27 Delicious Dessert Recipes To Make With Cherries

By

Patricia S York

and

Updated on May 15, 2024

Southern Living Cherry-Cheesecake Brownies sliced on a plate to serve — Photo:
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Whether you have an abundance of fresh cherries on hand from your cherry tree, a can of cherry pie filling in your pantry, or a stockpile in the freezer that you're looking to cook up, these cherry recipes are the perfect way to use up that delicious bounty. From cupcakes to cookies to pie and more, you'll be surprised by how many different recipes there are to enjoy the flavor of cherries.

01 of 27

Cherry-Lime Hand Pies

Southern Living Cherry-Lime Hand Pies — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

These stunning cherry hand pies are the dessert form of a refreshing cherry limeade. The filling combines sweet cherries with fresh lime zest and it's all put into a flaky crust.

02 of 27

Ambrosia Cinnamon Rolls

Ambrosia Cinnamon Rolls — Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ali Ramey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

If you talk to any Southern grandma, they'll likely enjoy a bright ambrosia salad. This recipe takes the retro classic and turns it into a unique breakfast treat. The cinnamon rolls are filled with orange zest, pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries to add a fruity, sweet twist.

03 of 27

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Southern Living Cherry-Cheesecake Brownies sliced on a plate to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Combine two delicious desserts with these gorgeous cherry cheesecake brownies. Cream cheese and cherry pie filling are combined to make a soft cheesecake-inspired layer to top irresistibly fudgy brownies.

04 of 27

Heavenly Hash

Southern Living Heavenly Hash in a bowl to serve — Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling

If ambrosia and pistachio fluff came together, heavenly hash might be close to what their progeny would be. Our version is made with frozen whipped topping, canned pineapple, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, and cocoa powder for a rich, creamy, and sweet treat.

05 of 27

Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake

Southern Living Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake whole and ready to serve — Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

You can't have a pineapple upside-down cake without the bright red from maraschino cherries. This recipe takes the classic and turns it into a dump cake to make it a foolproof dessert that will be a welcome treat on any table.

06 of 27

Millionaire Pie

Southern Living Millionaire Pie cut and ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This no-bake pie recipe is colorful and fun for any occasion. Make it ahead to ensure easy slicing from the fridge. Crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, and pecans combine together to make a creamy, crunchy delight.

07 of 27

Punch Bowl Cake

Southern Living Punch Bowl Cake with two servings scooped out — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

This quintessentially Southern dessert is similar to a trifle and couldn't be easier to whip up. Made with boxed cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, cherry pie filling, nuts, and more canned fruits, this is a perfect crowd-pleaser that won't break the bank.

08 of 27

Stone Fruit Lattice Slab Pie

stone fruit lattice slab pie — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

Craft the ultimate comfort dessert with this stone fruit slab pie. Made with bing cherries, peaches and nectarines, this pie is formed in a 15x10 pan for a shareable dessert that only takes 20 minutes of active time.

09 of 27

The Redbird Cake

Southern Living The Redbird Cake sliced on a cake plate to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

The Southern Living Christmas white cake is something many Southerners look forward to, and the 2023 cake was the stunning Redbird Cake. This cake is similar to a hummingbird cake with the addition of maraschino cherries for a hint of sweetness and holiday flair.

10 of 27

Cherry Winks

Cherry Winks — Joy Howard

This throwback cookie rose to popularity in the 1950s when it won the national Pillsbury baking contest. Serve it at your next part and when you describe it as award-winning, you and your guests will understand why.

11 of 27

Cherries-and Cream Icebox Cake

Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

It's no secret: We love an icebox here at Southern Living. Why? It's a no-bake delight that just requires you to layer whipped cream, cream cheese, cherry preserves, and graham crackers, into one make-ahead pie.

12 of 27

Cherry Fluff

Cherry Fluff — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

You need just five ingredients to whip up this retro salad and make Grandma’s day at your next Sunday supper. Made with cream cheese, cherry gelatin mix, cherry pie filling, whipped topping, and mini marshmallows, this dessert is as simple as it is delicious.

13 of 27

Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry-Swirl Frosting

Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry-Swirl Frosting — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

Cheerwine, the cherry-flavored soft drink from North Carolina, is a beloved beverage throughout the South, and these cupcakes highlight their sweet flavor perfectly. From the filling to the frosting to the cherry on top, there's no shortage of cherry flavor in these Cheerwine-inspired treats.

14 of 27

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake in a casserole dish — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

As the name implies, all you have to do is dump the ingredients for this easy cake into a baking dish and 45 minutes later you'll be enjoying it. Pineapple tidbit and cherry pie filling bake together and form a sweet, tart treat that couldn't be easier.

15 of 27

Cherry Delight

Cherry Delight — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Graham crackers, cream cheese, and cherries are layered to make this classic dessert recipe. These cherry delights come together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for potlucks and family dinners.

