This Apple Cherry Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s all about tasty fruit and crunchy topping. It’s made with sweet apples, tart cherries, and a buttery oat mixture on top!
Honestly, who can resist that crunchy topping? Plus, it’s super easy to whip together—just mix, bake, and enjoy. I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I suggest using tart apples like Granny Smith. They’re firm and hold up well during baking. If you have sweeter apples on hand, feel free to mix them in—but you might want to reduce the sugar a bit!
Cherries: Fresh tart cherries are great, but frozen ones work just as well! Just make sure to drain any excess juice before adding them to prevent a soggy crisp.
Granulated Sugar: Adjust the sugar according to your taste. If your cherries are really tart, you might want to add a little more sugar. For a healthier option, you can use honey or maple syrup.
Butter: Cold butter is crucial for a crumbly topping! If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used instead.
Oats: Rolled oats give great texture. If you’re gluten-free, simply substitute with gluten-free oats.
How Do I Make Sure My Crisp Topping is Perfectly Crunchy?
The key to a crunchy topping lies in how you handle the butter. Make sure to keep the butter cold and cut it into small cubes before mixing it into the dry ingredients. Here’s how to do it quickly:
- Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Add the cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until you see small clumps. It should look like coarse crumbs.
- Don’t overmix! Some pea-sized chunks of butter will create those yummy crunchy bits when baked.
This technique ensures your oat topping is deliciously crisp while the fruit filling stays juicy. Enjoy baking!
How to Make Apple Cherry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries, pitted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of fruit)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken fruit filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Serving (Optional):
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 40-45 minutes of baking. Once you’ve made it, you’ll need an extra few minutes to let it cool slightly before serving. Overall, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish to prepare for the fruit and topping.
2. Mix the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples and pitted cherries. Add in the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated and mixed. Then, transfer this fruity goodness into your prepared dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you are using it), and salt. Mix these ingredients together. Now, take the cold cubed butter and add it to this mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs with some small chunks.
4. Combine and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit mixture in your baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake it for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and you can see the fruit filling bubbling up around the edges.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve. Dish it up warm, and if you want an extra treat, top it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every comforting bite of this scrumptious Apple Cherry Crisp!
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Absolutely! You can mix and match fruits based on your preference. Pears, berries, or peaches all work beautifully with a similar topping. Just be mindful of the sweetness and adjust the sugar if using sweeter fruits.
What if I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No worries! You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or tapioca starch. Both will help thicken the fruit filling effectively, so your crisp won’t be too watery.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the fruit filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy your crisp!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Apple Cherry Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy the delightful taste again!
