This Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe is my ultimate solution for anyone who wants to celebrate cherry season with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. Imagine juicy, ruby-red cherries bubbling beneath a golden, buttery oat topping, filling your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a treat on a quiet evening, this dessert is as easy to make as it is irresistible. It’s truly summer in a single bite — tangy, sweet, and nostalgic all at once!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of honest, straightforward ingredients for this Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe, and each one pulls its weight—adding flavor, richness, color, or that delicious, crumbly texture on top. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Fresh pitted cherries (4 cups): The stars of the show! Fresh cherries give the crisp a bold, juicy burst of flavor and vibrant color.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Just a splash brightens up the cherries and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cherries without overpowering their natural flavor.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the filling so you get just the right amount of syrupy gooeyness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with warm, mellow aroma that enhances the cherries.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Gives the crisp topping that hearty, rustic texture everyone loves.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps bind the crisp topping and makes it deliciously crumbly.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a caramel-like sweetness and extra depth of flavor to the crisp topping.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warmth and coziness, pairing perfectly with cherries.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to make all the flavors pop and keep everything balanced.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): The secret to a crumbly, golden topping—it melts over the oats and sugar for maximum crispness.
How to Make Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), giving it plenty of time to get hot and ready. Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish, lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray, and set it aside—this step ensures nothing sticks and those golden edges turn out perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your pitted cherries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Gently stir the mixture until every cherry is beautifully coated with the sweet, tangy mixture. This will make sure your filling is thick, glossy, and packed with flavor once baked.
Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour that glistening cherry filling into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so the bottom is fully covered—this creates the perfect bed for that irresistible crisp topping.
Step 4: Mix Up the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, toss together the old-fashioned rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter, fork, or (my favorite) your fingers to work the butter in until everything resembles coarse, delicious crumbs.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the cherry filling. Get it all the way to the edges for that perfect golden crust in every bite—no skimping here! You want nice fat chunks and a variety of textures for the ultimate crisp experience.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling joyfully around the edges. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before digging in so the juices set just enough.
How to Serve Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
This Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe is wonderful on its own, but a little garnish never hurt anyone! I love a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream right on top. You can also sprinkle with an extra pinch of cinnamon or a few fresh cherry halves for a finishing touch.
Side Dishes
For a summer picnic, pair each serving with a scoop of lemon sorbet or a handful of crunchy biscotti for contrast. If you’re serving an indulgent brunch, try it alongside tart Greek yogurt or even a simple cheese plate for a sweet-savory twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have a little fun! Spoon the warm crisp into mason jars for a rustic picnic vibe, or layer it into parfait glasses with ice cream for a showstopper dessert. You can even serve it family-style in a big casserole dish for a cozy after-dinner treat that invites seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, simply cover the cooled dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. The Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, retaining that delicious texture and cherry flavor.
Freezing
Want to savor summer cherries in the chillier months? You can freeze the baked crisp! Let it cool completely first, then wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked goodness, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or pop the whole dish (covered with foil) into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. This restores the golden topping and syrupy cherries to their peak dessert glory.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain well before assembling the filling. This prevents excess liquid, so your crisp turns out perfectly thick and bubbly.
What’s the difference between a crisp and a crumble?
Both are baked fruit desserts, but a crisp always includes oats for a crunchier topping, while crumbles rely mainly on flour, butter, and sugar. The oats set the Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe apart!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute certified gluten-free oats and your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a treat everyone can enjoy—no one will even notice the swap!
What are the best cherries to use?
Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier are my top picks, but even a tart cherry variety (just add a little more sugar) delivers a zingy, mouthwatering dessert. Always pick cherries that are plump and glossy for the best results.
Can I prepare the crisp ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare both the cherry filling and the oat topping a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake fresh for the best texture, or bake ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bubbling pan of this Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe to make any gathering feel special—or to simply treat yourself on a sunny afternoon. I promise, once you taste that sweet cherry filling and the golden, crunchy topping, you’ll be hooked. Give it a try—you might just find a new summertime (or anytime!) favorite.
Print
Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh cherries with this delightful Fresh Cherry Crisp recipe. Juicy cherries topped with a crispy oat and cinnamon crumble, baked to perfection. Serve warm with a dollop of ice cream for the ultimate summer dessert experience.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 4 cups fresh pitted cherries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add butter and blend until crumbly.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle topping over cherries. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
- You can use thawed and drained frozen cherries as a substitute.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for added decadence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
