This Apple Cherry Crisp is a warm treat that combines sweet apples and juicy cherries, all topped with a crunchy oat topping. It’s perfect for dessert or a cozy snack!
Honestly, I can’t resist the crispy topping; it’s like a sweet hug in every bite! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—yum! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For this recipe, I recommend using sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. They hold up well during baking. If you’re looking for a tart twist, Granny Smith works great too! Feel free to mix different kinds for added flavor!
Cherries: Fresh cherries are fantastic, but frozen ones work just as well and save time on pitting! If cherries are out of season, you can substitute with blueberries or raspberries for a similar fruity kick.
Granulated Sugar: You can adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your fruit. For a healthier option, use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but taste as you go to ensure it’s sweet enough!
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is key for a crispy topping. If you need a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut oil or vegan butter. They will still give a great texture!
How Can I Ensure My Topping is Perfectly Crispy?
The topping is what makes a crisp truly special! Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Keep the butter cold. It creates a flaky texture when baked. Don’t let it get soft!
- Mix your dry ingredients well before adding butter, so everything blends evenly.
- Don’t over-work the butter into the dry mix. You want small lumps of butter for a nice crumbly texture!
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit mixture. This helps it bake uniformly.
Take your time with these steps, and you’ll have a delightful crunch on top of your warm fruit filling!
Delicious Apple Cherry Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 2 medium apples)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Optional to Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Cherry Crisp will take around 15-20 minutes to prepare, followed by about 40-45 minutes of baking time. You’ll want to let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving, making the total time around 1 hour to enjoy this scrumptious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking. Don’t forget to grease a 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking!
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced apples and pitted cherries. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and optional cornstarch. Gently mix until the fruit is well coated in the sweet mixture. This will bring out all those lovely flavors!
3. Assemble the Fruit in Dish:
Pour the fruit mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite is filled with that delicious apple and cherry goodness.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix everything together. Then, add the cold cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. You want it to look like coarse crumbs for that perfect crispy texture!
5. Add the Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit in the baking dish. This will create a lovely crunchy layer over the juicy filling. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for a golden brown topping and bubbling fruit!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes. This waiting time will help everything settle a bit, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your warm Apple Cherry Crisp on its own or with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat!
Enjoy your delicious warm Apple Cherry Crisp with its sweet, tart fruit and crunchy topping! Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! While this recipe features apples and cherries, you can mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just keep in mind that the sugar level may need adjustment based on the sweetness of your chosen fruits!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the crisp for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free rolled oats and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This way, you can enjoy delicious apple cherry crisp without the gluten!
What Should I Serve With Apple Cherry Crisp?
This crisp is divine on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fruity twist, try serving it with a scoop of cherry or apple sorbet!
