If you love vibrant summer flavors and comforting textures all in one dessert, this Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Bursting with juicy, sweet cherries nestled under a heavenly, buttery oat topping, it’s the perfect way to celebrate cherry season no matter the occasion. Every spoonful combines tartness, warmth, and a satisfying crunch that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Trust me, once you try this Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the length of this list intimidate you—these ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in the crisp. From fresh cherries adding juicy sweetness to the crisp oat topping providing that classic crunch, every item is a must-have for this recipe to shine.
- 3 pounds sweet ripe cherries, pitted: The star of the dish; fresh cherries bring bright flavor and beautiful color.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cherry filling just enough without overpowering their natural taste.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry juices into a luscious filling as it bakes.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the cherries and balance sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract (optional): Offers a lovely nutty accent that complements cherries beautifully.
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the crisp topping, giving structure and a tender crumb.
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar: Introduces a caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps with browning the topping.
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Gives the topping that essential hearty crunch.
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): For added texture and a rich, nutty depth.
- Zest of one lemon: Lifts the flavor profile with fresh citrus brightness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Further layers of warm vanilla aroma in the topping.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the topping to keep it from being too dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spiced note that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and a golden crisp finish.
How to Make Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease your baking dish—whether it’s an 8×11-inch pan, a 9-inch square or round dish, or even a deep pie plate—to make sure your cherry crisp releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crisp Topping
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, pecans if you’re using them, lemon zest, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Once everything looks evenly distributed, pour in the melted butter and stir until all the dry ingredients are fully moistened. For best results and a bit more crunch, place this mixture in the freezer for up to 30 minutes before assembling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In another bowl, toss the pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you like. The cornstarch will ensure your cherry filling thickens nicely while baking, and the lemon juice helps keep the flavors bright and fresh.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Spread the cherry filling evenly in your prepared baking dish. Then generously sprinkle the crisp topping over the cherries, making sure to cover them completely for that perfect crunchy finish.
Step 5: Bake the Crisp
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and you see the cherry juices bubbling around the edges, releasing their enticing aroma throughout your kitchen.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe cool for about 10 minutes after baking—this allows the filling to thicken slightly so it doesn’t run when served. Then go ahead and dig in, whether you like it solo or topped with creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can really elevate this dessert. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts, or fresh mint leaves to add an extra pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm, rich crisp.
Side Dishes
While the Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe is delightful on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of Chantilly cream creates a luscious balance of hot and cold that’s utterly irresistible. For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream is an excellent choice that still provides creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the crisp in individual ramekins for a pretty portion size, or layer it in a trifle bowl with fresh whipped cream and extra cherries for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece. It’s flexible enough to suit casual family dinners or fancy occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven until heated through and crisp on top.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dessert ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Just assemble the crisp in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen—expect it to take 10-15 minutes longer to bake thoroughly.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven vibe, reheat your crisp uncovered at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warm and bubbling. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works beautifully, especially when topped with a scoop of ice cream or cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well in this Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe. Just thaw and drain them before mixing with the other filling ingredients to avoid excess liquid making the crisp soggy.
Is it okay to skip the almond extract?
Yes, almond extract is optional and adds extra depth, but the recipe is delicious without it. Vanilla extract alone provides plenty of warm flavor.
How do I ensure the topping stays crunchy?
Chilling the topping mixture before baking helps it hold together and crisp up nicely. Also, avoid covering the crisp while baking to allow moisture to escape and keep the topping crunchy.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Certainly! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts make great alternatives — just chop them roughly so they distribute evenly in the topping.
What’s the best way to pit cherries quickly?
A cherry pitter tool is a kitchen lifesaver for large batches. If you don’t have one, you can use a metal straw or the tip of a small knife to push the pit out gently.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe brings together juicy cherries and a crunchy topping in a way that feels like a warm hug from your favorite dessert. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple yet special, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a sweet moment just for yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a treasured classic in your kitchen too!
Print
Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Cherry Crisp recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring juicy, ripe cherries topped with a crunchy oat and pecan crisp. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this dessert can be enjoyed warm, especially with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 3 pounds sweet ripe cherries, pitted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract (optional)
Crisp Topping
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×11-inch baking dish, 9-inch square or round baking dish, or a 9-inch deep pie plate to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, rolled oats, chopped pecans (if using), lemon zest, vanilla extract, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended. Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully combined. For best results, freeze the topping mixture for up to 30 minutes to help it hold together during baking.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Stir gently until the cherries are well-coated with the mixture.
- Add the Topping: Spread the cherry filling evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the cherry mixture, covering it completely.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and you see bubbling juices around the edges, indicating the cherries are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cherry crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, or enjoy it plain as a comforting dessert.
Notes
- Freezing the topping before baking helps it hold its shape and bake evenly.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Using fresh, ripe cherries enhances the flavor, but frozen cherries can be used if pitted and drained.
- For extra tartness, add more lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon.
- This dessert pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream.
