Are you tired of the same old recipes featuring common ingredients like strawberries or blueberries? Look no further! Wild black cherry recipes offer a delicious and unique twist on traditional desserts and savory dishes. With their rich, fruity flavor and deep purple color, wild black cherries are perfect for adding a pop of excitement to your next meal or gathering.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility of wild black cherries. From sweet treats like pies and tarts to savory dishes like sauces and salads, these recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, you’ll find something to love among our collection of wild black cherry recipes.
Wild Black Cherry Pie with Lattice Crust
This show-stopping pie is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, featuring the bold flavor of wild black cherries. The lattice crust adds a beautiful texture and visual appeal to this classic dessert.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– 2 cups pitted and chopped wild black cherries
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the crust:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. Roll out half of the crust dough to form a circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Place into a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill with cherry mixture and roll out remaining crust dough to form a lattice-top crust. Weave strips over filling, trimming excess dough.
5. Brush with egg wash and bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Homemade Wild Black Cherry Jam
Experience the sweet and tangy flavor of wild black cherries in this homemade jam recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen wild black cherries, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package (0.25 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
1. Combine cherries, sugar, and water in a large saucepan.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes or until cherries have broken down and mixture has thickened.
4. Stir in lemon juice and powdered pectin.
5. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes or until jam has reached desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Black Cherry and Dark Chocolate Tart
A sweet and tangy combination of wild black cherries and dark chocolate, this tart is a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup wild black cherry preserves
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely.
7. Melt dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
8. Arrange cherry preserves over the cooled tart crust.
9. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cherries.
10. Whisk together beaten egg and heavy cream.
11. Pour the egg mixture over the tart, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled Duck Breast with Wild Black Cherry Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this savory and sweet dish that combines the rich flavor of grilled duck breast with a tangy wild black cherry sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 duck breasts
– 1 cup wild black cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup port wine
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the duck breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the duck for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. In a saucepan, combine wild black cherries, port wine, and honey.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Brush the grilled duck with olive oil and serve with warm cherry sauce.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Black Cherry Clafoutis
This rustic dessert showcases the rich flavors of wild black cherries, perfectly balanced with sugar and eggs. The result is a tender, golden-brown crumble that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen wild black cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine cherries, granulated sugar, and melted butter; let it sit for 10 minutes.
4. Whisk in eggs and milk until smooth.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Wild Black Cherry and Almond Cobbler
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of wild black cherries with the crunch of almonds. This cobbler is perfect for warm weather gatherings or cozy night-ins.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen wild black cherries, pitted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
4. Add the melted butter, beaten egg, and almonds to the dry mixture. Mix until crumbly.
5. Pour the cherry mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish. Top with the cobbler mixture, spreading evenly.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Wild Black Cherry Sorbet with Mint
Elevate your dessert game with this unique and flavorful sorbet, combining the tartness of wild black cherries with the cooling freshness of mint. Perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser between courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild black cherry puree
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherry puree, sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped mint and lemon juice.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Wild Black Cherry BBQ Sauce for Ribs
This sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is infused with the rich flavor of wild black cherries, perfectly balancing the boldness of smoked ribs. A perfect combination for a summer cookout!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons wild black cherry preserves
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, wild black cherry preserves, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until smooth, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.
4. Remove from heat and use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None needed! This sauce is perfect for slathering on ribs during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling or smoking.
Wild Black Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad
This sweet and tangy salad combines the rich flavors of wild black cherries with the creaminess of goat cheese, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh wild black cherries, pitted
– 8 oz crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped nuts.
2. Arrange the wild black cherries on top of the salad.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Wild Black Cherry Compote over Vanilla Ice Cream
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and decadent compote made with wild black cherries, perfect for topping creamy vanilla ice cream. The combination of tart cherries and sweet vanilla is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen wild black cherries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
– Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
2. Add the water and lemon juice to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the compote has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Serve the compote over scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Wild Black Cherry and Bourbon Glazed Ham
This sweet and savory glazed ham is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. A combination of wild black cherry preserves, bourbon, brown sugar, and spices creates a rich and tangy glaze that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup wild black cherry preserves
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cherry preserves, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
Wild Black Cherry Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
Experience the sweet and tangy taste of wild black cherries blended with creamy Greek yogurt, perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up or post-workout treat. This smoothie is packed with antioxidants and protein to keep you going all day long.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen wild black cherries
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine frozen black cherries, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
4. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired thickness.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (blending time)
Wild Black Cherry and Rosemary Focaccia
Elevate your bread game with this unique fusion of sweet and savory flavors. This Wild Black Cherry and Rosemary Focaccia is perfect for a rustic dinner party or as a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup wild black cherry jam (or preserves)
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Coarse sea salt, for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1 cm).
6. Spread wild black cherry jam over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Sprinkle chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt (if using) on top.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Black Cherry Stuffed French Toast
Start your day with a sweet and indulgent twist on classic French toast, featuring the rich flavor of wild black cherries.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably Challah or Brioche)
– 1 cup of wild black cherry preserves
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Spread one side of each bread slice with the butter mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of wild black cherry preserves onto the unbuttered side of each bread slice, spreading it evenly.
5. Place the stuffed bread slices in the skillet or griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Wild Black Cherry and Balsamic Reduction for Cheese Platters
Elevate your cheese platters with a sweet and tangy Wild Black Cherry and Balsamic Reduction. This rich condiment pairs perfectly with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and garnishes to create a sophisticated snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild black cherry preserves
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (preferably high-quality, thick-set)
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the black cherry preserves and balsamic vinegar.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the reduction has thickened slightly and reached your desired consistency.
4. Remove from heat and stir in honey until dissolved.
5. Let cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
This Wild Black Cherry and Balsamic Reduction is perfect for topping cheese, crackers, and garnishes on your next platter or charcuterie board. Enjoy!
Wild Black Cherry and Hazelnut Biscotti
Wild Black Cherry and Hazelnut Biscotti Recipe
Elevate your snack game with these crunchy, flavorful biscotti infused with the sweetness of wild black cherries and the nutty goodness of hazelnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
– 1/4 cup wild black cherry jam or preserves
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Beat in eggs and hazelnuts.
5. Fold in wild black cherry jam or preserves.
6. Shape dough into 12-inch logs. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each log.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
8. Slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for an additional 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Wild Black Cherry Mojito Cocktail
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito, featuring the sweet and tangy flavor of wild black cherries.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup crushed ice
– 1/4 cup wild black cherry puree
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and crushed ice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with crushed ice.
5. Top with the wild black cherry puree.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Wild Black Cherry and Thyme Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this sweet and savory recipe featuring wild black cherry jam and fragrant thyme. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp wild black cherry jam
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cherry jam and olive oil.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the thyme sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of wild black cherry! This delicious fruit is perfect for baking, cooking, or sipping. In this article, discover 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility of wild black cherries. From classic desserts like pie and jam to savory dishes like duck breast with cherry sauce and roasted chicken with thyme, these recipes are sure to impress. Plus, find unique twists on traditional treats, such as sorbet with mint and mojito cocktail. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, there’s something for everyone in this collection of wild black cherry recipes.