The aroma of warm fruit, toasted almonds, and sweet maple syrup wafting through the kitchen is one of my absolute favorite things, especially on a chilly autumn evening. It instantly brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and the sheer joy of sharing a comforting dessert. That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for cherry almond maple crisp – it’s become a total staple in our home. Even my notoriously picky son asks for seconds, and that’s saying something!
Forget complicated desserts that take hours. This cherry almond maple crisp comes together in under an hour and uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Picture this: sweet, juicy cherries nestled beneath a golden-brown, perfectly crumbly almond topping, all drizzled with the rich, decadent flavor of real maple syrup. My “aha” moment was when I realized a little almond extract really kicks up the nutty flavor. Trust me, your family is going to love this as much as mine does!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:
- 6 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries: I prefer using fresh cherries when they are in season, but frozen cherries work just as well and are a great option year-round. Thaw them slightly if using frozen. Did you know that cherries are packed with antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation? It’s a tasty way to get a health boost!
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the cherries. You can use coconut sugar for a healthier option. Using different types of sugar can subtly change the flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite!
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps to thicken the cherry filling. Tapioca starch is a great substitute. This ensures your crisp isn’t too runny and has the perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and enhances the cherry flavor. Freshly squeezed is always best! The acidity of the lemon juice really makes the cherry flavor pop.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: This is my secret ingredient that really brings out the almond flavor in the topping and complements the cherries beautifully. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the crisp topping. You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour. For a slightly nuttier flavor, try using almond flour.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats: Adds a wonderful texture to the crisp topping. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed. Oats add a lovely chewiness to the topping.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness to the topping. Light or dark brown sugar works. Dark brown sugar will give a richer, molasses-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: The cold butter is key to creating a crumbly topping. Vegan butter works too! Make sure the butter is very cold to prevent it from melting too quickly.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the crisp. You can also use chopped almonds or slivered almonds.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: The magic ingredient that elevates this dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness. Make sure you use real maple syrup. Check out Maple Syrup Nutrition Information for more on maple syrup grades.
My Tips:
- I always buy extra cherries when they’re in season and freeze them for baking throughout the year. It’s a huge time-saver and ensures I always have cherries on hand when I’m craving this crisp. Frozen cherries are just as nutritious as fresh ones!
- For the butter, I actually like to cut it into cubes and then put it back in the fridge for a few minutes. This makes it even colder and easier to work with when making the topping. This helps create those desirable crumbly bits.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C): This ensures the crisp bakes evenly and the topping gets nice and golden brown. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Prepare the cherry filling: In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Gently toss everything together until the cherries are evenly coated. This step is important because it ensures that the filling will thicken properly as it bakes. Tossing gently prevents the cherries from getting bruised.
- Transfer the cherry filling to a 9-inch baking dish: You can use a pie dish or a square baking dish. Make sure it’s oven-safe! Glass or ceramic dishes work best for even heat distribution.
- Make the almond crisp topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is the secret to a perfectly crumbly topping. Don’t overmix! Working quickly with cold butter is crucial.
- Stir in the sliced almonds: Gently fold the sliced almonds into the topping mixture. Be careful not to crush the almonds.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry filling: Make sure to cover the entire surface of the cherries. This ensures a beautiful and delicious topping in every bite.
- Drizzle with maple syrup: This is where the magic happens. Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the topping. The Maple Syrup Nutrition Information guide has great insights if you want to learn more about maple syrup. Using a high-quality maple syrup will make a noticeable difference.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes: Or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. The bubbling filling indicates that the cornstarch has activated and thickened the sauce.
- Let cool slightly before serving: This is the hardest part, but it’s important to let the crisp cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken and the topping to set slightly. Trust me, patience is a virtue in this step!
Real-Life Tip: If you notice the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This prevents the topping from burning while allowing the filling to continue cooking.
Serving Ideas
We love serving this cherry almond maple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm crisp with the cold ice cream is simply divine. I also sometimes add a sprinkle of extra sliced almonds on top for added crunch and visual appeal. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra maple syrup never hurts!
Family-Style Serving:
I usually just put the baking dish in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves. It’s casual, easy, and perfect for family dinners. It creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Occasions:
This crisp is perfect for so many occasions. It’s great for a simple weeknight dessert, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday gathering. I often make it for potlucks because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile and always appreciated.
Leftovers:
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in our house!), they’re delicious cold straight from the fridge. You can also reheat them in the microwave or oven. I even enjoy them for breakfast sometimes! Cold crisp for breakfast? Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
If you are looking for other recipes check out my corn nuggets recipe, or my crispy parmesan chicken recipe.
FAQs
- Can I use other fruits besides cherries? Absolutely! This cherry almond maple crisp recipe works well with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or apples. Just adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit. A mixed berry crisp is also a fantastic option.
- Can I make this crisp ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cherry filling and the topping separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Assemble the crisp just before baking. This is a great time-saving tip for busy schedules.
- Can I freeze this crisp? You can freeze the unbaked crisp for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. Make sure to use a freezer-safe baking dish.
- What if I don’t have almond extract? You can substitute with vanilla extract, but the almond extract really enhances the flavor. A touch of Amaretto liqueur can also be a delicious addition.
- My topping is too dry. What should I do? Add a tablespoon or two of melted butter or maple syrup to moisten it. Mix gently until the topping comes together.
- My topping is too wet. What should I do? Add a tablespoon or two of flour or oats to absorb the excess moisture. This will help achieve the desired crumbly texture.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and use certified gluten-free oats. There are many excellent gluten-free flour blends available.
- Can I reduce the amount of sugar? Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and the topping to your liking. Taste and adjust as needed. Remember, the cherries do have natural sugars. Refer to Cherry Nutrition Information to learn more.
Conclusion
This cherry almond maple crisp recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a little piece of comfort and joy that I love sharing with my family. I hope it brings as much happiness to your home as it has to mine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, nuts, or spices to make it your own. Cooking is all about creativity and having fun!
Here are a few home cook tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Use good quality maple syrup: It really makes a difference in the overall flavor of the crisp. Look for pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
- Don’t overmix the topping: Overmixing will result in a tough topping instead of a crumbly one. Mix until just combined.
- Let the crisp cool slightly before serving: This allows the filling to thicken and the flavors to meld together. It also prevents burning your tongue!
As for family variations, my daughter loves it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while my husband enjoys it with a dollop of whipped cream. I personally like it plain, so I can really savor the flavors of the cherries, almonds, and maple syrup.
Don’t be intimidated by baking! If I can make this on a busy weeknight, you absolutely can too. I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment below and let me know! Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!
PrintCherry Almond Maple Crisp: A Family Favorite
This cherry almond crisp is a delightful dessert that combines sweet cherries with a crunchy almond topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Toss to coat.
- Pour cherry mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and sliced almonds.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, ripe cherries. If using frozen cherries, thaw them slightly and drain any excess juice before using. You can substitute other nuts for almonds in the topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cherry, crisp, almond, dessert, baking