Cherries Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Cherries are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic ingredient in vegan cooking. Whether you’re craving something sweet, tart, or refreshing, cherries can add a burst of flavor and a touch of natural sweetness to your dishes.

From vibrant salads to decadent desserts, cherries bring color and nutrition to your plate while keeping your meals plant-based and wholesome. In this blog post, we’ll explore some delightful cherries vegan recipes that are easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

If you’ve been searching for ways to incorporate more fruit into your vegan diet, cherries are a wonderful choice. Their antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber make them a nutritious addition.

Plus, these recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen with this seasonal gem. Whether fresh, frozen, or dried, cherries can be transformed into tasty treats and savory delights that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cherries vegan recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the natural sweetness and tang of cherries without compromising on a plant-based lifestyle. Each recipe is crafted to highlight the fresh, juicy flavor of cherries while keeping the ingredients simple and accessible.

You’ll love how easy it is to make these dishes, whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dipping your toes into plant-based cooking.

Not only are these recipes delicious and nutritious, but they also cater to a variety of tastes and occasions. From quick snacks to elegant desserts, cherries add a vibrant touch that elevates any meal.

Plus, they are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free when prepared mindfully, making them a healthy choice for many dietary needs.

Ingredients

  • Fresh or frozen cherries (about 2 cups, pitted)
  • Maple syrup (1/4 cup, for sweetness)
  • Chia seeds (2 tbsp, for thickening and omega-3)
  • Rolled oats (1 cup, gluten-free if desired)
  • Almond milk (or any plant-based milk, 1 1/2 cups)
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
  • Lemon juice (1 tbsp, to brighten flavor)
  • Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp, optional)
  • Ground flaxseed (1 tbsp, for added nutrition)
  • Chopped nuts (optional, for topping – e.g., walnuts or pecans)
  • Dark chocolate chips (vegan, optional for dessert recipes)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (various sizes)
  • Blender or food processor (for cherry sauce or smoothies)
  • Baking dish (8×8 inch or equivalent for baked recipes)
  • Saucepan (medium size for cooking oats or sauces)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork (for mixing)
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board (for pitting cherries if fresh)
  • Muffin tin (optional, for cherry muffins or bites)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cherries: If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them carefully. For frozen cherries, thaw slightly.
  2. Make cherry sauce or compote: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of cherries with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and the sauce thickens (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Prepare overnight oats (optional recipe): In a bowl, mix 1 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed, 1 1/2 cups almond milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup maple syrup. Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Assemble cherry vegan breakfast bowls: In the morning, top your soaked oats with the cherry compote, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and chopped nuts for crunch. Add a few fresh cherries on top for an extra burst of flavor.
  5. Cherry vegan smoothie: Blend 1 cup cherries, 1 banana, 1 cup almond milk, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup until smooth. Serve immediately for a refreshing treat.
  6. Cherry vegan muffins: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour (use whole wheat or gluten-free blend), 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup almond milk, 1/3 cup melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in 1 cup chopped cherries. Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cherry vegan dessert parfait: Layer cherry compote, vegan yogurt or coconut cream, and granola in serving glasses. Repeat layers and top with dark vegan chocolate chips or shaved coconut.

Tips & Variations

Always taste your cherry compote before using it—if the cherries are tart, add a little extra maple syrup or agave for sweetness. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the compote while cooking.

You can easily swap rolled oats for quinoa flakes or buckwheat groats in breakfast bowls. If fresh cherries are out of season, dried cherries rehydrated in warm water or frozen cherries work beautifully.

For an indulgent twist, try adding a swirl of vegan peanut butter or almond butter to the smoothie or parfait. Alternatively, experiment with different nuts and seeds for varied texture and nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (Cherry Overnight Oats with Compote)
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 6 g
Fat 7 g
Carbohydrates 50 g
Fiber 8 g
Sugar 18 g (natural sugars from fruit and maple syrup)
Vitamin C 15% DV
Iron 10% DV

Serving Suggestions

These cherries vegan recipes work wonderfully for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Serve the cherry overnight oats with a hot cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy morning.

The cherry compote can also be drizzled over vegan pancakes or waffles for a fruity upgrade.

Cherry muffins make for an excellent grab-and-go snack or a lunchbox treat. Pair them with fresh fruit or a small green salad for balance.

The dessert parfaits are perfect for dinner parties or when you want a light but satisfying sweet finish.

For more creative vegan dishes, check out these recipes like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or add a tangy twist to your condiments with Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe. If you love nutty flavors, the Pecan Crackers Recipe is a great snack to complement your cherry dishes.

Conclusion

Cherries are a vibrant, flavorful fruit that can brighten up a wide range of vegan dishes. From wholesome breakfasts to luscious desserts, these cherries vegan recipes celebrate the natural sweetness and versatility of this jewel-toned berry.

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick smoothie, a comforting bowl of oats, or a baked treat, incorporating cherries adds both nutrition and a burst of color to your meals.

Experimenting with cherries in vegan cooking can inspire new favorites and bring seasonal joy to your kitchen. Remember, the best recipes are the ones tailored to your taste and lifestyle, so feel free to customize these ideas.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the delicious world of cherries in your vegan culinary adventures!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Cherry Almond Smoothie

Description: A refreshing and nutritious vegan smoothie featuring sweet cherries and almond milk. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • Ice cubes (optional, for thickness)

Instructions

  1. Add cherries, banana, almond milk, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and chia seeds to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add ice cubes if desired and blend again.
  4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 38 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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