There’s something magical about the combination of warm fruit and a buttery, crunchy topping. Cherry crisp recipe is the epitome of simple, homey comfort food, and it’s a dessert that brings nostalgia with every bite. It’s perfect for any time of year, but especially when cherries are in season. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, this cherry crisp recipe never fails to satisfy your sweet tooth.
I first discovered the joys of cherry crisp at a summer barbecue with friends, where the dessert was the clear star of the evening. The warm, juicy cherries mixed with the golden, crispy oat topping created the most irresistible contrast of textures and flavors. Since then, cherry crisp has become my go-to dessert for almost any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight treat or the grand finale of a festive meal.
What makes this cherry crisp so special is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels like a celebration. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it a great choice when you need a delicious dessert in a hurry.
Table of contents
Why this Cherry Crisp recipe Works
This cherry crisp recipe is a standout because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tartness of the cherries is beautifully complemented by the sweet, buttery crisp topping. It’s a combination that feels fresh, yet comforting at the same time. Unlike more complex desserts, this recipe focuses on the natural sweetness of the fruit, enhanced by just a touch of sugar and vanilla. The oats, flour, and butter in the topping create a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, juicy cherries.
One of the reasons this recipe works so well is its versatility. You can easily swap out cherries for other fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, or peaches, depending on what’s in season or what you have in your pantry. You can also adjust the level of sweetness to your preference, making it as sweet or tart as you like. Additionally, this recipe can be made gluten-free by swapping the flour for a gluten-free alternative, and you can easily make it dairy-free by using a plant-based butter substitute.
Recipe Card
Cherry Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes280
kcalA mouthwatering cherry crisp recipe that combines juicy cherries with a buttery, cinnamon-infused crumble topping. Perfect for any season and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
- For the Cherry Filling
4 cups fresh cherries, pitted (or 2 cans of pitted cherries, drained)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Crisp Topping
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cherry Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well and spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble & Bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
- Serve: Let the cherry crisp cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
Notes
- Fresh vs. Canned Cherries: If using canned cherries, adjust the sugar level to taste as canned cherries may be sweeter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispier topping.
Tips for perfect Cherry Crisp Recipe
- Choose the Right Cherries: Fresh, ripe cherries are ideal for this recipe, but frozen cherries work just as well if fresh ones aren’t in season. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them before baking to avoid excess moisture in your crisp.
- Use Cold Butter for the Topping: For the best texture in your crisp topping, make sure the butter is cold when you mix it with the dry ingredients. This helps create those perfect crumbly bits that make the topping so deliciously crunchy.
- Don’t Overmix the Topping: When making the topping, mix the ingredients just until they come together. Overmixing can result in a dense topping, so be gentle with it.
- Add a Dash of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a nice zing to the cherries and brightens up the overall flavor of the crisp. It balances out the sweetness and enhances the natural tartness of the fruit.
Variants of Cherry Crisp Recipe
Mixed Berry Cherry Crisp
If you can’t get enough of berries, try adding some mixed berries to your cherry crisp. The combination of cherries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a delightful burst of flavor and color. You can either use fresh or frozen berries—just be sure to adjust the sweetness if you’re using tart berries.
Peach and Cherry Crisp
Peach and cherry are a classic pairing, and this variant brings them together in one irresistible dessert. The juicy peaches add a subtle sweetness that balances out the tart cherries, and the combination of flavors is just magical. Use fresh or canned peaches depending on what’s available.
Gluten-Free Cherry Crisp
For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the entire dessert is free from gluten. This version is just as delicious, and you won’t even miss the gluten!
Cherry Almond Crisp
If you love the combination of cherries and almonds, try adding slivered almonds to the topping or mixing almond extract into the filling. The nutty flavor complements the cherries perfectly, giving the crisp an extra layer of depth.
FAQs
Yes! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid a soggy crisp.
For a crunchier topping, replace oats with crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts.
Absolutely! Prepare the crisp, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed but add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Cornstarch thickens the cherry filling, but if you find it too runny, add an extra tablespoon next time.
Final Thoughts
Cherry crisp is one of those timeless desserts that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating cherry season or just craving a warm, sweet treat, this recipe is the perfect choice. Plus, with all the customizable variations, you can make it your own, whether you prefer a nutty topping, a vegan twist, or a combination of seasonal fruits.
If you loved this cherry crisp, you’ll also enjoy our Caramel Dip for Apples Recipe for another sweet treat that pairs perfectly with fresh fruit!
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