Cherries—sweet, tart, and oh-so-delightful—remind me of lazy summer afternoons. This cherry crisp, a nostalgic favorite, marries those juicy gems with a crumbly, buttery topping that feels like a warm hug. It’s like pie’s laid-back cousin—less fuss, all flavor.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-1/2″ square baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine fresh or canned cherries with 1/4 teaspoon of lemon extract and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon rind.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the cherries, stirring gently to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- For the topping, cube chilled butter and place it into a food processor with flour, sugar, and oats, then process until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the crumbly topping over the cherries.
- Optionally, sprinkle 1/3 cup of toasted, chopped pecans over half of the topping if preferred.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Let the cherry crisp cool slightly before serving, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping to balance the sweetness.
Ingredients
- 4 cups pitted cherries
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup toasted, chopped pecans (optional)
FAQ
- Can I adjust the sweetness level in the cherry crisp?
- Yes, many people found the original recipe a bit too sweet. You can reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons to suit your taste preferences.
- Is it necessary to use nutmeg in the recipe?
- No, it’s not essential. Many reviewers mentioned that the nutmeg was too strong, so you can either reduce the amount or skip it altogether if you prefer.
- What are some recommended additions or substitutions for the cherry filling?
- Some people added lemon zest or a little almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor. You can also try using different fruits if you want to experiment with new flavors.
- Should the butter be melted before mixing it into the topping?
- It’s not necessary to melt the butter. Some people prefer to keep the butter solid and cut it into cubes before combining it with the topping ingredients to achieve a crumbly texture.
- What is the best way to serve cherry crisp?
- Cherry crisp is often served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, which can help balance its richness and sweetness. However, it’s also delicious on its own.
Tips
- Consider reducing the sugar by a couple of tablespoons if you find the dessert too sweet for your taste.
- Try adding a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest or 1/4 teaspoon of lemon extract to the cherries for an extra burst of flavor.
- If you prefer a firmer topping, use butter that is cut into cubes instead of melted butter when combining with the topping ingredients.
- Experiment with different fruits in place of cherries, as the topping is versatile and complements various flavors.
Equipment
- Food processor – for combining the topping ingredients until crumbly.
- 8-1/2″ square baking dish – for baking the cherry crisp.
