Tart cherries, also known as sour cherries, have a deliciously intense tart flavor and are smaller and softer than sweet cherries. They are a popular ingredient in pies, jams, juices, and dried snacks. However, fresh tart cherries have a very short season in mid-summer and can be difficult to find the rest of the year. Thankfully, there are many great substitutes for tart cherries that can allow you to enjoy their flavor in recipes all year round.
Some quick answers to common questions about tart cherry substitutes:
– Dried tart cherries are the most direct substitute and provide tangy cherry flavor year-round. Look for unsweetened dried cherries.
– Frozen tart cherries are another excellent option when fresh cherries are out of season. Use thawed, drained frozen cherries in place of fresh.
– Cherry juice concentrate or puree adds tart cherry flavor to batters, sauces, and more. Look for 100% cherry products without added sugar.
– Whole pitted prunes are the most popular dried plum substitute for tart cherries. They have a similar texture when cooked.
– Dried currants and raisins also work in place of dried tart cherries in some recipes.
– Pomegranate seeds add pleasant tartness, crunch, and color. Combine them with other fruits when substituting.
– Unsweetened cranberry juice is quite tart and can substitute for cherry juice in many recipes.
Dried Tart Cherries
Dried tart cherries are the closest match for fresh cherries in terms of flavor. When a recipe calls for fresh tart cherries, unsweetened dried cherries can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio. You may need to adjust cooking time, as dried cherries require longer cooking to become tender.
Look for dried cherries that contain just cherries with no added sugars or preservatives. These are sometimes labeled as “unsulfured” dried tart cherries. The drying process concentrates the natural cherry flavor, resulting in an intensely tart, fruity flavor.
Dried cherries work especially well in these types of recipes:
– Trail mixes and snack mixes
– Salads – grain, green, pasta, fruit salads
– Oatmeal and cereal toppers
– Yogurt parfaits
– Baked goods like cookies, scones, muffins
– Fruit and nut desserts like cakes, pies, crisps
One downside to dried cherries is they lack the fresh, bright flavor of raw cherries. For recipes where you really want that juicy cherry taste, a different substitute may work better.
Buying and Storing Dried Cherries
Dried tart cherries can usually be found in the baking aisle or bulk foods section of well-stocked grocery stores. Specialty dried fruits and natural food stores also often carry them.
Store dried cherries in an airtight container in the pantry for up to one year. For best quality and flavor, try to use within 3-6 months. Refrigerating or freezing extends their shelf life.
Frozen Tart Cherries
Frozen tart cherries are a great substitute for using fresh cherries out of season. Look for unsweetened IQF (individually quick frozen) tart cherries with no added syrup or sugar.
Frozen cherries have a texture almost identical to fresh when thawed and drained. Their flavor is also very close to raw cherries. Use thawed frozen cherries in place of fresh in a 1:1 ratio.
Some of the best uses for frozen tart cherries include:
– Pies – cherry, peach, berry pies
– Cobblers, crisps, and crumbles
– Muffins and quick breads
– Pancakes, waffles, and French toast
– Yogurt, oatmeal, granola
– Smoothies and shakes
Cook frozen cherries for baked recipes as you would fresh cherries, just accounting for a slightly longer bake time. Thaw first for raw preparations like smoothies.
Buying and Storing Frozen Cherries
Look for frozen tart cherries in the freezer section with other fruit. Good quality cherries may be found at grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and online retailers.
Keep frozen cherries at 0°F or below for best quality and to prevent clumping. Thaw in the refrigerator before use. Refreeze any unused thawed cherries for later use.
Cherry Juice Concentrate
Cherry juice concentrate provides concentrated tart cherry flavor in an easy-to-use form. Look for 100% cherry juice concentrates, rather than cherry-flavored syrups with added sugars.
Use small amounts of reconstituted cherry juice concentrate in place of fresh cherry juice or to boost flavor in recipes like:
– Smoothies
– Popsicles
– Sauces
– Saladdressings
– Overnight oats
– Baked goods
– Yogurt
A little bit goes a long way since these concentrates are very concentrated. Start with 1-2 tablespoons juice concentrate in place of 1 cup fresh cherry juice. Adjust to taste.
Buying and Storing Cherry Juice Concentrate
Cherry juice concentrate is often found in the freezer or juice aisle. Some health food stores also carry it.
Once opened, keep concentrate sealed in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Frozen, it will last for about 1 year.
Canned Cherry Pie Filling
Canned cherry pie filling provides an easy tart cherry flavor in recipes, though the texture is softer than fresh cherries. Pie filling contains cherries that have been pre-cooked in a syrup flavored with cherry juice.
Use canned pie filling:
– As a topping for cakes, cookies, ice cream
– In yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal
– As a pancake or crepe filling
– In trifles and parfaits
– Swirled into cheesecake or chocolate batter
– In homemade popsicles
Substitute pie filling for raw cherries in a 1:1 ratio. Reduce any additional liquids in the recipe. Opt for brands without high fructose corn syrup.
You can also make your own healthier cherry pie filling using frozen cherries, arrowroot, lemon juice, and just a bit of sugar or maple syrup to taste.
