Description
This Cherry Crisp is a delightful and comforting dessert featuring a luscious cherry filling topped with a crispy oat and cinnamon streusel. Perfectly baked to bubbly, golden perfection, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish ideal for any occasion. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 cups sweet or sour cherries, pitted (about 4 3/4 pounds); fresh or frozen and thawed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
Topping
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish. Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch pan or an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cherry Filling. In a large bowl, gently combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Make sure to mix just until everything is evenly incorporated. Pour this cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring to include any juice that has settled at the bottom of the bowl.
- Prepare the Crisp Topping. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Incorporate the Butter. Pour the melted unsalted butter into the dry topping mixture, stirring continuously until the mixture is thoroughly moistened and uniform in texture.
- Assemble the Crisp. Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the cherry filling in the baking dish, covering it completely.
- Bake the Crisp. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cherry filling is bubbling and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Rest and Serve. Let your cherry crisp stand for 10 minutes to set slightly before serving. For best results, enjoy it warm topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cherries; if using frozen, make sure they are thawed and drained well.
- If you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling.
- The whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber but can be replaced entirely with all-purpose flour if desired.
- For a nutty crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the topping mixture.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
