Description
This Fresh Cherry Crisp recipe showcases sweet, ripe cherries baked under a buttery and crunchy oat topping, enhanced with hints of cinnamon, lemon zest, and vanilla. It’s a warm, comforting dessert perfect for summertime or any occasion, served best warm with ice cream or 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 flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, pecans if using, lemon zest, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the topping comes together evenly. Chill the mixture in the freezer for up to 30 minutes to help it set and firm up for baking.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In another bowl, mix the pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Stir gently until the cherries are completely coated, which will help thicken the juices as the crisp bakes.
- Add the Topping: Spread the cherry mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the cherries, covering the filling completely.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry juices are bubbling around the edges, indicating that the fruit filling is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cherry crisp to cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
- For a deeper cherry flavor, let the cherry filling sit for 15 minutes before assembling.
- Refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently before serving.
- To pit cherries faster, use a cherry pitter or a sturdy straw.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a nice depth to the filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
