Easy Cherry Crisp
This Easy Cherry Crisp is everything a fruit desserts should be! The combination of sweet cherry filling and crunchy oatmeal topping is absolutely irresistible. I love using canned cherries because it cuts out all the prep work.
Love cherry desserts? Try our Cherry Turnovers and Bisquick Cherry Cobbler for more delicious cherry treats, or check out our Apple and Pear Crumble for another amazing fruit crisp!
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What’s the difference between Cherry Crisp and Cherry Crumble?
The main difference between a cherry crisp and a cherry crumble is in the topping. A cherry crisp has a crunchy topping made with oats, flour, sugar, and butter, giving it a nice, crispy texture.
On the other hand, a cherry crumble has a more cake-like topping made with just flour, sugar, and butter, so it’s denser. Both are super tasty and can include extras like nuts or spices, but the oats in the crisp are what really set it apart from the crumble!
You can use any kind of cherries you prefer in this cherry dessert; tart cherries, bing cherries, rainier cherries, or even fresh fruit when in season.
What you’ll love about this Cherry Crisp Recipe:
Recipe Ingredients:
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Cherry Crisp recipe:
- Cherry pie filling- You could also use apple, peach, or mixed berry pie filling, or make homemade cherry pie filling
- Vanilla extract (or try almond extract for a different flavor)
- All-purpose flour- If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute almond flour or oat flour for regular flour
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (avoid instant oats for best texture)
- Light brown sugar (or substitute coconut sugar)
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
Ingredient Notes:
- Cherry Pie Filling: Canned cherry pie filling makes this recipe quick and easy, but you can use homemade if you prefer. The best way to enhance flavor is using quality juicy cherries.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the topping a great texture and create that perfect buttery oat crumble.
- Butter: Use cold, cubed unsalted butter at room temperature to create a crumbly, delicious streusel topping. You can substitute a little coconut oil if preferred.
How to make Cherry Crisp step-by-step:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch pie dish, or individual ramekins for single servings.
STEP 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cherry filling ingredients and vanilla extract. Stir and pour into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
STEP 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
STEP 4: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
STEP 5: Sprinkle the oatmeal streusel topping evenly over the top of the fruit.
STEP 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
STEP 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
STEP 8: Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Note: you can also bake this in a 2-quart baking dish, or even a 9X13 inch baking dish. It will just be a thinner layer of filling and topping.
PRO TIP:
For an extra crunch, add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the streusel topping. Next time you make this, try adding some arrowroot starch to thicken the filling even more!
Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 30-60 seconds
Additions and Substitutions:
ADDITIONS:
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the streusel for additional warmth and flavor.
- Lemon: A little fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest mixed into the cherries would be a great addition.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Oats: Substitute quick oats if you don’t have old-fashioned rolled oats on hand. The texture may be slightly different
- Light Brown Sugar: Substitute with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
FAQs about this Cherry Crisp Recipe:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries. You may need to add some sugar and cornstarch to create a thick filling.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe GF. Oats are naturally gf, but can be cross-contaminated, so I recommend just buying gluten free oats for this oatmeal streusel recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cherry filling and streusel topping separately in a small bowl, then assemble and bake just before serving.
What Can I Serve with the Best Cherry Crisp?
I love to serve all cherry recipes with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and more fresh berries.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to try this Easy Cherry Crisp Recipe! After you make it, please leave a star rating on the recipe card to let me know your thoughts – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!
Easy Cherry Crisp
Ingredients
- 2 21 ounce cans cherry pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oatmeal Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, and vanilla extract. Stir and pour into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the oatmeal streusel topping evenly over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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This looks absolutely phenomenal. Thanks for sharing at SSPS, I hope to see you again next week. I will be featuring your recipe.
Thank you so much, Estelle!!
This recipe looks so delicious Vicky!
Thank you for sharing your easy cherry crisp recipe.
Thank you so much, how exciting!!