Blackcurrants may be small, but they pack a punch of tart flavour and nutritional power. Whether fresh or frozen, these berries are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Wondering how to cook blackcurrants? Here are simple, inspiring ways to enjoy them all season long.

Quick Ideas for Cooking Blackcurrants

Simmer Them into a Sauce

Simmer blackcurrants with a splash of water, a little sugar or honey, and citrus zest to create a glossy sauce perfect for:

  • Drizzling over pancakes or waffles
  • Serving with vanilla ice cream
  • Glazing grilled meats like duck or pork
Manhatan Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe by almu21
I found this simple recipe in a book but it required a lot more sour cream and a bit more cream cheese. So I tweaked it a bit and didn’t dare to use a springform in case it ended like a thin flat cake. The result is tasty and love the sharp tarty addition of the blackcurrant jam.
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Blackcurrant Frozen Yoghurt Ice Cream Recipe by spicequeen
Frozen yoghurt ice cream is a very quick and delicious dessert recipe. You can add chocolate chips, mix nuts, biscuit crumbs, cake crumbs or anything you like to the basic mix. I have added blackcurrant pulp to give some freshness to the frozen yoghurt ice cream. This is a very refreshing dessert. A…
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Healthy Breakfast Bowl Recipe by Staff Canteen UK
This is my everyday breakfast. Super fast to prepare, tasty and filling :)
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Turn Them into a Jam or Compote

Blackcurrants are ideal for quick stovetop jams or compotes that don't need preserving. Use them in:

  • Toast or croissants for breakfast
  • Yogurt or overnight oats
  • As a filling for sponge cakes or roulades
Dried Black Currant Jam Recipe by Hiroko Liston
I had a lot of Dried Black Currants that were getting old and I needed to use them. I looked for recipes and found Black Currant Jam was interesting. However, it is made with fresh Black Currants. I tried to use Dried Black Currants. With a small amount of Corn Starch, they turned into this beautifu…
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Black Currant Bento Cake 🎂 Recipe by Manisha Malvi Angaitkar
#cookpad #cookpadindia #cakes Bento cakes are also called Lunch Box cakes . These are pretty miniature forms of cake.In Japan Bento box is referred to as a single serving lunch box to carry or take away food.
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Bake Them into Desserts

Incorporate blackcurrants into:

Their tang balances well with sweet, buttery pastry.

Bara Brith (Welsh Tea Bread): Recipe by Lubna’s Kitchen
This delicious “Bara Brith” with raisins and currants/ sultanas soaked in tea and mingled with candied citrus peel ( I used my own homemade candied citrus peel ) and aromatic spices, Bara Brith is Wales’ famous tea bread! #FestiveFavourites #teacake #teaBread }dessert #Wales #Welsh
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Almond Blackcurrant Pound Cake Recipe by Kanini Kaseo
This is an easy to make and impressive yummy pound cake for that 4 O’clock tea when you have your friends or relatives come over.
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Savoury Ideas Using Blackcurrants

Add Depth to Meat Dishes

Use blackcurrants to make sauces or chutneys to pair with:

  • Roast lamb or venison
  • Grilled sausages
  • Cheese boards, especially with goat cheese or brie

Their acidity cuts through richness, adding balance and colour.

Port & Berry Game Sauce Recipe by Natalie Marten (Windsor__Foodie)
This rich, sweet and tart game reduction pairs beautifully with meats such as duck, pheasant or venison. It’s meant to be used sparingly, drizzled over the plate, rather than poured like a gravy. It’s very punchy in flavour so not much is needed to compliment a dish. Tip: I used a frozen summer frui…
CookpadNatalie Marten (Windsor__Foodie)

Use Them in Beverages

Make Refreshing Drinks

Blackcurrants can be turned into vibrant drinks, including:

  • Homemade cordial or syrup
  • Smoothies or juices
  • Iced teas with mint and lemon

You can also freeze them into ice cubes for a fruity touch.

Rainbow Drink Recipe by Sarita Srivastava
#makeitfruity This drink is very healthy because in this drink I use various fruits and colours like rainbow🌈 in this drink I use also apple, pears, banana, watermelon etc. Try it.
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Falsa Smoothie (Grewia Asiatica Smoothie​) Recipe by Kiran Asghar
#Cookpad
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Black Currant Smoothie Recipe by Gurpal kaur Ubhi
It’s so easy to make and can be quickly serve in breakfast.
CookpadGurpal kaur Ubhi

Preserve the Harvest

If you have a big batch, consider freezing or dehydrating blackcurrants:

  • Freeze whole for later use in baking or sauces
  • Dry them for snack mixes or granola
  • Mix into homemade fruit leather
Blackcurrant Jam Recipe by Anastasia
This is a jam I make every other year. Why every other year. Because one year I let the birds have the berries and one year they are for jam! I make it pretty ‘sharp’ as I don’t like sweet jam and it is less sugar for my kids. You can add more sugar if you like; most recipes add one third more sugar…
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Blackcurrants are a seasonal gem with endless possibilities. You don’t need a detailed recipe to enjoy their rich, tart flavour. Whether you’re making something sweet, savoury, or simply adding a splash of colour to your dishes—blackcurrants are the ultimate summer ingredient.

All our recipes with blackcurrants:

Discover unique blackcurrant recipes you’ll love
Explore a variety of blackcurrant delights, from tangy jams to refreshing sorbets. Find your new favorite recipe today!
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