Cherry Treats For All!

What better way to celebrate Cherry Festival than by indulging in a cherry treat? Whether you prefer your dessert chilled or warm, sweet or tart, this quintet of cherry delights is sure to offer something for every palate.

1. AMERICAN SPOON FOODS’

Brandied Balaton Cherries

A rich maroon skin encasing a dark, juicy red fruit, the Balaton cherry’s striking color is matched only by the intensity of its cherry flavor. Spoon Foods preserves the flavor power of these little fruits in a rich cherry syrup spiked with brandy, vanilla, and spices, creating a topping that’s perfect for spooning over crepes or ice cream. A Spoon Foods little-kept secret is their warm bread pudding, served at Harbor Springs location’s holiday open house; you can snag the recipe from a friendly staffer and enjoy that standout cherry dessert all year round. Find it: spoon.com

2. SUGARKISSED’S

Northwoods Cherry Soda Cupcake

Owner and head baker Christina Burke and her team make all of Sugarkissed’s desserts by hand and from scratch, and they have been doing so since the bright little bakery opened in Traverse City in 2012. Unique cupcakes and desserts are Sugarkissed’s specialty, and while there are a lot of great things on the menu, few put such a unique twist on something cherry as their Northwoods Cherry Soda cupcake. A chocolate-cherry cola cake topped with sweet marshmallow frosting and a Northwoods black cherry cola glaze, these sweet treats are decorated with a dark chocolate pirouette cookie and topped with (what else?) a cherry. Find it: sugarkissedtc.com

3. THE CHERRY HUT’S

Classic Cherry Pie

The Cherry Hut has been making cherry treats since 1922, and all of that experience is regularly poured into the Beulah icon’s signature cherry pies, which are still crafted from founder James and Dorothy Kraker’s original recipe. Expect a flaky, buttery crust bursting with a filling of bright red, whole cherries that’s balanced right between sweet and tart. Ask for it á la mode, and you’ll be hooked. Require one hot out of the oven? Stock up on the Cherry Hut’s always-available inventory of whole frozen cherry pies so you can bake them yourself at home. Find it: cherryhutstore.com

4. MOOMERS’

Cherries Moobilee Ice Cream

There are actually several varieties of cherry ice creams at Moomers, including Amaretto Cherry, Black Cherry, Cherry Cheesecake with real cheesecake chunks, Cherry Explosion with tart and sweet cherries and chocolate flakes, Cherry Pie á la mode, Cherry Praline Pecan, Chocolate Cherry Pecan, and even Cherry Sherbet (whew!). But the one that’s famous around the nation is Cherries Moobilee, which brings a base of black cherry ice cream together with chunks of black sweet cherries, brownies, and a chocolate fudge swirl. A double dose of cherries and a double dose of chocolate? Yes, please. Find it: moomers.com

5. THE ORIGINAL MURDICK’S

Traverse City Black Cherry Fudge

What happens when a candy maker from Mackinac Island, aka Fudge Capital of the World, is inspired by Traverse City, aka, the Cherry Capital? Doubly delicious things — namely, Murdick’s Traverse City Black Cherry Fudge. The confection mixes natural Michigan sugar with so many Traverse City-grown black cherries that the fudge itself is pink. The cherry chunks add a zing and a bit of chewiness to the fudge, which carries the same candied appeal of regular chocolate fudge but with a unique flavor and fruitiness that pays sweet homage to one of our region’s favorite crops and confections. Find it: originalmurdicksfudge.com

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