and occasion. So, the next time you find yourself with a bounty of pitted cherries, try one of these delightful recipes and enjoy the sweet taste of summer.