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If you’ve been searching for a dessert that effortlessly brings together vibrant flavors, luscious textures, and the nostalgic feel of homemade goodness, then this Cherry Crisp Recipe is exactly what you need. It features juicy cherries simmered to perfection and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-kissed oat crumble that bakes up crispy and golden. This recipe is straightforward but delivers a spectacular balance of sweet and tart that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a casual weeknight treat, or just because, this Cherry Crisp Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward making this Cherry Crisp Recipe so irresistible. Each one plays a crucial role, from providing the luscious cherry filling to creating that satisfying, crumbly topping that everyone loves.
- 5 cups cherries (pitted): Fresh, frozen, or canned cherries can be used, each bringing their own bright, juicy flavor to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel sweetness that deepens the cherry flavor beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons white sugar: Balances the tartness of the cherries with clean, straightforward sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the cherry mixture.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: The secret thickener that ensures the cherry filling isn’t watery but perfectly jammy.
- 3 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and adjust the filling’s consistency smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the filling and balances the sweetness with a hint of tang.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the topping and gives it structure.
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats: Adds chewiness and texture to the crumbly topping.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the crumble with a molasses hint that complements the cherries.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and diced): The magic behind the crumble’s buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Make Cherry Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by greasing a 9-inch pie dish, square pan, or rectangular dish with butter. This ensures your crisp won’t stick and will come out looking picture-perfect. Preheat the oven to 360°F so it’s hot and ready when you assemble the dessert.
Step 2: Cook the Cherry Filling
Place your pitted cherries in a wide pan and add both brown and white sugars along with vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer with the lid on. Let the cherries soften and release their juices, which creates that vibrant filling base bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Thicken the Filling
Remove the pan from the heat and whisk the cornstarch into water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the cherry mixture and return it to low heat to thicken. This step is key in transforming the juices into a luscious, jam-like filling that won’t be runny once baked.
Step 4: Adjust Flavors and Cool
Add lemon juice to the filling to brighten the taste and tweak the sweetness if needed. Adjust the thickness with extra water or cornstarch as necessary. Spread this perfectly balanced filling in your prepared dish and let it cool a bit while you whip up the topping.
Step 5: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mix resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping will bake into a crispy, golden layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft cherries below.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cherry filling. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly at the edges. Let the crisp cool for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld and the filling to set before diving in.
How to Serve Cherry Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Your cherry crisp reaches new heights when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm topping, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for light creaminess. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or a few fresh mint leaves can add both texture and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This dessert stands powerfully on its own, but pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a simple custard can elevate the experience for special occasions. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a sweet dessert wine also complements the deep cherry flavors exceptionally well.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive touch, serve the cherry crisp in individual ramekins or mason jars, layered with whipped cream or mascarpone. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or grated dark chocolate on top for a gourmet twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your cherry crisp tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, retaining its flavor and texture perfectly for quick indulgence later.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Cherry Crisp Recipe in advance, you can freeze it before baking. Cover the assembled crisp securely and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it from frozen – you’ll just need to add extra time for it to bake through.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through and bubbling. This will bring back the crispy topping and warm, gooey filling as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work beautifully in this Cherry Crisp Recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or tapioca starch, which will also help thicken the filling without altering the flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats to keep the topping safe for gluten sensitivity while maintaining its delicious texture.
How do I know when the crisp is done baking?
You’ll see the topping turn a beautiful golden brown and notice the cherry filling bubbling around the edges – these are your signs that the crisp is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Can I prepare the cherry filling in advance?
Definitely! You can make the cherry filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before adding the topping and baking as directed for the freshest result.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Crisp Recipe is nothing short of pure comfort in a dish, blending sweet, tart, and buttery elements in such a simple and satisfying way. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try, whether you want an everyday treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert. Trust me, once you have a slice of this warm, crispy, cherry-filled delight, it will quickly become one of your cherished favorites.
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Cherry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Crisp is a delightful dessert combining sweet, juicy cherries with a buttery oat crumble topping. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it delivers a comforting, fruity treat that’s ideal for any occasion. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this crisp is easy to prepare and serves 6 generously.
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 cups cherries, pitted (about 1.5 – 2 pounds), or 1.5 lbs frozen, or 3 (14.5-oz) cans cherries (drained as needed)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water (or more as needed)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or to taste)
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced and cold from fridge
Instructions
- Prep: Butter a 9-inch pie dish, 9-inch square pan, or 7×11 rectangular pan ensuring it is deep enough. Preheat the oven to 360°F.
- Cook cherries: Place the 5 cups of pitted cherries in a wide pan. Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons white sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Cover with a lid and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until cherries soften and release their juices.
- Thicken filling: Remove the pan from heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water until smooth. Stir this mixture quickly into the cherries. Return to low heat and simmer 1-2 minutes until the juices thicken to a jammy consistency, then remove from heat.
- Adjust and cool filling: Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice or to taste, and more sugar if needed. If the filling is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water; if too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and add bit by bit until desired thickness is reached. Spread the filling evenly in the prepared baking dish and set aside to cool while preparing the topping.
- Make topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the cold, diced unsalted butter and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly with no visible dry flour.
- Assemble and bake: Evenly scatter the crumb topping over the cherry filling. Bake on the middle rack in the preheated oven at 360°F for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack for 30 minutes before serving warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- If using frozen or canned cherries, drain excess liquid and adjust cornstarch accordingly to achieve the right filling thickness.
- Butter the baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and aid in even browning.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if cherries are tart.
- For a deeper flavor, season topping with a pinch of nutmeg or add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
