Description
A delightful Fresh Cherry Crisp featuring a sweet-tart cherry filling topped with a crunchy oat, pecan, and brown sugar crumble. Perfectly baked to golden brown and bubbling, this dessert is a wonderful way to enjoy ripe summer cherries and pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
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 an 8×11-inch baking dish, or alternatively a 9-inch square, round baking dish, or deep pie plate to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, chopped pecans if using, lemon zest, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is fully combined and crumbly. For best texture, freeze this topping mixture for up to 30 minutes before using.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In another bowl, combine the pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract if desired. Stir gently to coat all the cherries well with the mixture.
- Add the Topping: Spread the cherry filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the cherries, making sure to cover the surface completely.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and you see the juices bubbling around the edges of the dish.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes to set. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or enjoy it as is for a comforting dessert.
Notes
- Freezing the topping mixture before baking helps achieve a crisper texture.
- For a nuttier flavor, pecans can be omitted or replaced with walnuts if preferred.
- This dessert is best served warm but can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth to the cherry filling.
- To pit cherries faster, use a cherry pitter or squeeze them gently with a straw or chopstick.
