Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that truly celebrates the vibrant flavors of summer, look no further than this Fresh Cherry Crisp. Bursting with juicy, sweet cherries and topped with a golden, buttery oat crumble, this recipe is a beautiful marriage of tart fruit and crunchy comfort. It’s the kind of treat that feels both special and effortlessly homey, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on a cozy evening. Whether it’s your first time making a fruit crisp or you’re a seasoned baker, you’ll fall in love with how simple, satisfying, and downright delicious this Fresh Cherry Crisp is!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Fresh Cherry Crisp plays a unique role, bringing out the best flavors, textures, and colors. These simple staples come together to create a dessert that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat.
- Fresh pitted cherries (6 cups): The star of the show, these bring natural sweetness and a burst of juicy flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cherries and balances their tartness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the cherry juices, ensuring the filling isn’t runny.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and enhances the cherries’ natural flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the filling with a subtle warmth and depth.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Gives the crisp topping its signature hearty texture.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Provides structure to the crumble for perfect crispness.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and depth to the topping.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Warms the flavors and pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): Creates a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth topping as it bakes.
How to Make Fresh Cherry Crisp
Step 1: Prep the Cherries
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get that perfect crisp going. In a large bowl, toss your fresh pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This quick mix ensures every cherry is coated and ready to bake up bubbly and luscious. Pour this mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading the cherries out evenly for a beautiful base.
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine your oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a quick stir so everything is well distributed. Then add the cold, cubed butter. Here’s where the magic happens: use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms coarse, crumbly clumps. These buttery nuggets will bake into a golden, crunchy topping that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the cherry mixture in your baking dish, making sure to cover all the fruit. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling up around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure anticipation! Let your Fresh Cherry Crisp cool slightly before serving so the filling can set a bit—if you can wait that long.
How to Serve Fresh Cherry Crisp
Garnishes
Nothing elevates a warm slice of Fresh Cherry Crisp quite like a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans adds extra crunch and a lovely nutty finish. For a pop of color, scatter a few fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Fresh Cherry Crisp with a simple summer salad for a light, balanced meal, or serve it alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. If you’re hosting a brunch, offer small portions with yogurt and granola for a playful, dessert-for-breakfast vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake the Fresh Cherry Crisp in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned desserts that feel extra special. You can also layer scoops of crisp and ice cream in parfait glasses for an eye-catching presentation at picnics or dinner parties. If you love a little variety, try mixing in a handful of berries or stone fruit for your own signature spin!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the crisp to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The topping may soften a bit, but the flavors get even richer!
Freezing
Want to save some summer for later? You can freeze Fresh Cherry Crisp, either before or after baking. Wrap the unbaked or cooled, baked crisp tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake or reheat as needed.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth and crispness, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or pop the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll be rewarded with bubbling cherries and a crunchy topping, just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for Fresh Cherry Crisp?
Absolutely! If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries work beautifully. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your filling.
How do I pit cherries quickly and easily?
If you don’t have a cherry pitter, you can use a sturdy straw, a chopstick, or even a pastry tip to push the pit out. It’s a bit messy but totally worth it for the best Fresh Cherry Crisp.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result is every bit as delicious.
What nuts go best in the topping?
Chopped almonds or pecans are fantastic in the topping for extra crunch and flavor. Simply add a half cup to the dry ingredients before mixing in the butter.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar?
You can definitely dial back the sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Taste your cherries first—if they’re especially sweet, you might only need 1/3 cup in the filling and topping each.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Cherry Crisp is the kind of dessert that brings people together and makes any occasion feel special. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or savoring a bowl on the couch, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with every warm, juicy, crumbly bite!
Print
Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Fresh Cherry Crisp featuring juicy pitted cherries baked with a buttery oat topping. Perfect for a summery dessert served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 6 cups fresh pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the dessert.
- Prepare Cherry Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss well to coat all the cherries evenly.
- Transfer Filling: Pour the cherry mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes, then use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Assemble Crisp: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the cherry filling, covering it completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Frozen cherries can be used instead of fresh—just thaw and drain them well before use.
- For added texture and flavor, try mixing chopped almonds or pecans into the oat topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
