Canned cherries offer a convenient way to enjoy delicious cherry desserts year-round. From classic cherry pie to creative new treats, these versatile fruits can elevate a variety of sweet recipes. Canned cherry recipes typically require just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making them perfect for quick weeknight desserts or last-minute entertaining.
Cherry cobbler and cherry dump cake rank among the easiest canned cherry desserts to prepare. Both involve pouring cherry pie filling into a baking dish and topping it with a simple cake or biscuit-like mixture. For a crunchier texture, cherry crisp combines canned cherries with a streusel topping of oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar. Those seeking a creamier dessert may opt for cherry cheesecake, which pairs a tangy cream cheese filling with a luscious cherry topping.
Canned cherries also work well in bar cookies, brownies, and other handheld treats. Cherry bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with cherry pie filling and a crumbly oat streusel. For chocolate lovers, cherry cheesecake brownies offer an indulgent combination of fudgy chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries in one decadent dessert.
The Basics of Baking with Canned Cherries
Canned cherries offer convenience and versatility for baking delicious desserts. They come in different varieties and require some preparation before use in recipes.
Types of Canned Cherries
Canned cherries are available in two main forms: cherry pie filling and plain canned cherries. Cherry pie filling contains sweetened cherries in a thickened syrup, ready for use in pies and cobblers. Plain canned cherries come in light syrup, heavy syrup, or water.
Tart cherries, also known as sour cherries, are ideal for baking. They provide a tangy flavor that balances well with added sugar. Sweet cherries offer a milder taste and work well in desserts that don’t require additional sweetness.
When selecting canned cherries, check the label for added sugar content. Some brands offer reduced-sugar options for those watching their sugar intake.
Preparation Steps Before Baking
Drain canned cherries before using them in recipes, unless specified otherwise. This step prevents excess liquid from affecting the texture of your baked goods.
For plain canned cherries:
- Open the can and pour cherries into a colander
- Rinse with cool water to remove excess syrup
- Let drain for 5-10 minutes
If a recipe calls for cherry juice, reserve the drained liquid. It can be used to enhance flavor in sauces or glazes.
When using cherry pie filling, stir it gently before adding to your recipe. This distributes the cherries evenly throughout the thickened sauce.
For recipes requiring thickened cherry filling, combine drained cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook this mixture until it thickens, then cool before using in your dessert.
Classic Cherry Pie
Classic cherry pie is a beloved dessert that combines a flaky crust with a sweet-tart cherry filling. This timeless treat is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting indulgence any time of year.
Choosing the Right Crust
A flaky, buttery crust is essential for a great cherry pie. For best results, use a combination of all-purpose flour, cold butter, and ice water. Cut the butter into small cubes and work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add just enough ice water to bring the dough together.
Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents shrinkage during baking. For a double-crust pie, prepare two discs of dough.
Creating the Filling
The star of a cherry pie is its luscious filling. Canned cherries are a convenient option for making cherry pie year-round. Drain the cherries, reserving the juice for the filling. In a saucepan, combine the cherry juice with sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens. Add the drained cherries, a splash of lemon juice, and a touch of almond extract for enhanced flavor. Allow the filling to cool before assembling the pie.
Assembling and Baking
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disc of dough and line a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the cooled cherry filling into the crust. Roll out the second disc and cover the filling, trimming and crimping the edges to seal.
Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, crispy finish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cherry pie experience.
Creative Cherry Desserts
Canned cherries open up a world of delicious dessert possibilities. These versatile fruits lend themselves to both classic and innovative sweet treats that are sure to please any palate.
Cherry Cobbler and Crisp Recipes
Cherry cobbler and crisp offer comforting, home-style desserts perfect for any occasion. For an easy cherry cobbler, spread canned cherries in a baking dish and top with a simple batter of flour, sugar, milk, and melted butter. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Cherry crisp features a delightful oat topping. Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Pour thickened cherry filling into a pan and sprinkle the oat mixture on top. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until crisp and golden.
Both desserts pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Cherry Dump Cake Variations
Cherry dump cake is the ultimate easy dessert. Simply “dump” ingredients into a pan and bake. Start with a layer of canned cherry pie filling. Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix over the cherries. Top with melted butter and bake until golden.
For added flavor, try these variations:
- Add crushed pineapple for a tropical twist
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or coconut flakes on top
- Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow
Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Cherry Cheesecake Innovations
Transform classic cheesecake with the addition of cherries. Swirl cherry pie filling into the batter before baking for a marbled effect. Or, top a finished cheesecake with chilled cherry compote.
For a no-bake option, try cherry cheesecake in a jar. Layer graham cracker crumbs, no-bake cheesecake filling, and cherry topping in small jars. Chill until set.
Cherry cheesecake bars offer a handheld alternative. Press a graham cracker crust into a pan, add cheesecake batter, and swirl in cherry filling. Bake, cool, and cut into squares.
