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17 Recipes With Cherries That Aren’t A Dessert

This collection brings together bold cherry flavors in everything from refreshing drinks and cocktails to savory entrées and comforting breakfasts. Whether you’re craving a fruity cocktail, a smoky barbecue glaze, or a rich chocolatey treat, there’s something here for every occasion.

Looking for a fun drink? Try the cherry lime caipirinha or black cherry vanilla vodka sour. Want a unique dinner? The tart cherry glazed salmon or goat cheese fried chicken will impress.

Scroll through and find your next cherry-infused favorite—it’s all about bright flavors and delicious creativity!

Cherry Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce

Cherry Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This bold barbecue sauce blends the sweetness of cherry with the distinct flavor of Dr. Pepper, making it a perfect glaze for grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce

Cherry Pineapple Rum Punch

Cherry Pineapple Rum Punch. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A fruity, tropical punch featuring cherry and pineapple flavors, ideal for summer gatherings or a refreshing party cocktail.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Pineapple Rum Punch

Cherry Coke Ribs

Cherry Coke Ribs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These ribs are marinated in a Cherry Coke mixture, creating a sweet, tangy glaze that adds a fun twist to classic barbecue flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Coke Ribs

Cherry Gin and Tonic

Cherry Gin and Tonic. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A refreshing take on a gin and tonic, infused with sweet and tart cherries for a bright and flavorful summer cocktail.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Gin and Tonic

Cherry Lemon Granita

Cherry Lemon Granita. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This easy, homemade cherry lemon granita is a light, icy dessert that’s both refreshing and bursting with fruity flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Lemon Granita

Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce

Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Crispy fried chicken meets creamy goat cheese sauce, all topped with a tarragon-infused cherry topping for a gourmet twist.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Fried Chicken with Cherry Sauce

Tart Cherry Hot Chocolate

Tart Cherry Hot Chocolate. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A rich, creamy hot chocolate infused with tart cherries, offering a deliciously comforting drink with potential health benefits.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Hot Chocolate

Cherry Almond Vanilla Smoothie

Cherry Almond Vanilla Smoothie. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This protein-packed smoothie tastes like a cherry vanilla milkshake, blending sweet cherries, almond, and vanilla for a nutritious treat.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Almond Vanilla Smoothie

Chewy Cherry Oat Bars

Chewy Cherry Oat Bars. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These chewy oat bars are packed with cherries and can be topped with an optional chocolate drizzle for a perfect snack or energy boost.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Cherry Oat Bars

Chocolate Cherry Steel Cut Oatmeal

Chocolate Cherry Steel Cut Oatmeal. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Slow-cooked chocolate cherry oatmeal delivers a rich, comforting breakfast that’s warm, filling, and ready when you wake up.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Steel Cut Oatmeal

Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon

Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Broiled salmon is coated in a slightly sweet, tart cherry glaze that caramelizes beautifully for a flavorful, elegant dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon

Chilled Cherry Fennel Soup

Chilled Cherry Fennel Soup. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A refreshing chilled soup that blends sweet cherries with tangy fennel and dill for a unique summer appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Chilled Cherry Fennel Soup

Cherry Limeade

Cherry Limeade. Photo credit: Feast and West.

This homemade cherry limeade slushie combines tart cherry juice, fresh lime, rum, and sparkling water for the ultimate summer refreshment.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Limeade

Cherry Syrup

Cherry Syrup. Photo credit: Feast and West.

A sweet and tart cherry simple syrup perfect for adding to cocktails, mocktails, desserts, or drizzling over pancakes.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Syrup

Cherry Lime Caipirinha Summer Cocktail

Cherry Lime Caipirinha Summer Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Brazilian-inspired cocktail balances sweet cherries and zesty lime for an ultra-refreshing and vibrant summer drink.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Lime Caipirinha Summer Cocktail

Black Cherry Vanilla Vodka Sour

Black Cherry Vanilla Vodka Sour. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A smooth, balanced cocktail featuring black cherries and vanilla for a bold and irresistible twist on a classic vodka sour.
Get the Recipe: Black Cherry Vanilla Vodka Sour

Tart Cherry Chestnut Stuffed Turkey Roulade

Tart Cherry Chestnut Stuffed Turkey Roulade. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This elegant turkey roulade is stuffed with tart cherries, chestnuts, and herbs, then topped with a red wine cherry sauce for a festive holiday dish.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Chestnut Stuffed Turkey Roulade