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
Scale
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.