Cherry Bars and Pastries
Cherry bars provide a portable sweet treat. Mix flour, sugar, and butter to create a crumbly base. Reserve some for topping, then press the rest into a pan. Spread with cherry filling and sprinkle remaining crumbs on top. Bake until golden.
For flaky pastries, wrap canned cherries in puff pastry to make turnovers. Brush with egg wash and bake until puffed and golden. Drizzle with glaze for extra sweetness.
Cherry hand pies offer another option. Encase cherry filling in pie dough circles, crimp edges, and bake until golden brown. Perfect for picnics or on-the-go snacking.
Perfect Pairings and Accompaniments
Canned cherry desserts shine even brighter when paired with complementary flavors and beverages. The right accompaniments can elevate these sweet treats to new heights of deliciousness.
Ice Cream and Cherry Combinations
Vanilla ice cream is a classic partner for cherry desserts. Its creamy sweetness balances the tartness of cherries beautifully. For a twist, try cinnamon or almond ice cream with cherry cobbler or crisp.
Cherry and chocolate make an irresistible duo. Pair chocolate ice cream with cherry pie for a decadent treat. Another option is to top cherry desserts with a scoop of pistachio ice cream for a unique flavor combination.
For a lighter option, frozen yogurt or sorbet can be excellent choices. Lemon sorbet provides a refreshing contrast to rich cherry desserts.
Drinks to Complement Cherry Desserts
Cherry juice makes a natural companion to cherry-based sweets. Serve it chilled or mix it with sparkling water for a fizzy treat.
Coffee and tea are classic dessert pairings. A bold espresso or cappuccino can cut through the sweetness of cherry pie or cobbler. For tea lovers, black tea or Earl Grey complement cherry flavors well.
For adult beverages, consider a sweet dessert wine like port or Madeira. Their rich flavors enhance the fruity notes in cherry desserts. A crisp Riesling or Moscato d’Asti can also provide a pleasant contrast to tart cherries.
Advanced Baking Techniques
Elevating canned cherry desserts requires mastering key techniques and ingredients. These methods enhance flavor, texture, and presentation for truly impressive results.
Improving Texture and Flavor
Add almond extract to canned cherry fillings for depth and complexity. Start with 1/4 teaspoon per can, adjusting to taste. Incorporate cinnamon for warmth and aroma. A pinch can transform ordinary cherry desserts.
Use unsalted butter in crusts and toppings. This allows precise control over salt content. Cream butter and sugar thoroughly for lighter, flakier textures.
Sift all-purpose flour before measuring to remove lumps. This ensures even distribution in batters and doughs. For tender crusts, avoid overworking the dough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
Chill dough before baking to prevent spreading. This is crucial for maintaining shape in pies and tarts. Pre-bake (blind bake) pie crusts for crispier bottoms when using wet fillings.
Decorative Tips for Cherry Baked Goods
Create lattice tops on pies using thin strips of dough. Weave strips over and under for a professional look. Brush with egg wash for a golden sheen.
Use cookie cutters to make decorative vents in pie crusts. Heart or cherry shapes complement the theme. Place cut-outs around the edge for a decorative border.
Pipe whipped cream in rosettes around the edge of cobblers or crisps. Add fresh cherries or mint leaves for color contrast. Dust desserts with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.
For tarts, arrange cherry halves in concentric circles. This creates a visually striking pattern. Glaze with warmed, strained cherry jam for shine and flavor.
Preservation and Storage
Canned cherries offer a convenient way to enjoy the fruit year-round. Unlike fresh cherries, they don’t require pitting, saving time and effort in the kitchen.
Properly stored, unopened canned cherries can last 1-2 years past their printed date. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Once opened, transfer unused cherries to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for 5-7 days.
For longer storage, freeze canned cherries in a freezer-safe container. They’ll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
Canned cherries retain much of their nutritional value. They’re a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.
When using canned cherries in recipes, drain and rinse them to remove excess syrup. This helps control sweetness and reduces added sugars.
To prevent spoilage, always check cans for dents, bulges, or leaks before use. Discard any cans showing these signs.
Canned cherries are versatile in baking. Use them in pies, cobblers, and other desserts as a time-saving alternative to fresh cherries.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Considerations
Cherries, whether fresh or canned, offer a range of health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give cherries their deep red color.
These antioxidants help reduce inflammation in the body and may lower the risk of chronic diseases. Canned cherries retain much of their nutritional value, making them a convenient option year-round.
The nutritional profile of canned cherries includes vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. A typical serving provides about 60-80 calories, depending on the packing liquid used.
Cherry juice, often made from tart cherries, has gained attention for its potential to improve sleep quality and reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Some studies suggest it may help manage gout symptoms.
While canned cherries offer health benefits, it’s important to note their sugar content. Cherries packed in heavy syrup contain more added sugars than those in water or light syrup.
For those watching their sugar intake, opting for cherries canned in water or making homemade desserts with controlled sweetener amounts can be beneficial. This allows for enjoyment of cherry desserts while managing sugar consumption.
