Imagine a dessert that combines the intense sweetness of caramelized cherries with the creamy richness of strained yogurt - a culinary masterpiece that's both elegant and surprisingly simple to create. This roasted cherry dessert is not just a recipe; it's a sensory experience that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary, turning even the most mundane evening into a gourmet celebration.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Wash fresh cherries thoroughly and remove pits using a cherry pitter or a small knife. Pat the cherries dry with paper towels to ensure even roasting.
- Spread the pitted cherries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization.
- Drizzle honey evenly over the cherries, using a pastry brush to coat them completely. The honey will help create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes. The cherries should become soft, slightly wrinkled, and develop a deep, rich color.
- While cherries are roasting, prepare the strained yogurt. Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place over a bowl. Pour Greek yogurt into the lined strainer.
- Let the yogurt strain for 10-15 minutes to remove excess liquid, creating a thicker, creamier texture.
- Once yogurt is strained, transfer to a serving bowl and stir in vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fragrant.
- Remove roasted cherries from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. They should be warm but not scalding hot.
- Spread the strained vanilla yogurt on a serving plate or individual dishes, creating a smooth base.
- Spoon the warm roasted cherries over the yogurt, allowing some of the caramelized honey to drizzle over the top.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a subtle aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately while cherries are still warm, enjoying the contrast between the cool, creamy yogurt and the sweet, roasted fruit.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm cherries for the best roasting results. Look for deep, rich colors without bruises.
- Use a cherry pitter for quick and clean pit removal, saving time and keeping your hands mess-free.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give cherries space to caramelize properly, ensuring even roasting.
- For extra flavor complexity, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the honey before drizzling.
- Strain your yogurt in advance to achieve a luxuriously thick, creamy texture that perfectly complements the roasted cherries.
- Fresh mint is crucial for garnish - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that cuts through the sweetness.
- Serve immediately while cherries are still warm to enjoy the best temperature contrast with the cool yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
