Recipe for a Nutritious Cherry Crisp

This delicious Cherry Crisp recipe is the perfect summertime treat! Filled with sweet cherries and a nutritious oat topping, this warm cherry crisp comes together effortlessly using just a handful of simple ingredients!

It’s officially cherry time, and what better way to enjoy these delights than with this Healthy Cherry Crisp recipe! Succulent cherries bursting with flavor topped with a golden, crumbly crisp and served with scoops of vanilla ice cream make for the ultimate summer dessert. This cherry crisp is naturally sweetened with maple syrup, contains less butter compared to conventional crisps, and is garnished with wholesome oats instead of refined flour for a healthier dessert that tastes fantastic!

Reasons to Love This

• Quick and simple – this healthy cherry crisp is ready to pop in the oven in under 15 minutes with very little preparation.
• Healthier – cherries are loaded with fiber and antioxidants while the crisp topping is crafted with wholesome oats, reduced butter, and no refined sugar.
• Customizable – this fresh cherry crisp is easily modified to accommodate various dietary preferences, whether you are gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.
• Ideal for summer – this recipe creates the most delightful sweet dessert or nutritious breakfast that can be enjoyed all summer long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• cherries – the highlight of this recipe! Fresh cherries are recommended, but frozen cherries can also be used if that’s what you have on hand. No canned cherries! Both sweet and sour cherries work well in this dish.
• rolled oats – wholesome whole grain old fashioned oats lend a nice crunch to this topping.
• oat flour – flour helps bind the topping, and you can easily make your own oat flour at home by blending rolled oats in your food processor or blender. Almond flour is also a great alternative, but any flour will suffice.
• maple syrup – naturally sweetens this cherry crisp, used in both the cherry layer and the oat topping. Honey, coconut sugar, brown sugar, or any sweetener of your choice can also be utilized.
• lemon juice – this brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness. You can replace lemon juice with a touch of apple cider vinegar if needed.
• cornstarch – this thickens the filling and keeps it from becoming watery. Arrowroot powder can be substituted for cornstarch.
• pecans – chopped nuts add extra crunch to the topping and provide a boost of protein, but you can leave them out if you’re avoiding nuts.
• coconut sugar – I prefer to use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar in my recipes, as it adds an additional layer of sweetness to the oat topping.
• butter (or coconut oil) – I’ve been making this cherry crisp for years, and both butter and coconut oil work beautifully! Coconut oil offers more nutritional benefits and is an excellent choice if you are vegan or dairy-free, but in my view, butter has the best flavor.
• vanilla + almond extract – provides an extra burst of flavor to the cherry crisp.
• cinnamon + salt – enhances the overall taste of this cherry crisp.

Instructions for Making Cherry Crisp

1. Pit the cherries. Wash the cherries, take off the stems and leaves, and use a cherry pitter or straw to pit them.
2. Prepare the cherry filling. Place the cherries in an 8×8 baking dish, 9×9 baking dish, or cast iron skillet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray, then add maple syrup, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended and the cherries are well coated.
3. Make the crumble topping. In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, oat flour, pecans, coconut sugar, and maple syrup. Add the butter (or solid coconut oil) and mix well using a pastry cutter (or your hands) until combined and the mixture resembles a good crumble topping.
4. Assemble and bake. Evenly sprinkle the oat crumble on top of the cherry mixture and bake the cherry crisp in a 350-degree F oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. The crisp will appear golden brown, and the cherries should be soft and tender. If the oat topping begins to brown too fast, cover the baking pan with foil.
5. Serve and enjoy! Serve immediately while still warm, and I highly recommend adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Advice, Suggestions, and Alternatives

• Frozen cherries are excellent – while I highly suggest using fresh cherries in this recipe, especially when they are in season, you can also use frozen cherries. Just allow them to thaw somewhat to prevent the cherry filling from becoming too liquid.
• Change the fruit – swap the cherries for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, or other fresh fruits. Check out my apple crisp recipe!
• Keep the topping crispy – ensure you use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick cooking oats, as the latter tends to become mushy while baking.
• Replace the butter with coconut oil – if using coconut oil instead of butter, make sure it’s solid, not melted, to achieve a good crumbly topping that will bake well.
• Prevent browning – there’s no need to cover this cherry crisp while baking, but if you notice the topping browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil until the cherries are soft and tender.
• Make it gluten-free – simply use certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free oat flour or another gluten-free flour.
• Make it vegan – substitute coconut oil for butter and top with your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
• Nut-free option – either omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds or extra oats.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Crisp

• Healthy breakfast – top this warm cherry crisp with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a perfect morning meal.
• Dessert – pair it with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for a tasty after-dinner treat.
• Chocolate drizzle – melt and drizzle a few tablespoons of chocolate chips over the cherry crisp for some extra indulgence!

Preparation and Storage

• To Prep: You can easily prepare this recipe a day ahead by assembling the cherry crisp in the pan before baking and covering it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• To Store: This cherry crisp lasts for up to 4 to 5 days if covered and kept in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge. Reheat leftovers by placing the whole crisp back in the oven at 350 for 5 to 10 minutes, or warm it in the microwave.
• To Freeze: Leftover cherry crisp can also be frozen (either baked or unbaked) for up to 3 months. Just ensure to thaw the crisp thoroughly in the fridge before baking.

More Desserts for Summer

Hope you all relish this Healthy Cherry Crisp recipe! If you adore it as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!

**Healthy Cherry Crisp Recipe: A Tasty and Healthful Dessert**

Cherry crisp is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of cherries with a crunchy topping. By making a few easy modifications, you can turn this classic dish into a healthier option without compromising on taste. This guide will walk you through a recipe for a healthy cherry crisp, perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping your dietary goals in mind.

**Ingredients:**

*For the Cherry Filling:*
– 4 cups of fresh or frozen pitted cherries
– 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract (optional)

*For the Crisp Topping:*
– 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1/2 cup of almond flour or whole wheat flour
– 1/3 cup of chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
– 1/4 cup of coconut sugar or brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with some coconut oil or butter.

2. **Prepare the Cherry Filling:**
In a large bowl, mix the cherries, maple syrup or honey, lemon juice, cornstarch or arrowroot powder, vanilla extract, and almond extract, if using. Stir until the cherries are evenly coated and the cornstarch is dissolved.

3. **Make the Crisp Topping:**
In another bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour or whole wheat flour, chopped nuts, coconut sugar or brown sugar, melted coconut oil or butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.

4. **Assemble the Crisp:**
Spread the cherry filling evenly in the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the cherries, ensuring complete coverage.

5. **Bake the Crisp:**
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.

6. **Cool and Serve:**
Allow the cherry crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it plain or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added treat.

**Nutritional Benefits:**

This healthy cherry crisp is packed with nutrients. Cherries are abundant in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce oxidative stress and promote overall health. Using almond flour and nuts adds healthy fats and protein, while oats provide fiber, promoting fullness and aiding digestion. By opting for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, you minimize refined sugar intake, making this dessert a healthier choice.

**Conclusion:**

Making a healthy cherry crisp is a straightforward way to indulge in a classic dessert while sticking to a balanced diet. With its mix of juicy cherries and a crunchy, nutty topping, this recipe provides a satisfying and nutritious treat. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or enjoy it as a little self-care, this healthy cherry crisp is destined to impress.