Cherry Almond Crisp: A Slice of Sweet Nostalgia
There’s something undeniably comforting about a Cherry Almond Crisp, with its warm, gooey filling and crisp topping that screams cozy evenings and simple pleasures. Imagine the sweet-tart burst of juicy cherries mixed with the crunch of almond-flavored oats, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. This dish is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that evokes childhood memories of summer picnics and laughter shared over sweet treats. Whether you’re satisfying a late-night craving or treating your family to something special, this crisp is a must-try masterpiece.
With minimal prep time and a straightforward baking process, this Cherry Almond Crisp is perfect for those busy evenings when you still want to indulge your sweet tooth. Plus, it’s a nostalgic dessert that kids and adults alike adore, making it the ideal choice for families or gatherings with friends. Prepare to savor each decadent bite while reminiscing about life’s sweetest moments.
Are You Ready for a Cherry-Laden Adventure?
Can you reminisce about the sounds of cherries being plucked from trees in summertime? Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as you enjoy a bowl of cherry dessert with a scoop of barely-melting vanilla ice cream? If you answered “yes,” then you know what an irresistible Cherry Almond Crisp can do for your taste buds! Picture that delightful moment as you scoop the warm, fragrant crisp into a bowl, letting its luscious juices drip over edges, skipping the mundane and diving deep into dessert heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Almond Crisp isn’t just another dessert; it comes packed with benefits that make it a standout:
Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: It beautifully marries flavors that appeal to everyone, making it an instant hit at gatherings.
Minimal Ingredients: The recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, ensuring you can make it anytime the craving strikes.
Customizable: This crisp is flexible, allowing you to swap in different fruits or nuts, making it the perfect canvas for your creativity.
Indulging in this crisp is as effortless as simply tossing ingredients into a bowl and letting the oven work its magic.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Cherry Almond Crisp, gather the following ingredients, each one a key player in this flavor symphony:
Frozen Cherries
The star of this dish, frozen cherries, bring that burst of color and sweet-tart flavor right from the get-go. These gems are packed with antioxidants, making your indulgence a little lighter.
Maple Syrup
Rich and preposterously sweet, pure maple syrup not only sweetens the filling but enhances the overall depth of flavors, making it sing.
Lemon Juice
A splash of acid from lemon juice brightens the cherries, cutting through their sweetness and adding a refreshing zing to each bite.
Vanilla Extract
This aromatic ingredient adds warmth and sweetness, creating a delightful base note that complements the cherries perfectly.
Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch
To thicken the cherry filling, arrowroot powder or cornstarch is essential, ensuring each spoonful is delightfully gooey without being runny.
Rolled Oats
Chewy rolled oats make up the crisp topping, providing texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries beneath.
Finely Chopped Almonds
These give that distinct crunch and delicate nuttiness, harmonizing with the almond extract we’ll add shortly.
Almond Flour
A gluten-free alternative, almond flour enriches the topping, making it tender yet crispy when baked.
Salt
Don’t forget a pinch of salt; it balances sweetness and enhances the flavors of the dessert beautifully.
Coconut Oil
This healthy fat adds richness and a subtle coconut flavor, elevating your crisp to extraordinary levels.
Almond Extract
For the cherry-on-top touch, almond extract elevates the nutty taste profile and ties all flavors together seamlessly.
Timing: Fast Indulgence Meets Luxurious Flavor
One of the best parts of making a Cherry Almond Crisp is how quickly you can have it on the table. Besides a brief prep time, all it requires is a solid hour for baking. You could be indulging in a scoop of golden, bubbly goodness in no time at all! If you’re aiming for a decedent treat, you can take your time and enjoy the process, letting the aromas fill your kitchen before serving.
Step-by-Step
Creating the perfect Cherry Almond Crisp is easier than you might think. Follow these delightful steps for a sweet creation that will have everyone begging for seconds!
1. Prep The Cherry Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine frozen cherries, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until those luscious cherries are fully coated in sweetness. Now, sprinkle arrowroot powder over the cherries and give it another gentle toss to coat. You want that sweet, juicy mixture to be thick enough to stay put!
2. Assemble The Baking Dish
Carefully transfer the cherry mixture to a baking dish, spreading it into an even, luscious layer, ensuring no cherry is left behind. You’ll want every bite jam-packed with flavor!
3. Make The Crisp Topping
In another bowl, stir together rolled oats, finely chopped almonds, almond flour, and salt. Mix until everything is combined beautifully, creating an irresistible rugged texture for your topping.
