Cherry On Top: 3 Unique Desserts That Go Beyond Pie

Think cherries are only for pies? It's time to rethink. These ruby-red gems are the star of three quirky, show-stopping desserts that will surprise and delight.. From balsamic-infused ice cream to molten cherry lava cakes, get ready to explore the fun side of cherries in ways you’ve never imagined. These cherry desserts will elevate your cherry game to a whole new level!

1. Cherry Almond Balsamic Ice Cream

This isn't your standard scoop of vanilla. The tartness of cherries, the nutty undertones of almonds, and the sophisticated zing of balsamic vinegar create a creamy dessert with attitude. Serve this in your Sizzling Brownie with Ice Cream in place of the regular vanilla flavor.

Ingredients:

• 250 gm Fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)
• 20 ml Balsamic vinegar
• 5 ml Almond extract
• 400 ml Heavy cream
• 200 ml Whole milk
• 150 gm Granulated sugar
• 4 large Egg yolks
• 50 gm Almonds (toasted and chopped)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cherries: Place the pitted cherries in a saucepan over medium heat with 50 gm of sugar and the balsamic vinegar. Stir until the cherries are soft and jammy (about 10 minutes). Let it cool down.
2. Make the ice cream base: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the remaining sugar until pale and creamy. In a saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream until it’s just about to boil. Slowly whisk the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper the eggs.
3. Mix everything: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook on low, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract.
4. Chill & churn: Let the mixture cool, then churn it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Just before the ice cream finishes, fold in the cherry balsamic mixture.
5. Serve: For extra flair, sprinkle toasted almonds on top. Voila! A cherry balsamic dream in a bowl.

2. Cherry Pistachio Tart with Mascarpone

Cherries and pistachios are like those two friends you’d never expect to hit it off, but once they do, they become inseparable. This tart combines the sweet, tangy burst of cherries with the earthy richness of pistachios, nestled into a creamy bed of mascarpone. As much as you like a chocolate tart, this cherry pistachio tart will be a new addition to your arsenal.

Ingredients:

• 200 gm Fresh cherries (halved and pitted)
• 100 gm Pistachios (finely chopped)
• 250 gm Mascarpone
• 100 ml Heavy cream
• 50 gm Powdered sugar
• 5 ml Vanilla extract
• 100 gm Butter (melted)
• 200 gm Digestive biscuits (crushed)
• 20 ml Honey (for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Make the crust: Combine the crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter, then press the mixture into a tart tin. Pop it into the fridge to set it while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the chopped pistachios.
3. Assemble the tart: Spoon the mascarpone mixture into the chilled crust, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cherry halves artfully on top, and sprinkle with the remaining pistachios.
4. Finishing touch: Drizzle the whole thing with a touch of honey to add a golden sheen and a subtle sweetness. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

3. Cherry Chocolate Lava Cake

Adding a layer of sweet cherries transforms the classic Choco Lava Cake into something even more indulgent. It's like a tiny, delicious cherry volcano erupting in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 150 gm Bournville Dark chocolate (chopped)
• 100 gm Unsalted butter
• 150 gm Fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)
• 100 gm Granulated sugar
• 2 large Eggs
• 50 gm All-purpose flour
• 20 gm Cadbury Cocoa powder
• 5 ml Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together over simmering water. Stir until smooth, and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the cherry filling: Mash the chopped cherries with a fork, adding a bit of sugar to sweeten. Set aside.
3. Mix the batter: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and cocoa powder. Slowly pour the melted chocolate into the mixture and stir until combined.
4. Assemble the cakes: Grease your ramekins and spoon a bit of batter into the bottom. Add a small spoonful of the cherry filling, then top with more batter to cover the cherries.
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly wobbly.
6. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar, and when you cut into it, let that glorious cherry-chocolate lava flow!