This Apple Cherry Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that hits all the right notes! Fresh apples and sweet cherries come together, and it’s topped with a crunchy oat topping that’s simply irresistible.
I love to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It feels like a big hug in a bowl! You can’t go wrong with this delightful combo—your taste buds will thank you! 🍏🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of cherries. Honeycrisp is another favorite for a sweeter flavor. If you can’t find these, any firm apples will work!
Cherries: Fresh cherries are lovely, but frozen cherries are a great substitute and convenient too. They may release a bit more juice, so you might want to add a little extra cornstarch to thicken.
Granulated Sugar: If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, you can use less sugar or substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just note that it may affect the overall sweetness and texture.
Butter: For a dairy-free option, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. The flavor might change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Can You Achieve a Perfectly Crisp Topping?
Creating the ideal topping is all about texture! You want a crumbly mix that, when baked, becomes golden and crispy. Here are my tips to ensure your topping comes out perfectly:
- Use cold butter: Make sure your butter is cold when you cut it into the dry ingredients. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until you just have small, pea-sized chunks. If you overwork it, the topping can become too dense.
- Spread evenly: When you sprinkle the topping over the fruit, make sure it’s even to allow for uniform browning.
Following these steps will give you that delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the fruit filling!
How to Make Apple Cherry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow a little extra time for it to cool before serving. In total, get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering dish in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9-inch baking dish or any similar-sized oven-safe dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent your crisp from sticking.
2. Mix the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, combine your diced apples, cherries, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch if you’re using it. Give everything a good toss until the fruit is nicely coated in the sugar and spices. This will enhance the delicious flavors!
3. Assemble the Fruit Layer:
Transfer the mixed fruit into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite has that fruity goodness!
4. Prepare the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix those together. Now, add the cold butter pieces into the oat mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles small crumbs. This is where the magic happens—this will create that lovely crispy topping!
5. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit layer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; the imperfections will add to the rustic charm!
6. Bake Away:
Now, pop your baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and you see the fruit bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. This is important—it’ll be very hot! When you’re ready to serve, dish out some warm apple cherry crisp. I recommend adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra touch of deliciousness. Enjoy every bite!
There you have it—a comforting Apple Cherry Crisp that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with friends and family! 🍏🍒
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! While apples and cherries make a delicious combination, you can substitute or mix with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Just keep the overall fruit volume similar!
How Can I Make This Crisp Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free as well, as some can be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the fruit mixture and topping separately a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, assemble the dish and bake it as directed. It’s a great time-saver!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions as needed.
