“`html
If you’re craving a dessert that bursts with the vibrant flavors of summer and satisfies that sweet tooth with a comforting crunch, the Fresh Cherry Crisp (Baked or Grilled!) Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful treat combines the juicy tartness of fresh cherries with a buttery oat topping that bakes or grills to golden perfection. Whether you decide to make it in the oven or take advantage of those warm weather grill sessions, this cherry crisp comes together with simple ingredients and delivers big on flavor, texture, and pure homemade happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Fresh Cherry Crisp (Baked or Grilled!) Recipe are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and essential for hitting just the right balance between sweet, tart, and crunchy. Each one plays a star role in creating that irresistible texture and flavor combo that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- 8 cups fresh cherries (pitted): The juicy heart of the dish that provides natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 4-6 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adjust based on how tart your cherries are to find that perfect sweetness level.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that enhances the cherry flavor and balances the sugar.
- 4 tablespoons corn starch: Thickens the cherry juices as they bake or grill, preventing a soggy crisp.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Bring a hearty, rustic crunch to the topping, essential for that classic crisp texture.
- ½ cup flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients and gives structure to the crumble.
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel notes and richness to the topping.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Boosts sweetness and balances the brown sugar’s molasses flavor.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted): The magic ingredient that turns the topping golden, crispy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
How to Make Fresh Cherry Crisp (Baked or Grilled!) Recipe
Step 1: Prepping Your Pan and Cherries
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F if baking, or get your grill heating to medium if grilling. Grease an 8×8″ baking dish or a cast iron skillet for the grill method—this ensures the crisp won’t stick and will come out perfectly. Then, pit your fresh cherries and toss them in a large bowl with 4-6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, the lemon juice, and corn starch. This mixture not only sweetens the cherries but also thickens their juicy juices as they cook.
Step 2: Combining the Topping Ingredients
In another bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter along with the vanilla extract, and mix until the ingredients are nicely incorporated. This mixture will become that irresistible golden, crumbly topping for your cherry crisp.
Step 3: Assembling and Cooking
Pour the cherry mixture into your prepared pan or skillet, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping generously on top to cover the fruit completely. For baking, place the crisp in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until bubbly and golden, tenting with foil if the top browns too quickly after about 30 minutes. For grilling, cover the skillet with heavy-duty foil and grill for 30-35 minutes until bubbling, then remove the foil and grill another 5-10 minutes to set the topping.
How to Serve Fresh Cherry Crisp (Baked or Grilled!) Recipe
Garnishes
This Fresh Cherry Crisp (Baked or Grilled!) Recipe is absolutely delicious served warm, but you can amp up the experience by adding a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or a few fresh mint leaves on top adds a beautiful contrast in texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Although cherry crisp is a wonderful stand-alone dessert, pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or even a light lemon sorbet makes the whole experience feel fresh and balanced, perfect for those summer dinners or casual backyard gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small mason jars or ramekins—great for parties and easy cleanup! You can also layer the cherry crisp with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cream for an elegant parfait-style dessert that looks just as amazing as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—and trust me, it’s hard not to—the cherry crisp can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and crisp topping.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared but unbaked cherry crisp for up to 2 months. Just wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a bit more time if needed for baking from chilled.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds for a quick warm-up, or place the whole crisp in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to regain that perfectly crisp top and bubbling filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well when fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid a soggy crisp.
How do I know if my topping is done?
The topping should be golden brown and slightly crisp to the touch. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover lightly with foil to prevent burning while the fruit finishes bubbling.
What’s the best type of pan for grilling the cherry crisp?
A heavy cast iron skillet is ideal for grilling because it heats evenly and retains heat well. If you don’t have one, doubling up disposable foil pans works fine—just be sure to grease well and seal tightly with foil.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a vegan alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, and use a vegan-friendly sweetener if desired. The crisp topping will still turn out deliciously crumbly and flavorful.
Why do I need lemon juice in the cherry mixture?
Lemon juice brightens the flavor of the cherries and helps balance their natural sweetness and tartness. It also contributes to a well-rounded taste, making the fruit more vibrant and less flat.
Final Thoughts
Give this Fresh Cherry Crisp (Baked or Grilled!) Recipe a try and you’ll quickly see why it’s such a beloved dessert choice for warm months and family gatherings alike. It’s simple to make, beautifully versatile, and utterly delicious every single time. Whether baked in the oven for that classic homestyle charm, or grilled for a smoky twist, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a little joy with each spoonful. Enjoy the sweet, crunchy magic!
“`
Print
Fresh Cherry Crisp (Baked or Grilled!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes (baking) or 35-45 minutes (grilling)
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fresh Cherry Crisp recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy seasonal cherries, featuring a buttery oat topping that’s crisped to perfection. You can bake it in the oven or prepare it on the grill for a slightly smoky twist. Perfect served warm with ice cream, this dessert is an irresistible treat for summer gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 8 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 4–6 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust depending on sweetness of cherries)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons corn starch
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish or grill pan: For baking, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch pan. For grilling, preheat grill to medium heat and grease a large cast iron skillet or two stacked 8×8-inch disposable foil pans, greasing the inside of the top pan.
- Prepare the cherry filling: In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries with 4-6 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust depending on cherry sweetness), fresh lemon juice, and corn starch. Stir well until the cherries are evenly coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan or grill pan.
- Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Pour melted butter and vanilla extract over the oat mixture and stir everything until fully combined. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the cherry filling.
- Bake the crisp (if baking): Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden. If the topping is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 30 minutes. Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve warm with ice cream.
- Grill the crisp (if grilling): After assembling the crisp in the greased pan, cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil and seal tightly. Grill for 30-35 minutes until the edges are bubbling. Remove the foil and grill for an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered to set the topping. Remove from grill, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm with ice cream.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar quantity depending on the natural sweetness of your cherries to balance the tartness.
- Using freshly pitted cherries will yield the best flavor and texture, but frozen cherries can also be used in a pinch—just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- If baking, tenting with foil prevents the topping from over-browning while ensuring the filling cooks through.
- Grilling adds a subtle smoky flavor, making it a great option for outdoor summer cooking.
- Serve the cherry crisp warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
