You know summer is right around the corner when we start seeing lots of cherries and cherry-filled desserts. Cherries come into season in late spring and on May 26^th, we get to celebrate them because it’s National Cherry Dessert Day.

Cherry trees have been around since the Stone Age, but they’ve only grown in the United States since the 1800s. That was more than enough time for us to figure out just how amazing these little sweet and tart fruits are in both sweet and savory dishes. They’re also good for us as they are high in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.

Whether you like cherry pie, cherry ice cream, or cherry sauce drizzled over everything, we have lots of recipes for you. Check out these 17 Very Cherry Recipes (All Vegan) and then  celebrate with these 15 sweet and cheerful cherry desserts.

1. Cherry Almond Cupcakes

These Cherry Almond Cupcakes bring together two flavors that are always a winning combo — almond and cherry! The almond meal brings a unique texture and little bits of nutty goodness in every bite and a happy pink cherry frosting is piled high on top of each cupcake. These cupcakes are incredibly light and fluffy and make a lovely presentation.

2. Cherry Coconut Cheesecake Bites

These rich and velvety Cherry Coconut Cheesecake Bites are pure and simple, meaning they’re free of processed sugars and dyes. Cherries provide a beautiful magenta layer that makes these mini cakes almost too pretty to eat. The coconut whipped cream is optional, but it certainly creates a more delectable experience, especially when topped with chocolate shavings and a cherry on top.

3. Chocolate Pudding Bowls With Coconut Cream and Cherries

These Chocolate Pudding Bowls With Coconut Cream and Cherries are like silk in your mouth, but better because they’re vegan and you can eat them. Made with almond milk, avocados, and maple syrup and topped with cherries and cacao nibs, these bowls are filled with all wholesome ingredients, so you can feel good about indulging.

4. Raw Cherry Brownies

These Raw Cherry Brownies are a decadent chocolate cherry dessert. They are naturally sweetened with dates and dried cherries, which add to the richness of this smooth chocolate brownie. Crunchy almonds and chewy cherries give it a texture that will leave you wanting more.

5. Cherry Chocolate Pie

This Cherry Chocolate Pie will be the best part of your summer. Chia cherry jam sits on a raw pie crust base of seeds and Medjool dates. The cherry jam is sweet, tart, and the perfect texture. The pie is then topped with cool, creamy coconut yogurt, and garnished with fresh cherries and cacao nibs. Serve this decadent dessert chilled for a refreshing treat.

6. Raw Lemon Cherry Cheesecake

For a tangy and refreshing dessert that is easy to make, try out this Raw Lemon Cherry Cheesecake! Almonds, lemon juice, cherries, agave nectar, and vanilla are blended together to make a sweet and slightly tart filling. The crust is simply almonds and dates. Just freeze and serve — it couldn’t get any easier.

7. Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Pops

Everyone loves chocolate and cherries together and these Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Pops will be no exception. Chocolate and cherries are mixed with coconut milk ice cream and drizzled with a dark chocolate shell. These creamy, dreamy ice cream pops are the perfect snack for warmer days and parties. If you have any leftover chocolate drizzle, save it for more ice cream!

8. No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake

This No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake is definitely a chocolate and cherry cheesecake lover’s dream. The dark chocolate and cherry combination is already divine, but it somehow manages to get even better when it meets the cashew cream and hazelnut crust. Drooling yet?

9. Rustic Cherry Rice Pudding Tart

This Rustic Cherry Rice Pudding Tart reinvents the classic dish in tart form with sour cherries and homemade cashew cream. Raisins get thrown in for their chewy texture and a bit more sweetness. This dessert is elegant, yet it has a rustic charm to it that’s sure to win over everyone’s taste buds.

10. Cherry Oats Squares With Macadamia Nut Icing and Blueberry Sauce

The name of these Cherry Oats Squares With Macadamia Nut Icing and Blueberry Sauce is a mouthful and you will want your mouth full of them once you taste them. These are a very simple and delicious dessert. You simply can’t go wrong with the combination of cherries and oats baked into delicious and delightful squares.

11. Cherry Chocolate Chunk Crumble Bars

These Cherry Chocolate Chunk Crumble Bars make a perfect sweet snack. Or, if you top it with a scoop of ice cream or coconut whipped cream, you’ve got a decadent dessert! To be honest, you could eat them as part of breakfast, too, because they are that nutritious. Chocolate for breakfast is always a great thing!

12. Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches

When decadence meets healthy, life just can’t get better. These Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches are just fresh fruit and some buckwheat groats! They are raw, vegan, gluten-free, low-fat, and simply magical. Eat these whenever you want. They’re health food — for real!

13. No-Bake Mint Cherry Tart

These No-Bake Mint Cherry Tarts are easy to make and easy to eat because they’re mini! The crust is coconutty, with a bit of buckwheat crunch. They are filled with a creamy vanilla bean and mint cream and then topped with beautiful fresh cherries. The chewy and crunchy crust is just the perfect vessel for the smooth, creamy filling and juicy cherries.

14. Oil-Free Black Forest Cake

Black Forest cakes are just about as indulgent a dessert as you can get, but this Oil-Free Black Forest Cake combines indulgent with healthy. It’s made with layers of chocolate-cherry cake, with thickened coconut cream, and cherry chia jam sandwiched in between. You won’t believe this decadent cake is wheat-free, refined sugar-free, and oil-free. All you’ll taste is delicious!

15. Quinoa Cherry Bars

These crunchy and chewy Quinoa Cherry Bars are the perfect to-go snack! A blend of warm and toasty almonds, quinoa, and various seeds are combined with dried cherries. The fruit is sweet enough so there’s just a touch of maple syrup added. Pack these sweet and tart bars as an afternoon snack at work or school!

There’s a reason we say a great thing is like “the cherry on top.” Cherries are tart, sweet, healthy, pretty, and delicious. These recipes will have you eating cherries all summer long.

Lead image source: Cherry Chocolate Pie