Cherry season is just around the corner, and its natural sweetness makes it the perfect ingredient for any dessert—especially if you’re aiming to skip added sugars. If mindful eating matters to you, there’s no need to give up those nostalgic summer treats from your childhood. Here, we share four recipes that are not only tasty but also free from animal products and easy to make.
Cherry Crumble with Oats
Crumble, or fruit crisp, is one of the easiest desserts to whip up, needing just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 400 g pitted, halved cherries
- 1.5 tbsp honey or maple syrup (about 30 g)
- 50 g rolled oats
- 25 g coconut oil (about 2 tbsp, melted)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (about 1 g)
Preparation:
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and the fruit releases its juices.
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
Toss the cherries with honey or maple syrup, then spread evenly in a small baking dish.
In another bowl, mix oats, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon.
Sprinkle this crumbly mixture over the cherries.
Base ingredients:
- 30 g chia seeds
- 250 ml almond milk (about 250 g)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For serving:
- 80–100 g fresh, pitted cherries
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon or cocoa powder (to taste)
Preparation:
- Mix chia seeds with almond milk and vanilla extract in a jar or bowl before bed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Stir well the next day until creamy, then top with fresh cherries before serving.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or cocoa—whatever your mood calls for.
Cherry Smoothie Bowl
On hot summer days, nothing beats a refreshing smoothie—especially served in a bowl for a special treat.
Smoothie base:
- 120 g fresh, pitted cherries
- 1 medium banana (about 120 g peeled)
- 100 ml almond milk
- 30 g fresh spinach (about a small handful)
Toppings:
- 30 g fresh cherries (pitted and sliced)
- 1 tsp chia seeds (about 5 g)
- 2 tbsp granola mix (about 20 g)
Preparation:
- Blend cherries, banana, almond milk, and spinach until smooth.
- For a thicker consistency, use less almond milk.
- Pour into a bowl and decorate with your chosen toppings.
Vegan Cherry Chocolate Cake
Cherry and chocolate are a classic combo that never fails to impress.
Dry ingredients:
- 180 g whole wheat flour
- 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 100 g cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder (about 5 g)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (about 2 g)
- Pinch of salt
Wet ingredients:
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (about 14 g)
- 6 tbsp water (about 90 g) → this makes the “flax egg”
- 80 g coconut oil (melted)
- 200 ml plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (about 5 g)
- 100 g pitted, halved fresh cherries
Topping:
- 50 g vegan dark chocolate (melted)
- 50 g fresh cherries (whole or halved)
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Line a cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix flaxseed and water in a small bowl and let sit for 10 minutes until gelled.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients (flax egg, coconut oil, plant milk, vanilla).
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry, stir until smooth, then fold in the cherries.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
- Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top and garnish with fresh cherries.
