This Apple Cherry Crisp is a warm, sweet treat that’s perfect for dessert! With juicy apples and tart cherries, it’s topped with a buttery, crumbly mix that makes each bite delicious.
I love serving this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Honestly, who can resist that combo? It’s like a cozy hug on a plate! 🍏🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are fantastic here, giving a nice balance to the sweetness. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Honeycrisp can work too, just adjust the sugar slightly.
Cherries: Fresh cherries are great, but if you’re using frozen ones, no need to thaw them first. Just add a minute or two to the baking time. You could also substitute with blueberries or raspberries if cherries aren’t available.
Granulated Sugar: For a healthier option, replace some or all with maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind this will make the filling slightly wetter, so add a pinch more cornstarch if you go this route.
Butter: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute will work beautifully. Just keep it cold before mixing!
What’s the Best Technique for Making the Crisp Topping?
The crisp topping is key for that perfect texture! Here’s how to make it well:
- Start with cold butter – it helps make that crumbly texture.
- Mix the dry ingredients first so everything is evenly distributed before adding the butter.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter in. The goal is to have mixture that’s crumbly with some larger clumps for crunch.
- Don’t overmix! A few larger butter pieces will give you a nice crispy topping when baked.
Now you’re ready to put it together for a delicious, comforting dessert!
Apple Cherry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 3 medium apples, preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then another 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a warm, delicious dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a 9-inch pie dish or a baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the sliced apples and pitted cherries. It’s okay if your cherries are frozen – they’ll bake up beautifully! Then, add in the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cornstarch. Toss all the ingredients together until the fruit is nicely coated.
3. Transfer the Fruit Mixture:
Now, transfer that sweet-smelling fruit mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets some fruit goodness.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Now, it’s time for the butter! Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it all until you see coarse crumbs forming. You want some small pieces for that perfect crispy texture!
5. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit mixture in your baking dish. It’s going to look scrumptious! Bake it in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and you see the fruit bubbling at the edges.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your Apple Cherry Crisp cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm – it’s fantastic on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a real treat!
Enjoy your warm, comforting Apple Cherry Crisp! 🍏🍒
Can I Use Frozen Cherries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just toss them directly into the fruit mixture and bake as directed. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might need an extra minute or two.
Can I Make This Apple Cherry Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit filling and crisp topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy it for a fresh, warm dessert anytime!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, re-crisping the topping in the oven for a few minutes if desired.
What Can I Substitute for Oats in the Crisp Topping?
If you need to avoid oats, you can use crushed nuts or a combination of flour and breadcrumbs for the topping. Just adjust the quantities to achieve a similar crumbly texture, and remember to add a bit more butter to help bind it all together!
