Name: Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh cherries, pitted; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup packed brown sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

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This Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe is the absolute epitome of summer in a baking dish—bubbly, jewel-bright cherries are tucked under a golden oat crumb topping for a dessert that’s easy to love and impossible to resist. Whether you’re flush with a bounty of ripe cherries or craving a fruit-forward sweet to brighten any season, this crowd-pleaser brings together juicy fruit and crispy, buttery topping in every bite. Few desserts strike that magical balance between comforting nostalgia and vibrant, fresh flavors quite like this one, making it a must-bake for cherry lovers and casual dessert fans alike.

Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of wholesome pantry staples and a mound of fresh cherries, this recipe keeps things simple while letting each ingredient shine. Every element brings something special, coming together for that unbeatable taste and texture you’ll crave again and again.

Fresh cherries (6 cups, pitted): The star of the show—make sure they’re plump and juicy for the best flavor and color.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Brightens the cherries and draws out their natural juices without overpowering their tang.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the filling just right, creating that luscious, glossy cherry sauce.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a tart lift that highlights the fruit’s fresh taste.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends warm, aromatic notes that make the cherries taste even richer.
Old-fashioned oats (1 cup): These give the crisp its signature rustic texture and hearty crunch.
All-purpose flour (½ cup): Binds the crumb topping, offering just the right balance of crispiness and softness.
Packed brown sugar (½ cup): Deepens the topping’s flavor with caramel richness and moisture.
Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): A pinch of spice that makes the topping aromatic and cozy.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.
Cold unsalted butter, cubed (½ cup): This is what creates that unforgettable, golden crumble—don’t skimp!

How to Make Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s good and hot when your crisp goes in! In a large mixing bowl, toss your pitted cherries with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Make sure every cherry gets coated—this makes for an irresistibly glossy and flavorful filling. Once thoroughly mixed, pour the cherries into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and spread them out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, stir together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add those cold cubes of unsalted butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend it in until the mixture looks like coarse, buttery crumbs. The goal here is to keep the butter cold so your topping bakes up extra crisp and golden.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumbly oat mixture evenly over the cherries, making sure every juicy bit is covered. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until you see the cherries bubbling around the edges and the topping is a delicious shade of golden brown. Take a deep breath—your kitchen will smell like pure dessert heaven!

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow your Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This short rest helps the filling set to the perfect, scoopable consistency while the topping stays nice and crunchy. Scoop into bowls and get ready for pure cherry bliss.

How to Serve Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

For the ultimate finishing touch, crown each bowl with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want to get extra fancy, a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest or a drizzle of cherry syrup can take things over the top.

Side Dishes

Your Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe pairs beautifully with a cozy mug of coffee or a pitcher of lemonade for a true summer treat. If you’re serving this for a brunch spread, consider offering a fresh fruit salad or a light spinach salad to complement the rich, sweet flavors of the crisp.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your cherry crisp in individual ramekins for a personalized, elegant presentation—perfect for dinner parties! Or layer the crisp in parfait glasses with yogurt and extra cherries for a fresh, show-stopping dessert. Mini skillets add a rustic touch and keep the topping extra crunchy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the cooled crisp tightly and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, still tasting just as delightful (if not even more so!) as it soaks up all those flavors.

Freezing

To enjoy your Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe on a future lazy day, assemble and freeze the unbaked dish (without the topping if you prefer it extra crisp). Wrap it well, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes until the top is golden and filling is hot and bubbly.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover crisp in a 325°F oven, covered with foil for about 15 minutes and then uncovered for 5 more, to restore its crunchy topping. In a pinch, a minute or two in the microwave will warm up a single serving nicely, though the topping may soften.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the cherries completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them. This keeps your filling from getting too watery and ensures you still get that gorgeous, syrupy consistency.

What types of cherries work best in this recipe?

You can use any fresh cherries you love—sweet or sour. Dark sweet cherries will give you a rich, deep flavor, while tart cherries create a more tangy bite. Feel free to mix and match for a complex, layered taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. You’ll get the same amazing flavor and texture, making it perfect for everyone at the table.

How can I make the topping extra crunchy?

Make sure your butter is very cold, and don’t overmix once you add it to the dry ingredients. For added crunch, sprinkle on some chopped toasted nuts or coconut flakes just before baking.

Can I prepare the Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the crisp up to one day ahead and store it (unbaked) in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while your oven preheats, then bake as usual for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, irresistible dessert that celebrates the best of cherry season, this Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe is always a winner. It’s quick to assemble, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t miss the chance to share this sweet slice of summer with those you love—happy baking!

Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of summer with this Fresh Cherry Crisp recipe. Juicy cherries are tossed with a hint of vanilla and topped with a crunchy oat crumble for the perfect dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

6 cups fresh cherries, pitted
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

1 cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Prepare filling: In a large bowl, toss cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla until well coated. Transfer to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
Make topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the cherries.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.