How to Freeze Cherries for Smoothies and Desserts

Cherries are a delicious addition to smoothies, desserts, and baked goods – like cherry pie – and freezing them allows you to enjoy their sweet flavor long after cherry season has passed.

Whether you prefer the tartness of sour cherries or the sweetness of sweet cherries, freezing them properly ensures that they retain their flavor and texture. Here’s everything you need to know about freezing cherries for smoothies and desserts:

Selecting the Perfect Cherries

Choose Ripe Cherries

Opt for cherries that are plump, firm, and deeply colored. Whether you’re using sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier, or sour cherries like Montmorency, make sure they are ripe for the best flavor.

How to Freeze Fresh Cherries

Wash and Dry

Rinse the cherries under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing any excess moisture helps prevent ice crystals from forming on the cherries.

Pit the Cherries

If you haven’t already, pit the cherries using a cherry pitter or a small paring knife. Be sure to remove all the pits, as they can affect the taste and texture of the cherries when frozen. (Freezing the pits can make the cherries bitter.) Pitting the cherries will also make the cherries easier to use straight from the freezer.

Single Layer Freezing

Arrange the pitted cherries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the cherries are not touching to prevent them from freezing together into a solid clump.

Flash Freeze

Place the baking sheet of cherries in the freezer and let them freeze for about 2-3 hours, or until they are completely frozen solid.

Transfer to Containers or Freezer Bags

Once the cherries are frozen, transfer them into airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn. (I like to use reusable plastic bags like Stasher bags.)

Storage and Shelf Life

Frozen cherries can be stored in the freezer for up to 8-12 months without any significant loss of quality. However, for the best flavor and texture, I recommend that you use them within 6 months.

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Ways to Use Frozen Cherries

Freeze Cherries for Smoothies

Frozen cherries add a burst of flavor and natural sweetness to smoothies. You can just grab a handful of cherries straight from the freezer and toss them right into the blender with your other ingredients. I love to make Cherry Pineapple Smoothies.

Desserts

Frozen cherries are perfect for making cherry compote, cherry sauce, or cherry pie filling. They can also be used in cobblers, crisps, and muffins for a delicious fruity twist.

Make Your Favorite Recipes

Experiment with frozen cherries in your favorite fruit-based recipes. Frozen cherries can be used straight from the freezer to make Cherry Pie. The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding frozen cherries to your favorite dishes.

Freezing fresh cherries is a simple and convenient way to preserve their flavor and enjoy them in your favorite recipes year-round. Whether you’re blending them into a refreshing smoothie or baking them into a decadent dessert, frozen cherries add a burst of fruity goodness to any dish.

With this comprehensive guide, you can stock up on frozen cherries and elevate your culinary creations with the sweet taste of cherries any time of the year.

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