4. Combine And Flavor The Topping
Pour in maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and almond extract. Now comes the fun part—stir until the mixture is crumbly and rich, with all ingredients perfectly congealed into a topping that begs to be sprinkled over those cherries.
5. Top The Cherries
Evenly sprinkle the tantalizing topping over the cherry layer. Let it rain golden flecks of crunch over that ruby-red filling—pure bliss awaits!
6. Bake It
Pop your assembled crisp into a preheated oven set to 350°F. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until it turns a magnificent golden brown and the cherry juices bubble joyfully at the edges. For an extra touch of decadence, broil for a few moments at the end; that extra crunch is worth it!
7. Cool And Serve
Once baked to perfection, let your Cherry Almond Crisp cool for 15 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. Top with a generous scoop of ice cream or whipped cream, and serve warm for the ultimate indulgent experience.
Nutritional Information
This Cherry Almond Crisp offers a satisfying dessert without overwhelming your dietary goals. Each serving generally contains around 250-300 calories, depending on ingredients and portion size.
Don’t forget, this is an occasional indulgence—a treat meant for savoring among friends and loved ones.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to keep it light and breezy? Here are a few options to ensure your Cherry Almond Crisp remains a healthier treat:
Lower Sugar: Replace some or all of the maple syrup with a natural sweetener like Stevia or erythritol to cut down on sugar.
Dairy-Free Swaps: Utilize non-dairy ice creams or coconut whip to stay true to a plant-based lifestyle.
Gluten-Free: Ensure that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially if using oats and almond flour.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Almond Crisp is a dessert for all occasions!
Perfect as an after-dinner treat with a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream.
Fantastic for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings as a comforting dessert to share—a nostalgic treat everyone loves.
It works wonders for brunch when served alongside yogurt or non-dairy alternatives, adding class to your spread.
Common Mistakes
To ensure your Cherry Almond Crisp comes out perfectly every time, avoid these common pitfalls:
Overbaking: Keep an eye on the crisp; you want it golden, not burnt. The bubbling juices indicate it’s ready!
Texture Issues: If your topping is too soggy, increase the arrowroot or cornstarch when preparing the cherry filling to help with thickness.
Messes: Use a larger baking dish to prevent bubbling over and causing a mess in your oven.
Storing Tips
Even though you might gobble it all up in one sitting, you might want to consider these storage tips for the remaining crisp:
Freezing Portions: Cut the crisp into individual servings, place in airtight containers or freezer bags, and freeze. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months!
Reheating Instructions: When ready to indulge again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Tempted Yet?
You’ll find it hard to resist the allure of freshly baked Cherry Almond Crisp. This dish is not just any dessert; it beckons you to create lasting memories with loved ones while enjoying each gooey, crunchy bite.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and bake it ASAP! You’ll be thanking yourself later when you dive into this delectable treasure.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just be sure to pit and slice the cherries first. You might need to adjust the sweetness slightly since fresh cherries can vary in ripeness.
2. What can I use in place of coconut oil?
You can substitute any neutral oil, such as vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter, if you prefer.
3. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your oats and almond flour are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
4. How can I make it vegan?
Stick to the plant-based substitutions mentioned for butter and ice cream, and it should be perfect for vegan diets!
5. Can I add spices to this recipe?
Certainly! A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the topping can add a warm spice element that elevates the dish wonderfully.
Dive into the joys of creating a Cherry Almond Crisp, and discover just how much sweetness your life can hold!
Cherry Almond Crisp
Ingredients
For the Cherry Filling
- 4 cups Frozen Cherries The star of this dish, packed with antioxidants.
- 1/2 cup Maple Syrup Rich and enhances the overall depth of flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Adds a refreshing zing.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Creates a delightful base note.
- 2 tablespoons Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch Essential for thickening the cherry filling.
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup Rolled Oats Provides texture and a nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup Finely Chopped Almonds Adds distinct crunch and nuttiness.
- 1/2 cup Almond Flour Gluten-free alternative that enriches the topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil Adds richness and subtle coconut flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract Enhances the nutty flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine frozen cherries, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until cherries are fully coated.
- Sprinkle arrowroot powder over the cherries and toss again gently to coat.
Assembly
- Transfer the cherry mixture to a baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- In another bowl, mix rolled oats, finely chopped almonds, almond flour, and salt.
- Pour in maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and almond extract, mixing until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the cherry layer.
Baking
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 55 to 60 minutes until golden brown and juices bubble.
- Broil for a few moments for extra crunch, if desired.
Serving
- Let the crisp cool for 15 minutes before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
