Cherry Crisp: A Deliciously Sweet and Tart Treat
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, few desserts can compare to a warm and comforting cherry crisp. This classic dessert combines the natural sweetness of cherries with a crunchy and buttery oat topping, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, this cherry crisp recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to indulge in a dessert that is both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this cherry crisp recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. With minimal effort, you can whip up a mouthwatering dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a fancy bakery. Secondly, the combination of sweet cherries and crispy oat topping is a match made in dessert heaven. The juicy cherries burst with flavor, while the buttery oats add a satisfying crunch. Lastly, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a sweeter or tarter filling, or if you want to experiment with different toppings, the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
To make this delicious cherry crisp, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
Note: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering cherry crisp:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Toss until the cherries are well coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the oat topping over the cherries, covering them completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: To prevent the topping from becoming too brown, you can cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your cherry crisp turns out perfectly:
- Use fresh cherries when they are in season for the best flavor. However, if fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries without thawing them.
- Make sure to evenly distribute the oat topping over the cherries to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or almond extract to the cherry filling.
- Serve the cherry crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Variations and Substitutions
While this classic cherry crisp recipe is already delicious on its own, you can always get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Swap the cherries for other fruits such as apples, peaches, or berries to create a different flavor profile.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the oat topping for extra crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
- If you prefer a vegan dessert, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry crisp is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with your favorite accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve warm cherry crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination of hot and cold.
- Drizzle caramel sauce or chocolate sauce over the crisp for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
FAQs
Q: Can I make cherry crisp ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cherry crisp ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Q: How long does cherry crisp last?
A: Cherry crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I use canned cherries for this recipe?
A: While fresh or frozen cherries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned cherries in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well before using.
Final Thoughts
Cherry crisp is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. With its sweet and tart cherry filling and irresistible oat topping, it’s a treat that will satisfy any dessert lover’s cravings. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something delicious, this cherry crisp recipe is a must-try. So don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of cherry crisp goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!
Cherry Crisp
A classic dessert that combines sweet cherries with a buttery oat topping, resulting in a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
-
In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Toss until the cherries are well coated.
-
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
-
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Spread the cherry mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
-
Sprinkle the oat topping over the cherries, covering them completely.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
-
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
