Apple Cherry Crisp is a warm, fruity treat that combines sweet apples and tart cherries, all topped with a crunchy oat mixture. It’s like a hug in dessert form!
Honestly, I could eat this all day! The crunchy topping and juicy filling make it a perfect dessert or breakfast—yes, I’m that person who eats dessert for breakfast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp is perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find those, try Fuji or Braeburn apples. They’ll still give a nice balance to the sweetness of the cherries.
Cherries: Fresh cherries are the best, but if they’re out of season, frozen pitted cherries work well too. Just remember to thaw and drain them beforehand to avoid excess moisture.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are my favorite for that chewy texture. In a pinch, quick oats can also work, but they will give you a different texture in the topping.
Butter: I always use unsalted butter so that I can control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Crisp Topping?
The topping is what gives Apple Cherry Crisp its delightful crunch! To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Always use cold butter. This helps create that crumbly texture you want. Cut it into small cubes for easier mixing.
- When combining the butter with the dry ingredients, either use a pastry cutter or your fingers. You want to create a mixture that has small pea-sized chunks of butter suspended in the oats and flour.
- A good method is to mix the dry ingredients first and then add the butter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Trust me, this topping will be the star of your crisp, so give it a little extra love!
How to Make Apple Cherry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored and sliced (about 4 medium apples, preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cups fresh or pitted cherries, halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken filling)
For the Crisp 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 (for topping)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for topping (optional)
- Fresh cherries and fresh herbs like thyme or mint for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cherry Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 40-45 minutes to bake. With a little patience, you’ll have a delightful dessert to enjoy straight from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step so that the crisp bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9-inch round or an 8×8-inch square baking dish.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples and halved cherries. Add in the granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss everything together gently until the fruit is well coated with the mixture. Once mixed, transfer it into the greased baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Next, add the cold, cubed butter into this mixture. Using a pastry cutter, a fork, or even your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want some small pea-sized pieces for that great texture!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Now, take your delicious oat topping and evenly sprinkle it over the fruit filling in the baking dish. Try to cover the filling completely to create a nice crust while it bakes!
5. Bake:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a lovely golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
6. Cool Slightly and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the crisp cool for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to settle. When ready, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if you like. Garnish with fresh cherries and a sprig of thyme or mint for that extra touch!
Enjoy your comforting, crunchy, and fruity Apple Cherry Crisp! You just made something fabulous!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen pitted cherries are a great alternative. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding to the filling to avoid a soggy crisp.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave before serving again.
Can I Make This Crisp Ahead of Time?
You can prep the fruit filling and topping separately a day ahead. Just keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble and bake right before serving for the freshest taste!
What Can I Substitute for the Oats?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or don’t have oats on hand, you can use almond flour or ground nuts for the topping. Just adjust the amount as necessary to achieve a crumbly texture.
