Cherry Almond Crisp Treat

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Whip up a delectable cherry almond crisp that combines sweet cherries with an almond-oat crust. Infused with a splash of almond extract and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this treat is both vegan and gluten-free. With simple instructions, it’s ready to enjoy in under an hour. Serve it warm, topped with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert. Plus, leftovers store easily in the refrigerator for a next-day delight.

Fatiha
Updated on Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:58:01 GMT
A bowl of berries with nuts on top. Pin it
A bowl of berries with nuts on top. | zestplate.com

This cherry almond crisp combines the natural sweetness of cherries with the nutty richness of almonds, creating a dessert that's both comforting and sophisticated. The almond extract enhances the cherry flavor while the maple syrup adds a depth that refined sugar simply can't match.

I developed this recipe during cherry season when I had more cherries than I knew what to do with. Now I make it year-round with frozen cherries, and it's become our go-to dessert when hosting friends with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

Cherry Base

  • Frozen cherries: Provide the perfect texture and are available anytime
  • Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness without refined sugar
  • Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cherry mixture
  • Arrowroot powder: Thickens the cherry juices; look for it in natural food stores

Crisp Topping

  • Rolled oats: Create the perfect chewy base for the crisp topping
  • Sliced almonds: Add wonderful crunch and nutty flavor
  • Almond flour: Keeps this dessert gluten-free while adding richness
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the sweetness
  • Maple syrup: Binds the topping while adding caramel notes
  • Coconut oil: Creates that perfect crispy texture when baked
  • Almond extract: Amplifies the cherry almond pairing

How To Make Cherry Almond Crisp

Prepare the cherry filling:
Combine frozen cherries with maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla in a large bowl. Toss gently until well coated. Add the arrowroot powder last, ensuring it coats the cherries evenly to prevent clumping. The arrowroot will thicken the juices as the cherries bake, giving you that perfect consistency.
Create the crisp topping:
Mix the dry ingredients first oats, chopped almonds, almond flour, and salt. This ensures even distribution of all components. Then pour in the wet ingredients maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and almond extract. Stir until you have a sticky, cohesive mixture that clumps together when pressed.
Assemble and bake:
Transfer the cherry mixture to your baking dish, making sure to include all the juices. Spread the crisp topping evenly over the cherries, leaving some cherry color peeking through for that classic crisp look. Bake at 350°F for nearly an hour, watching for that golden brown color on the topping that signals perfection.
Final touch:
For an extra crispy topping, broil for just 2-3 minutes at the end of baking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving, as this allows the filling to set properly.
A bowl of berries with nuts on top. Pin it
A bowl of berries with nuts on top. | zestplate.com

My favorite part of this recipe is the almond extract in the topping. It's a small addition that transforms this from a standard fruit crisp into something truly special. My grandmother always added almond extract to her cherry desserts, and that subtle flavor brings back childhood memories with every bite.

Storage Tips

This cherry almond crisp keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The topping will soften slightly in the refrigerator but still tastes amazing. To restore some crispness, reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also freeze this crisp for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

A bowl of berries and ice cream. Pin it
A bowl of berries and ice cream. | zestplate.com

Seasonal Variations

While frozen cherries make this a year-round treat, you can adapt this crisp to whatever fruit is in season. In summer, try fresh cherries or a mix of berries. Fall calls for apple or pear variations, simply substituting equal amounts by volume. Winter is perfect for citrus additions, adding orange zest to the cherry base. Spring brings rhubarb, which pairs beautifully with cherries. Just increase the maple syrup slightly if using tart fruits like rhubarb.

Serving Suggestions

This crisp is versatile enough for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the classic experience. For breakfast, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt. At brunch, pair with mimosas for an indulgent treat. For dinner parties, serve in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds for presentation. The warm crisp with cold ice cream creates a temperature contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.

The Health Benefits

This dessert offers more nutritional value than traditional crisps. Cherries provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The almond flour and sliced almonds add protein and healthy fats. Oats contribute soluble fiber for heart health. By using maple syrup instead of refined sugar, you get minerals like manganese and zinc. Even the coconut oil offers medium-chain triglycerides that your body processes differently than other fats. While still a dessert, this crisp provides substantial nutritional benefits alongside its incredible flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used instead of frozen. Just ensure to pit them and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

→ What can I use as a substitute for almond flour?

Almond flour can be substituted with oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour. Note that this may slightly alter the texture.

→ Is the arrowroot powder necessary?

Arrowroot powder is optional but recommended as it helps thicken the cherry base. Without it, the crisp may be more liquidy.

→ Can I make this crisp ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble it ahead and bake it later, or bake it fully and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it before serving for best results.

→ Can I make the topping nut-free?

Yes, replace the sliced almonds with additional oats or shredded coconut, and use oat flour instead of almond flour.

Cherry Almond Crisp Delight

A fruity crisp made with cherries, almonds, and maple syrup. Perfect for vegan and gluten-free diets.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 crisp

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Cherry base

01 7 heaping cups frozen cherries
02 1/4 cup maple syrup
03 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch (optional but recommended)

→ Crisp topping

06 1.5 cups rolled oats
07 1 cup finely chopped sliced almonds
08 1.5 cups almond flour
09 1/4 tsp salt
10 1/2 cup maple syrup
11 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
12 1 tsp almond extract

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

In a large bowl, mix together frozen cherries, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Add arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) and toss until evenly coated. Transfer the cherry mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish or a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet.

Step 03

In another bowl, mix together rolled oats, chopped almonds, almond flour, and salt. Stir in maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and almond extract until the mixture is well combined.

Step 04

Evenly sprinkle the prepared crisp topping over the cherry mixture, ensuring most of the cherries are covered.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for a few minutes at the end.

Step 06

Let the crisp cool for 15 minutes before serving. Pair with vanilla ice cream if desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking dish or cast iron skillet (9×9-inch or 10.25-inch)
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains almonds

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 325.5
  • Total Fat: 18.2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 39.4 g
  • Protein: 5.4 g