There’s a certain comfort that comes from an inviting aroma wafting through the kitchen, and nothing conjures that feeling quite like a fresh Cherry Almond Crisp baking in the oven. The sweet scent of cherries mingling with the nutty fragrance of toasted almonds is simply irresistible. I discovered this delightful combination on an afternoon filled with a craving for something warm and fruity, yet light enough not to regret later.
This Almond Cherry Crisp Recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and health, transforming frozen cherries into a luscious dessert that pleases both the taste buds and the soul. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dessert that feels celebratory but is surprisingly simple.
Whether you’re cozying up with a scoop of ice cream on top or surprising friends at a gathering, this crisp never fails to impress. Get ready to fill your home with joy as you bring this vibrant dish to life!
Why is this Almond Cherry Crisp Recipe irresistible?
Indulgent yet Healthy: This quick dessert perfectly balances comforting flavors while using wholesome ingredients.
Ease of Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep, you’ll be basking in the delightful aroma in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Serve it warm and watch smiles blossom at the table. It’s a guaranteed hit for gatherings!
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy it on its own, or elevate it with your favorite ice cream or yogurt for that extra touch.
Made with Love: The combination of tart cherries and nutty almonds makes every bite a heartfelt experience.
Almond Cherry Crisp Ingredients
• Gather these essentials to whip up this delightful Almond Cherry Crisp recipe!
For the Cherry Filling
- Frozen cherries – 7 heaping cups; they provide the lovely tartness that complements the crisp perfectly.
- Maple syrup – 1/4 cup; a natural sweetener that enhances the fruit’s flavor beautifully.
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp; adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp; a delightful touch that deepens the dessert’s overall aroma.
- Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) – 1 tbsp (optional); thickens the filling for a better texture.
For the Crisp Topping
- Rolled oats – 1.5 cups; offer a hearty texture that makes every bite satisfying.
- Sliced almonds – 1 cup, finely chopped; they bring that lovely nutty flavor and crunch.
- Almond flour – 1.5 cups; enhances the almond taste and adds a pleasant crumbly texture.
- Salt – 1/4 tsp; balances the sweetness and helps all the flavors pop.
- Maple syrup – 1/2 cup; sweetens the topping while tying the flavors together.
- Coconut oil, melted – 1/2 cup; creates a rich, moist topping that crisps up beautifully.
- Almond extract – 1 tsp; intensifies the almond flavor for a truly scrumptious experience.
Let’s get started on this delicious Almond Cherry Crisp!
How to Make Almond Cherry Crisp
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for even baking and will ensure your almond cherry crisp comes out beautifully golden brown.
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Mix together the frozen cherries, 1/4 cup maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. If you decide to use the arrowroot powder, sprinkle it in and toss until well combined. This mixture should be vibrant and require your taste buds to dance in anticipation!
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Pour the cherry mixture into a 9×9 baking pan or a 10.25-inch cast-iron skillet. Make sure to spread it evenly across the bottom for the best results, ensuring every spoonful has that juicy filling.
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Combine the rolled oats, finely chopped sliced almonds, almond flour, and salt in another bowl. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly, creating a balanced and satisfying topping.
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Stir in 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. This step creates the delightful mold for your crisp topping, promising a pillowy and crunchy texture!
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Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry filling, covering as many cherries as possible to shield that juicy goodness underneath. The more coverage, the better the crisp!
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Bake it in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. For an extra crisp finish, you can broil it for a couple of minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
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Cool the crisp for 15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This short wait time will make a world of difference in your first bite!
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an enticing contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Almond Cherry Crisp Variations
Feel free to customize this delightful dessert to suit your palate and dietary preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delightful and inclusive version of this dish.
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond extract, and swap out almonds with pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, nut-free option.
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Fruit Medley: Mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries with cherries for a vibrant, fruity burst in every bite.
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Spice it Up: Add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a warm, inviting flavor that’s perfect for cozy evenings.
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Low-Sugar: Replace maple syrup with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol to reduce the sugar without sacrificing sweetness.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a decadent twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
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Coconut Crunch: Incorporate toasted coconut flakes into the topping for added texture and a hint of tropical flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
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Fresh Cherries: If in season, use fresh cherries instead of frozen for a brighter flavor and an even more vibrant color.
With these variations, you’ll craft a Cherry Almond Crisp that’s uniquely yours—ready to impress family and friends!
