If you’ve been searching for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and crunchy textures, look no further than this delightful Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe. Brimming with juicy, ripe cherries and topped with a golden, buttery oat and pecan crisp, this dish is pure comfort in a baking dish. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough to impress guests, delivering that homemade feeling with every bite. Trust me, once you make this Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dessert when cherries are in season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the succulent cherries that provide vibrant color and natural sweetness, to the blend of oats and pecans that add a wonderfully crunchy topping.
- 3 pounds sweet ripe cherries, pitted: The star ingredient, delivering juicy tartness and vibrant color.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the cherries with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry filling for that perfect luscious consistency.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh zing that enhances the cherries’ flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract (optional): Offers a subtle nutty aroma that complements cherry beautifully.
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar: Contributes caramel notes to the topping.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps the topping crisp up.
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: For chewiness and texture contrast in the topping.
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.
- Zest of one lemon: Enhances brightness and complements both cherries and topping.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds extra warmth to the topping mixture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the topping achieve a light and crisp finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings subtle warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping ingredients and ensures a rich, buttery crunch.
How to Make Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that it’s at the perfect temperature when the crisp is ready to bake. Grease your baking dish generously, whether you opt for an 8×11-inch dish, a 9-inch square or round pan, or a deep pie plate. This simple step will prevent sticking and make serving a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Crisp Topping
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the topping: flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, chopped pecans if using, lemon zest, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together until evenly blended. Then, pour in the melted butter and mix until the ingredients come together in a crumbly, cohesive mixture. For best texture, pop this topping in the freezer for up to 30 minutes—this step helps it bake up crisp and golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling
While the topping chills, turn your attention to the luscious cherry filling. In a medium bowl, toss the pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and if you like, a touch of the almond extract. Make sure every cherry is well-coated. This classic mixture thickens as it bakes, providing a perfectly sweet and tangy base.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
Spread the cherry mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the crisp topping uniformly over the cherries. Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the cherry juices are bubbling around the edges. The aroma at this stage will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your fresh cherry crisp cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and enhancing the flavors. Serve warm for the best experience. Ice cream or whipped cream on top will take it to another level, but it’s equally delightful on its own.
How to Serve Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic way to crown a fresh cherry crisp recipe, melting slowly into the warm, juicy cherries. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans adds extra texture and visual appeal. For a pop of color and aroma, fresh mint leaves work wonderfully as well.
Side Dishes
This crisp pairs fabulously with a cup of strong black coffee or a pot of hot tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat or a comforting dessert after dinner. For a brunch twist, serve alongside creamy yogurt or cottage cheese to balance the sweetness with a touch of tang.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress things up for a party or special occasion, consider baking individual portions in ramekins for charming, personal servings. You can also layer the cherry crisp with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese in glasses to create a beautiful parfait that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fresh cherry crisp recipe leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen with time. Bring it to room temperature or gently warm it before serving to revive that freshly baked feel.
Freezing
You can freeze the cherry crisp either before baking or after it’s cooled. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with foil and bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Once baked and cooled, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, place the crisp in an oven-safe dish at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the crispy texture of the topping, unlike the microwave which can make it soggy. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave is fine—just bear in mind that texture will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work great when fresh ones are out of season. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the filling. You might also need to reduce the cornstarch slightly depending on the amount of juice released.
Is it necessary to pit the cherries?
Yes, pitting cherries is crucial for comfort and safety while eating. It might take some time, but a cherry pitter makes it fairly quick. If you don’t have one, you can carefully use a small knife or chopsticks to remove the pits.
Can I make this crisp gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts. Just make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What else can I use instead of pecans?
If pecans aren’t your favorite or you have allergies, walnuts or sliced almonds make fantastic substitutes. You can also leave nuts out entirely—your crisp topping will still be deliciously satisfying.
Can I prepare the topping ahead of time?
Definitely! The topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a day or frozen for longer periods. Prepare it as directed, wrap it tightly, and add it onto the cherries just before baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—easy to make, visually stunning, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy every time. So grab those cherries and let the baking magic begin!
Print
Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Fresh Cherry Crisp that combines juicy ripe cherries with a crunchy, buttery oat and pecan topping. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for showcasing fresh seasonal cherries and is served warm, optionally with ice cream or 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 your baking dish — an 8×11-inch, 9-inch square or round dish, or a 9-inch deep pie plate works well to ensure the crisp doesn’t stick.
- Prepare the Crisp Topping. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, rolled oats, chopped pecans (if using), lemon zest, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. Pour in the melted butter and stir thoroughly so all components are moistened and clump together. For a firmer topping, chill the mixture by freezing it for up to 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling. In a separate bowl, toss the pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until the cherries are evenly coated, ensuring the cornstarch is well-distributed to thicken the juices during baking.
- Add the Topping. Spread the cherry filling evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crisp topping uniformly over the cherries, covering the fruit mixture completely.
- Bake the Crisp. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Bake until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and you see the cherry juices bubbling around the edges, indicating the filling is cooked through and thickened.
- Cool and Serve. Remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm by itself or topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Freezing the topping before baking helps it hold its shape and achieve a crispier texture.
- Pitted cherries can be substituted with frozen dark sweet cherries if fresh ones aren’t available; ensure they are thawed and drained well before using.
- For added crunch and flavor, toasted pecans are recommended but optional.
- This dessert is best served warm and fresh but can be reheated gently for leftovers.
