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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.
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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.
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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.