This Apple Cherry Crisp is a warm and fruity dessert topped with a crunchy oat mixture. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for cozy evenings!
I love how easy it is to throw together. Just mix the fruits, sprinkle the topping, and bake until bubbly. It’s a delightful way to enjoy two fruits in one yummy dish! 🍏🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Fuji apples are perfect for this crisp due to their tartness, which balances with the sweet cherries. If those aren’t available, you can use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a slightly sweeter touch.
Cherries: Fresh cherries are amazing in this recipe, but frozen cherries work well too. Just ensure you let them thaw and drain excess juice to prevent a soggy filling. You could substitute blueberries or raspberries if you prefer different fruits!
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a nice depth of flavor, but you can use dark brown sugar for a richer taste. For a sugar-free alternative, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter helps create that crunchy topping. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute with margarine or coconut oil. Just chill it first!
How Do You Make Sure Your Crisp Topping is Perfectly Crunchy?
The key to a crunchy topping lies in how you handle the butter. You want it cold and cut into small pieces, so it creates that delightful texture as it bakes.
- Mix the dry ingredients (oats, flour, sugars, salt, and cinnamon) in a bowl.
- Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until crumbly. Don’t overmix; you want to see little chunks of butter.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of your fruit filling for the best results during baking.
By ensuring that the butter stays cold and not overworking the mixture, you’ll have a lovely, golden, and crunchy topping!
Apple Cherry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (plus a few extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or all-purpose flour) – to thicken fruit filling
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cherry Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to enjoy this delicious dessert, perfect for an evening treat or a gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your crisp bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden color.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples and pitted cherries. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you like), and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the fruits are well coated. This mixture is what will make your crisp flavorful and juicy!
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the fruit mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar size. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir them well to combine. Then, cut the cold butter into this mixture using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers. You’re aiming for a crumbly texture, so don’t overwork it!
5. Combine and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Now, pop it into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help it set a little and make it easier to serve. Scoop out a generous portion into bowls, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and garnish with those extra cherries for a lovely touch.
Enjoy your delicious Apple Cherry Crisp! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors topped with that irresistible crunchy goodness. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While apples and cherries make a lovely pair, you can substitute with other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or plums. Just be sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruits you choose!
Can I Make This Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit filling and topping separately, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day. When ready to bake, just layer them together and pop it in the oven. It might need an extra few minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick treat!
What Are Some Topping Variations?
For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts like walnuts or pecans into the topping. You can also sprinkle a bit of shredded coconut or even drizzle some honey on top before serving for an extra special touch!
