Apple Cherry Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that’s full of fruity goodness. It combines sweet apples and tart cherries, all topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar mixture.
This dish is perfect for those cozy nights when you need a little warmth. I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream on top. Who can resist that delightful combo? 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith gives a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and crunch. You can substitute with Fuji or Braeburn apples if needed. Fresh or frozen work great!
Cherries: Fresh cherries are delicious, but frozen cherries are a great year-round option. If you don’t have cherries, you might use blueberries or peaches for a twist!
Brown Sugar: I love the rich flavor that brown sugar adds. If you want less sweetness, you can cut it down or use coconut sugar as a healthier alternative.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats provide a chewy texture. Quick oats will work, but they won’t be as crunchy. You can also opt for gluten-free oats if needed!
How Do You Make the Perfect Topping for Your Crisp?
The topping is key to a great Apple Cherry Crisp! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your butter is cold; this helps achieve a crumbly topping.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs – don’t overwork it!
- Evenly sprinkle the topping over the fruit to create a nice, consistent crust that browns beautifully when baked.
Don’t be tempted to rush the baking time; let it get golden brown for the best flavor and texture!
How to Make Delicious Apple Cherry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for fruit mixture)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Cherry Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. Total time is around 1 hour, plus a little cooling time. Just enough to get your mouth watering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your oven is nice and hot when it’s time to bake!
2. Prepare the Fruit:
In a large mixing bowl, take your freshly sliced apples and pitted cherries. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of flour, and cinnamon. Toss everything gently with your hands or a spoon until the fruit is well coated and looks sweet and inviting.
3. Get Your Baking Dish Ready:
Take an 8-inch square baking dish (or something similar) and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the fruit mixture into the dish, spreading it out so it’s even.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix the oats, 1/2 cup of flour, brown sugar, and salt. Now, take your cold butter cubes and cut them into the oat mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Keep mixing until it looks crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the fruit mixture in your baking dish. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake it for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling joyfully!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. It’s so tempting, but letting it cool a bit helps the flavors settle. Serve it warm, and don’t forget a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate treat!
Enjoy your warm, fruity Apple Cherry Crisp with that delightful crunch from the topping! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly and can save you prep time. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the apples to prevent a soggy crisp!
What If I Don’t Have Granulated Sugar?
No worries! You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor or use coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just keep the quantity the same!
Can I Make This Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the fruit filling and crisp topping separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before you’re ready to serve for the best texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or enjoy it cold if you like!
