Cherry Crisp Recipe
The Cherry Crisp Recipe combines the sweetness of tart cherries with a buttery, crunchy oat topping that makes it an unforgettable dessert. Perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in, this dish not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also impresses guests. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This cherry crisp comes together quickly, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cherries and sweet topping creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it warm or cold; serve it as is or with ice cream—this recipe fits any occasion!
- Healthy Option: With fresh cherries and wholesome oats, this dessert can be a more nutritious choice compared to other sweets.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a picnic or a holiday gathering, everyone will want seconds of this delicious cherry crisp.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing your cherry crisp is easy when you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 2-quart or 11×7-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and helps achieve the perfect crispy crust.
- Saucepan: Essential for cooking the cherry filling, allowing for controlled heat to thicken the mixture smoothly.
Ingredients
The delightful contrast of juicy tart cherries and a crunchy oat topping creates an absolutely irresistible cherry crisp recipe. Serve it warm with your favorite vanilla ice cream!
For the Pastry:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
For the Filling:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup cherry juice blend
- 4 cups pitted tart red cherries
For the Topping:
- 1-1/2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Make Cherry Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine salt, sugar, and flour. Then cut in the cold butter until you achieve a crumbly texture. Press this mixture into a greased 2-quart or 11×7-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
While the pastry is baking, combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir in the cherry juice blend over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Fold in the pitted cherries before pouring this mixture over your baked crust.
Step 3: Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix rolled oats, brown sugar, and flour for your topping. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry filling. Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
Enjoy your homemade cherry crisp!
How to Serve Cherry Crisp Recipe
Cherry crisp is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it classic or add your own twist, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cherry crisp experience.
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm cherry crisp perfectly, providing a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Whipped Cream
- Top your cherry crisp with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy addition that balances the richness of the dessert.
Almond or Coconut Flakes
- Sprinkle toasted almond or coconut flakes on top for an added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
Fresh Mint Leaves
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and a refreshing taste that brightens up the dish.
Yogurt Drizzle
- A drizzle of Greek yogurt adds creaminess while keeping the dessert lighter, making it perfect for those looking for a healthier option.
How to Perfect Cherry Crisp Recipe
To create the ultimate cherry crisp recipe, consider these helpful tips. With just a few adjustments, you can elevate this dessert to new heights.
- Use Fresh Cherries: Whenever possible, opt for fresh tart cherries for the best flavor. They provide a vibrant taste that frozen cherries may lack.
- Chill Your Butter: Keeping your butter cold before mixing helps achieve that desirable flaky texture in both the crust and topping.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference and the tartness of your cherries, feel free to adjust the sugar levels in the filling.
- Experiment with Spices: Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile of your cherry crisp recipe, giving it an extra kick.
- Let it Rest: Allowing your cherry crisp to sit for about 10 minutes after baking lets the juices thicken up, making it easier to serve.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy again.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Crisp Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your cherry crisp can enhance its flavors and make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs provides a savory balance to the sweet cherry crisp.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer a hearty side that complements the sweetness of the dessert without overpowering it.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like Brie or goat cheese can create an interesting contrast between sweet and savory flavors.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette dressing refreshes your palate between bites of rich cherry crisp.
- Crusty Bread: Slices of fresh crusty bread can be enjoyed alongside cherry crisp as a vehicle for all those delicious juices.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, pair cherry crisp with ice cream sandwiches made from cookies—perfect for summer gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect cherry crisp can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using warm butter: This can lead to a dense crust. Always use cold butter for the flaky texture you desire.
- Overmixing the topping: Mixing too much can make your topping tough. Mix until just combined for a crumbly topping.
- Not adjusting sugar levels: Depending on your cherries, you might need more or less sugar. Taste as you go to find the right balance.
- Skipping the cherry juice blend: This adds flavor and thickness to your filling. Always include it for the best results.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven properly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cherry crisp in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cherry Crisp Recipe
- Wrap the cooled cherry crisp tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Cherry Crisp Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, checking often.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cherry Crisp Recipe?
A cherry crisp recipe features tart cherries topped with a crunchy oat mixture, baked until bubbly and delicious. It’s perfect served warm with ice cream!
Can I substitute fresh cherries in this Cherry Crisp Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
How do I make a gluten-free Cherry Crisp Recipe?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What other fruits work well in this Cherry Crisp Recipe?
You can mix cherries with berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even use peaches for a delightful twist!
Final Thoughts
This cherry crisp recipe combines sweet and tart flavors with a crunchy topping that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough to customize with various fruits and toppings based on your preferences. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite dessert!
Cherry Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Cherry Crisp Recipe, a perfect blend of tart cherries and a buttery oat topping. This easy-to-make dessert brings comfort to any gathering, whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy family dinner. Serve it warm and pair it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of decadence. With its irresistible crunch and vibrant fruit filling, this cherry crisp is sure to become a favorite among friends and family alike!
Ingredients
- 4 cups pitted tart red cherries
- 1 cup sugar (divided)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1–1/2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (divided)
- 5 tablespoons cold butter (cubed for pastry and melted for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 cup flour. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly and press into a greased baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
- In a saucepan, mix together 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup cornstarch. Stir in cherry juice blend over medium heat until thickened, then fold in the cherries. Pour over the baked crust.
- For the topping, mix rolled oats, remaining brown sugar, and flour in a bowl. Cut in the remaining cold butter until crumbly, then sprinkle on top of the cherry filling. Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
