Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe

This Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe is the kind of comforting dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re using fresh summer cherries or frozen ones from your freezer stash, this nostalgic recipe delivers a warm, juicy fruit base under a golden, buttery crumble topping. It’s incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients you likely already have on hand. No oats, no fuss—just old-fashioned goodness perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Why You’ll Love Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe

• Made with basic pantry staples—no fancy ingredients needed
• Works with fresh or frozen cherries
• No oats—just a crisp, buttery crumble
• Bakes in under an hour and comes together fast
• Delicious warm, room temp, or chilled

Ingredients

• 5 to 6 cups cherries (fresh or frozen), washed and pitted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 unbeaten egg
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Prepare the Cherry Base

• In a medium mixing bowl, toss the 5 to 6 cups of cherries with 1/4 cup of sugar.
• Stir well to coat the fruit evenly.

📝 If using frozen cherries, make sure they are thawed and drained of excess juice before mixing.

Layer the Cherries

• Pour the sugared cherries evenly into the greased 8×8-inch baking dish.

Make the Topping

• In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 3/4 tsp salt.
• Add the unbeaten egg directly into the dry mixture.
• Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the topping forms a crumbly, coarse texture.

Add the Topping

• Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the cherries in the baking dish, covering the surface completely.

Add Butter

• Slowly pour the melted butter (1/3 cup) over the entire crumble topping.
• Make sure to distribute the butter evenly to help the topping bake into a golden crisp.

Bake

• Bake the crisp in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until:
  • The top is golden brown
  • The cherry filling is bubbly around the edges

⏱️ Ovens vary—check at 30 minutes and bake up to 45 minutes if needed.

Cool and Serve

• Allow the cherry crisp to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a splash of milk.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Frozen cherries should be thawed and drained to prevent soggy filling.
• For extra flavor, stir in ½ tsp almond or vanilla extract to the cherry mix.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the topping for a warm spice note.
• Swap cherries with other fruits like blueberries, apples, or peaches.
• Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Pairs beautifully with coffee, iced tea, or lemonade.
• Try it chilled the next day—it’s still incredibly tasty!

Storage/Reheating

• Let leftovers cool completely.
• Store tightly covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries?
Yes! Use one 20–21 oz can (or two 15 oz cans) of cherry pie filling and omit the 1/4 cup sugar.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake and cool, then reheat before serving. Or prep the layers separately, refrigerate, and bake fresh.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in individual portions. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.

Is this very sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced. You can reduce the sugar slightly if using very sweet cherries.

Conclusion

Fresh Cherry Crisp Recipe is the perfect way to celebrate cherries in a cozy, nostalgic dessert. With its buttery crumb topping and juicy fruit filling, it’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests. Whether you’re using fresh-picked cherries or frozen ones, this is one dessert that guarantees second helpings—and maybe even requests for the recipe.

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