Sparkling Cherry Soda Scones

Featured in: East Coast Flavors

Light and airy scones feature tart cherries and a splash of sparkling soda, ideal for a breezy breakfast or tea break. The dough comes together quickly with cold butter, heavy cream, and a hint of vanilla. Dried or fresh cherries add bright fruitiness, while an optional coarse sugar topping brings a sweet crunch. After baking, the scones develop a golden crust and tender crumb. Customize with dairy-free swaps if needed, and enjoy with clotted cream or cherry jam for an extra touch. Each serving offers a balance of flavor and texture, capturing classic British charm in every slice.

Updated on Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:34:00 GMT
Delicious Sparkling Cherry Soda Scones topped with coarse sugar and dried cherries.  Save
Delicious Sparkling Cherry Soda Scones topped with coarse sugar and dried cherries. | dashofstates.com

Delightfully light and fluffy scones made with tart cherries and sparkling soda, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

The first time I baked these scones for my family, the bubbly cherry soda made the dough so tender that everyone wanted seconds. They became our go-to treat for weekend brunches and cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Cold sparkling cherry soda: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml), plus extra for brushing
  • Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried tart cherries: 3/4 cup (100 g), or chopped fresh/frozen, well-drained
  • Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (55 g), cold and cubed
  • Coarse sugar (optional): 2 tbsp

Instructions

Prep Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add Butter:
Add cold cubed butter. Cut in with a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Cherries:
Stir in the dried cherries.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix sparkling cherry soda, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
Mix Together:
Pour wet ingredients into dry, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape Scones:
Turn dough onto a floured surface. Gently pat into a 1-inch thick round.
Cut and Arrange:
Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Finish Tops:
Brush tops with extra cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake:
Bake for 16–18 minutes, until scones are golden and set. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Light and fluffy Sparkling Cherry Soda Scones, perfect for breakfast or tea time.  Save
Light and fluffy Sparkling Cherry Soda Scones, perfect for breakfast or tea time. | dashofstates.com

These scones brought everyone together at the breakfast table, with their bright cherry flavor sparking lively conversation and plenty of smiles.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, pastry blender or fork, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (cream, butter). May contain traces of nuts if processed in shared facilities. Always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per scone: 260 calories, 10 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.

Warm Sparkling Cherry Soda Scones served with clotted cream and cherry jam. Save
Warm Sparkling Cherry Soda Scones served with clotted cream and cherry jam. | dashofstates.com

Enjoy these sparkling cherry soda scones warm from the oven, with a little cherry jam for extra brightness. Fresh, fluffy, and made for sharing.

Recipe FAQ

What does sparkling soda add to scones?

Sparkling soda gives extra lift and lightness, resulting in a softer crumb and delicate texture.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Yes, chop and drain fresh or frozen cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

How do I achieve fluffy scones?

Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough; gentle handling keeps scones tender.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Substitute coconut cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free option without sacrificing texture.

Are scones best served warm or cooled?

Scones taste best freshly baked and slightly warm, but can be enjoyed cooled with spreads or jams.

What toppings pair well with these?

Clotted cream or cherry jam complement their tart and sweet profile for extra indulgence.

Sparkling Cherry Soda Scones

Light scones with tart cherries and soda, ideal for morning or tea, with fluffy crumb and gentle sweetness.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
18 min
Complete duration
33 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage British

Output 8 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup cold sparkling cherry soda
02 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
03 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

01 3/4 cup dried tart cherries or well-drained chopped fresh/frozen cherries
02 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Topping

01 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Phase 03

Incorporate Butter: Add cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and cut in with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Phase 04

Add Cherries: Stir in the dried tart cherries or substitute with well-drained fresh or frozen cherries.

Phase 05

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend together cold sparkling cherry soda, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.

Phase 06

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently only until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Phase 07

Shape Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and gently pat into a round approximately 1 inch thick.

Phase 08

Cut and Arrange Wedges: Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges and arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Phase 09

Top Scones: Brush the tops with additional heavy cream, then sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Phase 10

Bake and Cool: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until scones are golden and set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry blender or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (cream, butter); product may have traces of nuts from shared facilities.
  • Check all labels for possible hidden allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 4 g