This Apple Cherry Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that blends sweet apples and tart cherries, all topped with a crunchy oat mixture. It’s perfect for chilly days or any time you need a treat!
I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it melts right in and makes it even yummier! Plus, the kitchen smells amazing while it’s baking. Who doesn’t love a little dessert magic? 🍏🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using tart yet sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. If you can’t find them, any firm apple works. Just avoid overly soft ones; you want some bite! You can also mix different types for more flavor.
Cherries: Fresh cherries are great, but if they’re out of season, go for frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw them first; they should be pitted, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try blueberries or raspberries instead!
Granulated Sugar: You can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Honey or maple syrup also makes a nice swap, but adjust the liquid content slightly since these are liquids. For a lower-calorie option, a sugar substitute can work well too.
Butter: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The key is to keep it cold so it creates that nice crumbly topping.
How Do I Get the Best Topping for My Crisp?
The topping is crucial for this recipe and needs a little love. The goal is to mix it until it’s crumbly and resembles coarse sand, not a dough. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your butter is cold. This helps create that crunchy texture. Cut it into small cubes and work quickly.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter with the oats, flour, and sugar. Don’t overdo it! You want to see some pea-sized chunks of butter.
- The mixture should hold together when squeezed but still be crumbly. This gives the topping its crunchy goodness.
Once it’s ready, sprinkle it generously over the fruit filling. The topping will crisp up beautifully in the oven!
How to Make Apple Cherry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 3 medium apples; a tart yet sweet variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cups pitted fresh cherries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken fruit filling)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
To serve (optional):
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then about 40-45 minutes to bake in the oven. Just let it cool slightly before serving, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious warm dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important as it helps your crisp bake evenly. While it’s warming up, let’s get everything else ready!
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, combine your sliced apples and pitted cherries. Add in the granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is nicely coated in the mixture. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors can blend together beautifully.
3. Assemble the Fruit Mixture:
Transfer the fruit mixture to your lightly greased 9-inch baking dish or individual ramekins. Make sure to spread it out evenly so every bite gets some delicious fruit!
4. Make the Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Next, add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend everything until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will give your topping that perfect buttery crunch!
5. Top the Fruit Mixture:
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the fruit so it can bake perfectly underneath.
6. Bake It Up:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to turn a lovely golden brown and the fruit to be bubbling around the edges. The smell will be amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly (if you can resist!). It’s wonderful served warm, so scoop it into bowls and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top if you like.
Enjoy the delightful contrast of tart cherries, tender apples, and crunchy oat topping! 🍏🍒
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! While the combination of apples and cherries is delicious, you can switch it up with other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or even a mix of berries. Just keep the same total volume for the filling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick treat!
Can I Make This Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make a gluten-free version! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture will still be wonderful!
How Can I Make the Crisp Ahead of Time?
You can prep the fruit filling and topping separately, then combine them just before baking. Store the prepared fruit in the fridge for up to a day, and keep the topping in a container at room temperature. When ready to bake, just assemble and follow the baking instructions!
