11 Delicious Things to Do With Dried Cherries
Dried cherries don’t always earn a permanent spot in the pantry, but they probably should. They bring a chewy bite and a tangy flavor that works just as well in baked treats as it does in savory dishes. Even a small handful can make any dish feel more lively and layered.
So if you’ve ever wondered what to do with dried cherries, here’s the short answer: quite a lot. The recipe ideas below are simple and easy to recreate at home, so you can make the most of this small but mighty ingredient.
How Do You Use Dried Cherries?
Dried cherries are more versatile than most people expect. You can use them almost anywhere you'd reach for other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, with the bonus of a bit more depth and tang.
In baking, they’re a favorite for adding bright flavor to cookies, muffins, breads, and bars. They’re also a natural addition to salads and grain bowls, where their tartness plays off greens and grains and balances richer ingredients like nuts, cheese, and roasted meats.
Dried cherries also work well in simple snacks and breakfast dishes. Sprinkle them over oatmeal or yogurt, stir them into granola or trail mix, fold them into pancakes, or spoon them into a warm crepe for a quick pop of flavor.
Savory and Sweet Dishes That Make Dried Cherries Shine
The recipes below show just how flexible dried cherries can be. If you’re not sure what to make with dried cherries, these ideas—with plenty of Up North flavor built in—are a good place to start.
1. Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies take a familiar favorite and give it a whole new character. They’re chewy, chocolatey, and dotted with dried cherries that add just the right contrast.
Prepare a classic chocolate chip cookie dough, then fold in dried cherries before baking. Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake until the edges are golden and the middles still look slightly soft.
For an even simpler option, use Cherry Republic’s Chocolate Chip Mix, which already includes dried cherries. Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
2. Wild Rice Pilaf with Dried Cherries
Wild rice and dried cherries are a classic combination that works especially well as a side for roasted chicken or pork.
Cook wild rice in broth until tender, then fluff it with a fork. Toss the rice with sautéed onions, chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme, and a generous handful of dried cherries. Finish with toasted pecans or walnuts and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
3. Chocolate Cherry Pumpkin Muffins
For a simple take on how to use dried cherries in baking, these cherry-filled pumpkin muffins deliver. Soft, spiced, and studded with chocolate and dried cherries, they feel a tad more special than the average breakfast bake.
Mix the dry ingredients for the muffin batter in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients, including pumpkin purée and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry mixtures, then fold in the chocolate and dried cherries. Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cherry Drizzle Bars
What do you do with dried cherries when you want something that’s ready to share? Cherry drizzle bars fit the bill. They’re simple to make, easy to slice, and the kind of homemade treat that tends to disappear fast.
Spread the batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined pan. Top with dried cherries, chocolate chips, and cereal, then drizzle condensed milk evenly over everything. Bake until the bars are set and lightly golden at the edges. As the bars bake, the cherries soften into the dough, creating tangy pockets of flavor throughout.
5. Cherry Butternut Squash Stuffing
This cherry-forward stuffing gives a classic side a vibrant twist, pairing the sweetness and acidity of dried cherries with roasted squash and savory pancetta. It’s simple to prepare and works just as well on a holiday table as it does alongside a weeknight roast.
Cook the butternut squash until tender and sauté the pancetta until crisp. In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash and pancetta with bread crumbs, chopped herbs, nuts, and Montmorency dried cherries. Fold gently until everything is evenly mixed, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Bake until warmed through and lightly golden on top.
6. Cherry Blondie Brownies
These cherry blondie brownies are soft, chewy, and indulgent, with a buttery base and a fruity twist that works well for potlucks, dessert trays, or an afternoon coffee break.
Fold Balaton dried cherries into the blondie batter, then spread the batter evenly into a prepared pan. Bake until the top is lightly golden and the center is set. As the bars bake, the cherries soften slightly and settle into the batter, creating sweet and tangy bites that balance the richness.
7. Zucchini Bread with Dried Cherries and Walnuts
Not sure what to make with dried tart cherries and a zucchini overflow? This cherry and walnut zucchini bread is a delicious fix. Baking with this veggie may sound unexpected, but it keeps the loaf soft and moist without taking over.
Whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, yogurt, lemon zest, vanilla, and warm spices until smooth. Stir in the grated zucchini, dried tart cherries, and walnuts, then mix in the dry ingredients just until combined. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan and bake until the top is golden and the center feels set. Once cooled, the loaf slices easily, with the walnuts adding a bit of crunch.
8. Spinach Arugula Salad with Dried Cherries
Wondering what to do with dried cherries when you want something fresh without turning the stove on? A spinach arugula salad comes together in minutes and delivers plenty of flavor.
To create this dried cherry salad, combine spinach and arugula with crunchy nuts, crumbled cheese, and Great Hall Cherry Vinaigrette, then finish with a handful of dried cherries. Their zippy pop wakes up the greens and gives the whole salad a fresh personality.
9. Cherry-Mustard Kale Slaw with Dried Fruit
This crunchy slaw is a fresh, flavor-packed side that pairs especially well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or picnic spreads. Shredded greens create the base, nuts add crunch, and dried cherries bring bursts of flavor.
Combine shredded kale, brussels sprouts, or broccoli in a large bowl. Add chopped nuts and dried cherries, then toss with a dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and Great Hall Smooth Cherry Mustard. The cherry mustard ties everything together with a subtle fruit note that lifts the whole dish.
10. Dried Cherry Parfait
Some treats feel special without being complicated. A dried cherry parfait is one of them—simple to assemble, bright with fruit, and layered with creamy and crunchy textures that make every spoonful interesting.
To make this dried cherry dish, spoon a layer of yogurt into the bottom of a glass or small bowl. Add a layer of granola or crunchy cereal, then sprinkle over a handful of dried cherries and a few slices of fresh fruit such as strawberries. Repeat the layers—yogurt, granola, dried cherries, and fruit—until the glass is filled. Finish with a final sprinkle of dried cherries on top and serve right away so the granola stays crisp.
11. Cherry Scones
Scones can lean dry or forgettable if they’re rushed—these don’t. The crumb stays tender, the edges turn lightly golden, and the dried cherries fold in quietly, adding just enough sweetness to keep things from feeling one-note.
Whisk the dry ingredients, then cut in cold butter until the mixture looks crumbly. Stir in Montmorency dried cherries, then add the cream and mix gently just until a dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface, press into a thick round, and cut into wedges. Place on a lined baking sheet and brush the tops with cream. Bake until golden and set, then let cool slightly before serving.
Make Dried Cherries a Staple in Your Everyday Pantry
There’s a reason dried cherries keep finding their way into so many recipes. They add color, tang, and a little spark to whatever’s in front of them, whether that’s a muffin, a salad, or something you grab between meals. Plus, they’re easy to keep around and even easier to use up. That’s exactly how dried cherries earn their spot as a favorite pantry staple.
Browse our selection of dried cherries and cherry mixes for baking, cooking, or everyday snacking—or stop by one of our stores and sample them for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking with Dried Cherries
Are dried cherries sweet or tart?
Dried cherries are sweet with a pleasant tart edge. Michigan tart cherries, in particular, have a sunny, full-bodied flavor that becomes even more concentrated when dried. That balance is part of what makes them so versatile in both sweet and savory dishes.
Are dried cherries good for you?
Yes, dried cherries offer several nutritional benefits. Tart cherries, including the Montmorency variety, contain naturally occurring nutrients and antioxidants that may help support heart health, sleep, and overall wellness.
How long do dried cherries last?
When stored properly, dried cherries can last in your pantry for several months. Keep them in a cool, dry place to help maintain their flavor and texture. If you’d like them to stay fresh even longer, you can also store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
Should you soak dried cherries before baking?
Rehydrating dried cherries for cooking or baking is optional. Most recipes work perfectly well with dried cherries straight from the bag. However, if you’d like them to be slightly softer or plumper—especially for baked goods—you can briefly soak them in warm water or juice before adding them to the batter.