Bing Cherry Dessert Delight: Easy Recipe Ideas

The allure of bing cherries in desserts is undeniable. Their rich, deep color and sweet flavor make them a standout ingredient for an array of dessert dishes, especially in the summer when they're at their peak. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, here are some delectable and easy bing cherry dessert recipes that'll bring a pop of color and flavor to your table.

Bing Cherry Pie

Nothing beats the classic appeal of a cherry pie, and bing cherries are the perfect star for this dessert. Here’s how to make a simple yet scrumptious bing cherry pie:

• Crust:
  • 2 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold, unsalted butter, cubed
  • ¹⁄₄ - ¹⁄₂ cup ice water
• Filling:
  • 4 cups pitted bing cherries
  • ³⁄₄ cup sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp almond extract (optional)

To prepare:

1. Make the crust by mixing flour and salt, then cutting in the butter until crumbly. Add just enough ice water to bring the dough together.
2. Divide the dough, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then roll out and line a 9-inch pie dish.
3. For the filling, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Mix until cherries are well coated.
4. Pour the filling into the pie crust, top with another rolled-out piece of dough, and crimp the edges.
5. Bake at 400°F for about 45-55 minutes until the filling bubbles and the crust is golden brown.

🔎 Note: You can use a lattice top or cut shapes out of the dough for an extra decorative touch.

Bing Cherry Cheesecake

This no-bake cheesecake utilizes the luscious flavors of bing cherries to create a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious:

• Crust:
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¹⁄₃ cup melted butter
  • ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
• Cheesecake Filling:
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¹⁄₂ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
  • Fresh bing cherries for topping

Here’s how to assemble:

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
2. Beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream.
3. Spread the filling over the crust and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Top with a generous layer of fresh bing cherries just before serving.

Bing Cherry Clafoutis

Originating from France, clafoutis is a baked dessert that’s both simple and elegant, making bing cherries shine:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup bing cherries, pitted
  • ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 ¹⁄₄ cups milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Here’s the method:

1. Arrange cherries in a buttered dish.
2. Whisk together the rest of the ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour the batter over the cherries and bake at 375°F for 40-50 minutes, until set and golden.

🔄 Note: Clafoutis is traditionally made with whole, unpitted cherries, but pitting them makes it easier to eat and also distributes the flavor more evenly.

Summarizing Cherry Dessert Ideas

Incorporating bing cherries into your desserts not only adds a burst of color but also a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to resist. From the traditional bing cherry pie, the creamy cheesecake, to the rustic clafoutis, these dessert ideas are simple enough for any kitchen skill level but delicious enough to impress. Each recipe showcases the natural sweetness and vibrant color of bing cherries, making them the perfect focal point for summer treats or year-round indulgences.

Can you make these desserts with frozen bing cherries?

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Yes, you can use frozen bing cherries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid to adjust the consistency of your dessert.

How do I pit bing cherries for these recipes?

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There are cherry pitters available, but you can also use a paperclip or a straw to push the pit through. Alternatively, cutting them in half and removing the pit manually works well.

How do I know when to serve these cherry desserts?

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These desserts are ideal for summer gatherings, BBQs, or when cherries are in season. However, their rich flavor makes them a wonderful treat any time of the year.