Cherry Crisp Recipe: A Sweet and Simple Summer Delight

When it comes to summer desserts, few things are as comforting and satisfying as a fresh cherry crisp. With juicy, tart cherries and a golden, buttery topping, cherry crisp is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This simple yet indulgent treat is a crowd-pleaser and is incredibly easy to make. Whether you're celebrating a summer picnic, a family gathering, or simply craving something sweet, a cherry crisp is sure to hit the spot. In this article, we’ll walk you through a foolproof recipe to make the perfect cherry crisp from scratch.

Ingredients for Cherry Crisp

To make a delicious cherry crisp, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Filling:

• Fresh or Frozen Cherries – 4 cups (pitted)

• Granulated Sugar – 1 cup

• Cornstarch – 1 tbsp

• Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp (freshly squeezed)

• Ground Cinnamon – 1/2 tsp

• Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp

• Pinch of Salt

For the Topping:

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – 1 cup

• All-purpose Flour – 3/4 cup

• Brown Sugar – 1/2 cup

• Granulated Sugar – 1/4 cup

• Salt – 1/4 tsp

• Ground Cinnamon – 1/2 tsp

• Unsalted Butter – 1/2 cup (cold and cut into small pieces)

• Chopped Nuts (optional) – 1/4 cup (walnuts or almonds work great)

Step-by-Step Method for Making Cherry Crisp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or an 8x8-inch pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss the mixture gently to combine, ensuring that the cherries are evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture. The cornstarch will help thicken the cherry juices as they bake, creating a rich, syrupy filling.

Once mixed, pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add in the cold, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you like a little extra crunch, stir in some chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans are great choices). The butter will melt as the crisp bakes, creating a golden, crunchy topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Evenly sprinkle the topping over the cherry filling in the baking dish. Be generous with the topping, as it will provide that irresistible crunch that makes cherry crisp so delicious.

Step 5: Bake the Cherry Crisp

Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling and thickened. You can check the crisp by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once your cherry crisp is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. The filling will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve the cherry crisp warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Crisp

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Both fresh and frozen cherries work well for this recipe. If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure they are ripe and sweet. If using frozen cherries, there's no need to thaw them, just use them directly from the freezer.

2. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your cherries, you may want to adjust the sugar in the filling. If your cherries are tart, add a little extra sugar. Conversely, if they’re very sweet, you can reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.

3. Make It Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.

4. Add Flavor with Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices in the filling or topping, such as nutmeg or ginger, for an extra depth of flavor.

5. Make It Ahead: Cherry crisp is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the cherry filling and topping separately, store them in the fridge, and assemble them just before baking. It can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Serving Ideas for Cherry Crisp

• Serve with Ice Cream: Cherry crisp is perfectly complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, fruity filling and crunchy topping.

• Top with Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

• Pair with Custard: If you’re craving a richer dessert, serve your cherry crisp with a side of custard or cream anglaise.

• Enjoy as Breakfast: Cherry crisp can also double as a sweet breakfast treat, especially when topped with a dollop of yogurt for a healthy twist.

Health Benefits of Cherry Crisp

While cherry crisp is definitely a dessert indulgence, it has some health benefits too:

• Cherries: Cherries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

• Oats: The oats in the topping provide fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

• Nuts: Adding nuts to the topping adds healthy fats and protein, making this dessert more filling.

Conclusion

Cherry crisp is a timeless dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for showcasing fresh summer cherries. With its sweet and tart filling and buttery, crunchy topping, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it on a quiet evening at home, this cherry crisp recipe is a must-try. So, next time you have a craving for something sweet, get some cherries and make this delightful dessert!