Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe

If you love summer desserts that are bright, refreshing, and absolutely bursting with fruit, you need to try this Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe. This gorgeous Eastern European classic transforms juicy cherries into a stunningly vibrant sweet soup with the perfect balance of tartness and just a touch of silky, luscious thickness. Whether you savor it warm from the stove or chilled on a sultry day, this recipe is an instant celebration of cherries at their very best.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe lies in its simple, honest ingredients. Each one is essential: fresh cherries bring a rich, jammy flavor; sugar and lemon amplify the fruitiness; potato starch creates that iconic silky texture. Everything comes together in a vibrant bowl of edible sunshine!

• Cherries (1 lb, fresh or frozen, pitted): The juicy, ruby core of the dessert—choose the sweetest red cherries you can find for an intensely fruity soup.
• Filtered water (8 cups): Ensures your kissel is crystal clear and pure in taste so the cherry flavor truly shines.
• Sugar (3/4 cup): Not just for sweetness, but also to balance the cherries’ natural tartness for a perfectly rounded bite.
• Fresh lemon juice (1 Tbsp): Adds brightness and a gentle zing, bringing out the best of the cherries.
• Potato starch (4 Tbsp, dissolved in 1/4 cup cold water): The key to that signature silky, lightly thickened texture that makes this soup irresistible!

How to Make Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Base

In a medium pot, add your pitted cherries and pour in all 8 cups of filtered water. Set it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to make sure the cherries cook evenly and release their flavors. This simple combination forms the juiciest, brilliantly hued base for your Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe.

Step 2: Simmer the Cherries

Once the mixture comes to a lively boil, reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot—leave just a crack so the steam can escape. Let the cherries simmer away for about 12 minutes. This stage unlocks their deep flavor and luscious color, while the house fills with the sweetest summer fragrance!

Step 3: Add Sugar and Lemon Juice

After simmering, stir in the sugar and splash in your fresh lemon juice. Give everything a good stir and let it continue to simmer gently for 3 more minutes. This is when the flavors meld: the sugar rounds out the acidity, and the lemon turns up the brightness for an irresistible balance.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, dissolve the potato starch in 1/4 cup cold water—stir until totally smooth. While stirring the simmering soup, slowly pour in the starch mixture. Watch the Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe transform as it thickens before your eyes into a glossy, spoon-coating consistency. Stir constantly for an extra-silky finish!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Take the pot off the heat and let your soup cool just a bit. Decide if you want to strain out the cherries for a smooth, jewel-like soup, or leave them in for a rustic dessert (my personal favorite!). Ladle into bowls or mugs and serve either warm, where it feels like a comforting hug, or chilled for the ultimate summer refresher.

How to Serve Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe

Garnishes

Top your Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe with a dollop of whipped cream, a few extra whole cherries, or a scattering of fresh mint leaves. A sprinkle of lemon zest also brings a gorgeous burst of color and fragrance that makes every bowl look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

This luscious soup pairs wonderfully with crispy vanilla wafers, almond biscotti, or even a slice of simple pound cake. It’s also fabulous poured over vanilla ice cream or served alongside a platter of fresh summer berries—every spoonful turns into dessert perfection.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning finish at summer gatherings, serve the soup in clear glasses so everyone can marvel at its jewel-red shimmer. Swirl in a ribbon of yogurt for a playful look, or layer with cubes of sponge cake to make cherry kissel trifles. No matter how you serve it, this dish turns any table into a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe keeps beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The texture may thicken slightly as it sits, but give it a quick stir and it’s as luscious as ever.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy a taste of summer any time, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk well before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or scorching. If it thickens a bit too much, just add a splash of water to bring back the perfect consistency. You can also enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge—a treat on hot days!

FAQs

Can I make Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe with other fruits?

Absolutely! Kissel is a versatile dessert soup, and you can swap cherries for raspberries, strawberries, currants, or blueberries. Adjust sugar to taste depending on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Is there a substitute for potato starch?

Yes, you can use cornstarch if you don’t have potato starch on hand. The texture will be slightly different, but the soup will still thicken nicely. Just dissolve it in cold water first, as with potato starch.

Should I serve kissel warm or cold?

Both options are delicious! Warm, the soup feels cozy and comforting, while cold, it’s incredibly refreshing and perfect for summer. Many people love it chilled, especially on hot days.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to reduce the sugar slightly or use a natural sweetener like honey. The soup’s balance may tilt a bit more tart depending on your cherries, so taste and adjust as you go.

Do I need to strain out the cherries?

That’s completely up to you! Leaving the cherries in adds wonderful texture and bursts of fruit flavor, while straining creates a smooth, refined soup. Try both ways and discover your favorite version of the Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like a bowl of homemade Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe to celebrate the peak of cherry season. Whether served as a nostalgic dessert, a dazzling brunch course, or a cheerful snack, this recipe brings joy and color to your table. Give it a try and make this summer extra sweet!

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