What to Serve with Cherry Almond Crisp?
A warm, inviting dessert deserves the perfect companions to round out your meal.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm, tart cherries and nutty crisp.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a luscious touch that complements the fruitiness beautifully, making each bite feel indulgent.
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt brings a healthy touch while enhancing the flavors with its smooth texture.
- Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea cleanse the palate between bites, making it a lovely drink option for after dinner.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti can be a great side snack, adding additional almond flavor that echoes the crisp topping.
- Sautéed Apples: Adding sautéed apples provides another layer of warmth and sweetness, creating a cozy, comforting dessert spread.
- Chilled Rosé Wine: A crisp, chilled rosé can elevate the entire experience, with its fruity notes enhancing the cherry flavors wonderfully.
- Mixed Berry Salad: A fresh berry salad with a hint of honey gives a refreshing and vibrant contrast, balancing the richness of the crisp.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an adventurous twist, a drizzle of dark chocolate on top adds a decadent layer that beautifully complements the cherries.
How to Store and Freeze Almond Cherry Crisp
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F to regain crispness.
Freezer: You can freeze the almond cherry crisp for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and crisped up on top.
Serving Tip: For the best taste experience, let it cool down to room temperature before enjoying or serving to guests!
Make Ahead Options
These Almond Cherry Crisp preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can assemble the cherry filling (frozen cherries, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and arrowroot powder) up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and stir before pouring it into your baking dish—this ensures everything remains fresh and vibrant. The topping can also be prepared ahead by mixing the dry ingredients (oats, almonds, almond flour, and salt) and combining them with wet ingredients (maple syrup, coconut oil, and almond extract) up to three days prior; just keep it covered. When you’re ready to bake, spread the topping over the cherry mixture and follow the usual baking instructions. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert with minimal effort on the day you plan to serve it!
Tips for the Best Almond Cherry Crisp
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Choose Quality Cherries: Use high-quality frozen cherries for a vibrant flavor. Avoid those with added sugar; you want the natural tartness.
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Perfect Topping Texture: Don’t overmix the topping ingredients; a light hand ensures a crumbly yet cohesive crisp that’s a joy to bite into.
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Even Baking: Spread the cherry mixture evenly in the pan for uniform cooking. Uneven layers can lead to burnt spots and soggy sections.
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Broiling Tip: If you’re looking for that extra golden crunch, keep a close eye while broiling. Just a couple of minutes can transform your topping from golden to burnt.
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Serving Suggestions: For a delightful twist, serve chilled with whipped cream or alongside yogurt, making this Almond Cherry Crisp an even more delightful treat!
Almond Cherry Crisp Recipe FAQs
What type of cherries should I use for this Almond Cherry Crisp Recipe?
Absolutely, I recommend using high-quality frozen cherries with no added sugar. Look for those that are vibrant in color and avoid any with dark spots all over, indicating age or freezer burn. The tartness of the cherries is what makes this dessert truly delightful!
How do I store leftovers of the Almond Cherry Crisp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re reheating, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for that freshly baked crispness. However, it can be hard to resist finishing it all in one sitting!
Can I freeze my Almond Cherry Crisp?
Yes, you can freeze this delicious treat! First, let it cool completely, then wrap the crisp tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container and it will stay good for up to 2 months. For best results, bake it straight from frozen at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes to get that beautiful topping crisp once again.
What should I do if my topping isn’t browning properly?
Very good question! If you notice your topping isn’t turning golden, try broiling it for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it, though; just a couple of minutes can turn it from perfect to burnt—so don’t wander too far from the oven.
Are there any dietary considerations for this Almond Cherry Crisp Recipe?
This recipe is nut-heavy due to the almond flour and sliced almonds, so it may not be suitable for nut allergies. If serving this for guests with dietary restrictions, it’s a wonderful idea to provide an alternative, such as a simple fruit salad or another crisp made with oats and gluten-free flour as a substitute!
Delicious Almond Cherry Crisp Recipe You Can’t Resist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix together the frozen cherries, 1/4 cup maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
- Pour the cherry mixture into a 9x9 baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Combine the rolled oats, finely chopped sliced almonds, almond flour, and salt in another bowl.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil, and almond extract until smooth.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry filling.
- Bake it in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Cool the crisp for 15 minutes before serving.