Cherry Almond Crisp is a delightful dessert that combines sweet, juicy cherries with a crunchy almond-oat topping. This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks. The combination of tart cherries and the nutty, buttery topping creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Cherry Almond Crisp for its delicious mix of flavors and textures. The juicy cherries are perfectly balanced by the crunchy almond topping, making it an irresistible dessert. This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient and crowd-pleasing option. Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy warm with a scoop of ice cream or cold as a sweet breakfast treat.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh or frozen cherries: Both work well, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste your cherries and adjust the sugar in the filling accordingly, especially if using sweet cherries.
- Even topping: Spread the topping evenly over the cherries to ensure a uniform crisp.
- Chill the topping: Chill the topping mixture in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking for extra crunchiness.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different fruits: Substitute cherries with other fruits like peaches, apples, or mixed berries.
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seeds or additional oats instead of almonds for a nut-free version.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of almond extract to the filling for a stronger almond flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Cherry Almond Crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a decadent breakfast, enjoy it cold with a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked crisp in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved for about 30 seconds.
Recipe FAQs
What type of oats should I use? Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can be used but may result in a softer topping.
Can I use canned cherries? Yes, but be sure to drain them well and reduce the sugar in the filling as canned cherries are often sweetened.
How do I prevent a soggy topping? Make sure to spread the topping evenly and bake until it’s golden brown and crisp.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the crisp and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Cherry Almond Crisp
Sweet, juicy cherries topped with a crunchy almond-oat crumble. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the cherries are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the topping: In a medium bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. Fold in the sliced almonds.
- Assemble the crisp: Sprinkle the oat and almond topping evenly over the cherry filling.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the crisp to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 351Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 72mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 4gSugar: 33gProtein: 5g