Buying and Storing Canned Pie Filling
Look for canned cherry pie filling in the baking aisle near the canned fruit. Refrigerate after opening and use within 1-2 weeks.
Dried Currants
Small, dark, dried currants make a good stand-in for dried tart cherries in some recipes. They have a deep red-purple color and sweet-tart flavor.
Currants work especially well in:
– Trail mixes
– Muffins
– Scones
– Biscuits
– Bread puddings
– Fruit crisps and cobblers
Substitute dried currants for dried tart cherries using an equal amount. Their texture is a bit smaller and firmer than dried cherries. Currants are also less tart.
Look for unsweetened dried currants without preservatives. Black currants and Zante currants are two common varieties.
Buying and Storing Dried Currants
Dried currants are often sold in bulk bins at health food stores or in pre-packaged containers. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator.
Prunes
Surprisingly, prunes make an excellent stand-in for tart cherries in many cooked recipes. Prunes have a rich, jammy sweet-tart flavor when cooked.
Use an equal amount of pitted prunes in place of tart cherries in recipes like:
– Savory stuffed cabbage rolls
– Sweet braises and compotes
– Rich stews
– Fruit pies, crumbles, and buckles
– Baked goods like cookies and scones
Prunes tend to be larger in size than cherries. Chop them before substituting if a smaller texture is needed.
Buying and Storing Prunes
Look for pitted prunes that contain just prunes and no added sugars. They are typically sold dried in bags or plastic tubs.
Store prunes in a sealed container in the pantry or refrigerator. They will last for about 6 months.
Raisins
Raisins can work as a substitute for dried tart cherries in some instances, bringing sweetness and chewiness to recipes. Due to their sweetness, raisins are not as universally swappable.
Some recipes where raisins make a good tart cherry substitute include:
– Granola and homemade trail mixes
– Oatmeal cookies
– Scrolls, danishes, and coffee cakes
– Muffins and breads
– Fruit and nut salads
– Carrot-raisin salad
Use an equivalent amount of raisins in place of dried tart cherries. You may want to add a touch of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Buying and Storing Raisins
Look for regular golden raisins or dark raisins. Try to avoid raisins with added sugars. Store in an airtight container in the pantry for 6-12 months.
Pomegranate Seeds
While not a perfect flavor match, pomegranate seeds can add pleasant fruitiness, color, and crunch when tart cherries are unavailable.
Add pomegranate seeds to:
– Fruit and chicken salads
– Yogurt, oatmeal, and chia puddings
– Relishes and salsas
– Desserts like cakes, pies, and fruit crisps
Substitute pomegranate seeds for tart cherries using an equal amount or slightly less. Combine them with other fruits and flavors to balance their sweet-tart taste.
Buying and Storing Pomegranate Seeds
Look for fresh pomegranate seeds in the produce aisle or pre-packaged in the refrigerator section. Store fresh seeds in the fridge for 5-7 days or freeze for later use.
Cranberry Juice
For recipes that call for tart cherry juice, cranberry juice makes a suitable stand-in. Pure cranberry juice has a pleasing tart, fruity flavor minus the cherry taste.
Substitute cranberry juice or concentrate for cherry juice in:
– Vinaigrettes and salad dressings
– Smoothies
– Popsicles and sorbet
– Poaching liquid for fruits
– Deglazing pans for making sauces
Use an equal amount of cranberry juice concentrate in place of cherry juice, or a 1:1 ratio for pure juices. Adjust sweetener and seasoning to taste.
Buying and Storing Cranberry Juice
Look for unsweetened cranberry juice or concentrate without added sugars. Refrigerate after opening.
Other Substitutes to Consider
A few other fruits can work as substitutes for tart cherries in a pinch:
Unsweetened Cranberries
Fresh or thawed cranberries have a lip-puckering tartness similar to cherries. Use them cooked in chutneys, compotes, and baked goods.
Chopped Rhubarb
Rhubarb has a very tart, cherry-like flavor when cooked down with sugar. Use in crisps, pies, and galettes.
Plums
Sweet-tart plums can sometimes stand in for cherries in recipes when cooked. Good for crisps, cakes, and jams.
Apricots
Diced apricots have a milder tartness. Best for raw preparations like fruit salads.
How to Store Fresh Tart Cherries
When tart cherries are in season, you’ll want to stock up. Follow these tips for storing fresh cherries:
– Sort and rinse cherries, then dry thoroughly. Discard any crushed or moldy fruit.
– Place cherries in a single layer on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
– For longer storage, pit cherries and freeze in a single layer on a pan before transferring to bags.
– Pitted frozen cherries will last 8-12 months at 0°F. Keep frozen cherries below 0°F for best quality.
Conclusion
Tart cherries add a pleasant tanginess and vibrant color to recipes. When fresh cherries are unavailable, turn to unsweetened dried cherries, frozen cherries, or cherry juice concentrate for the best flavor and texture. Dried fruits like prunes, currants, and even raisins can also work in a pinch.
Cranberry juice and other tart fruits like plums bring different flavors, but also substitute well. The possibilities for creating year-round dishes with cherry-like tartness are wide and varied. With so many tasty fruits and products to choose from, there’s no need to miss out on cooking and baking with tart cherries.