16 of 27

Christmas Wreath Pastry

Christmas Wreath Pastry — Southern Living

Impress your guests with this stunning wreath pastry. Bright cherries are added to this sweet almond ring dessert, which doesn't just have to be for the holidays.

17 of 27

Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry Pie Bars — Greg DuPree

Make the classic American favorite even more shareable with these cherry pie bars. Aside from pantry staples, you'll need just a few ingredients to whip up these cherry-speckled treats.

18 of 27

Cherry Dump Cake

cherry dump cake on plates — Emily Laurae/Southern Living

There's no dessert quite as simple to make than a dump cake, and this cherry dump cake combines sweetness and tartness in the best way. Made with just four ingredients, cover dessert easily with this cake.

19 of 27

Cherry Turnovers

Cherry Turnovers — Micah A. Leal

This cherry turnover recipe is so good we won't judge if you serve if for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—or all of the above. The bright and sweet cherry filling is the ideal flavor companion to the crisp and buttery puff pastry with a simple but effective glaze.

20 of 27

Any-Berry No-Bake Cheesecake

Chocolate-Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake

Our assistant dood editor Alana Al-Hatlani developed this easy, no-bake cheesecake recipe with three variations, including a delightful Chocolate-Cherry No-Bake Cheesecake. With chocolate wafer cookies in the crust, cherry preserves in the filling, and cherries in the topping, this creamy treat will be enjoyed by all.

21 of 27

Cherry Pie

Cherry Pie with a slice taken out — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist Christina Daley

No dessert will win a blue ribbon faster at the bake sale than a from-scratch cherry pie. This recipe is a tried-and-true version that absolutely everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream with your slice!

22 of 27

Nicola Blaque's Christmas Rum Cake

Nicola's Christmas Rum Cake — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Giulietta Pinna

For U.S. Army veteran, chef, and Texas restaurateur Nicola Blaque, it’s not the holidays without this spiced rum cake. It’s a great make-ahead option for the busy season, and it includes cherries in the batter and on top as garnish.

23 of 27

Christmas Mice

Christmas Mice — Frederick Hardy II; Food styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Senior social media editor Brennan Long’s Christmas traditions include an evening seeing The Nutcracker ballet and making these precious chocolate cherry mice. Your guests will be delighted by these easy-to-make, delicious mini desserts.

24 of 27

Ambrosia Trifle

Ambrosia Trifle — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Giulietta Pinna; Food Styling: Ali Ramee

Our Test Kitchen is always on the hunt for creative ways to rethink old-school Southern classics. This layered beauty combines the flavors and colors of ambrosia with the impressive presentation and taste of a trifle.

25 of 27

Christmas Snow Salad

Christmas Snow Salad — Jennifer Causey

There’s nothing quite like a congealed salad on the table to get the family talking around the holidays, and this Christmas snow salad from November 1982 will do just the trick. The creamy, bright red Jell-O salad is made with unflavored gelatin, crushed pineapple, whipped topping mix, mayonnaise, and powdered sugar, and is flecked with chopped red and green maraschino cherries and chopped pecans and walnuts.

26 of 27

Cheesecake Cookies

Cheesecake Cookies — Caitlin Bensel

These bite-size delights have a simple ingredient list, and you probably already have everything on hand. They need just 15 minutes of hands-on time, too, making them an ideal choice for busy hosts.

27 of 27

Overnight Fruit Salad

Creamy Overnight Fruit Salad — Abigail Wilt

This recipe might be called a “salad,” but with an ingredient list that includes cherry pie filling, fresh fruit, mini marshmallows, and whipped cream, it can definitely be considered dessert.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Related Articles

Atlantic Beach Pie Bars - Southern Living

58 Sweet-On-Citrus Dessert Recipes

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

10 Inviting Apple Pies For Every Fall Occasion

Coconut-Lime Cupcakes

32 Coconut Desserts That'll Transport You To The Tropics

Southern Living Fresh Fig, Pecan, And Orange Crostata

8 Fig Recipes That Are Fresh And Flavorful

Southern Living Classic Strawberry Shortcake on plates to serve

56 Strawberry Recipes To Make With Fresh-Picked Berries

Blueberry Cobbler with a scoop of ice cream

28 Old-Fashioned Pie And Cobbler Recipes That Are Simply Delicious

Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake

Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake

cherry dump cake on plates

Cherry Dump Cake

Southern Living Cherry Bounce prepared in jars

Cherry Turnovers

Cherry Turnovers

Southern Living Honeybee Cupcakes on a plate to serve, topped with edible flowers and a drizzle of honey

17 Cupcake Recipes That'll Make Any Day Sweeter

Little Layer Chocolate Cake - Southern Living

70 Top-Rated Desserts Everyone Should Make At Least Once

Grilled Peaches with Spiced Whipped Cream

Grilled Peaches with Spiced Whipped Cream

Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies

13 Peanut Butter Desserts Your Family Will Go Nuts For

Peach Crisp

No-Churn Key Lime Pie Ice Cream

22 Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Made For Hot Summer Days