Chewy, Gooey, Crispy, Sweet: Cherry Almond Crisp
I have dreams at night.
Dreams of a functional kitchen. I know. Sounds crazy doesn’t it?
I dream of being able to cook again – the way I want to. I am still living in a small apartment with most of my kitchen items in boxes. In case you have been wondering, there is not a lot of cooking that has been worth writing about lately.
That’s all going to change in about 2 weeks – we finally found a house and I will get to unpack all of my stuff! Then I can get back to cooking and experimenting, but for right now it is cooking the easiest and most convenient things.
This cherry almond crisp is in fact easy and convenient. Just what I need.
It starts with fresh cherries and sugary goodness. It finishes with a nice crumble and an optional dollop of vanilla ice cream. Long day at work? This is your answer – Yes please. I had to halve the recipe because this apartment only came with one round glass baking dish. What? If I had my choice, I would choose a large 9 x 13 baking dish. There was nothing left of this crisp. It didn’t stand a chance.
Serve it warm and top with vanilla ice cream.
Nough said.
Kitchen Notes:
- If you are using fresh cherries, please invest in a cherry pitter. Especially if you plan on making this more than once. I’m sure you will.
- The original recipe also uses tart dried cherries for a flavor contrast (I suppose). If you opt to add the dried cherries, soak 1 cup dried cherries in the 1 cup boiling water for 30 minutes before the first step. Mix in with the remaining ingredients.
Adapted from My Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 pounds sweet cherries, pitted
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cooking spray
- 3 2/5 ounces all-purpose flour (about 3/4 cup)
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Combine water, 2 pounds sweet cherries, sugar, flour, vanilla and cinnamon in a large bowl; stir well. Let stand for 15 minutes.
- 4. Pour the cherry mixture into a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 40 minutes or until thick and bubbly.
- 5. While cherry mixture bakes, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, almonds, salt and almond extract in a medium bowl, and stir well. Cut softened butter into mixture until small pea sized clumps form.
- 6. Remove cherry mixture from oven, and sprinkle evenly with the streusel topping. Bake an additional 20 minutes or until streusel is golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes; serve warm.
Notes
If you are using fresh cherries, please invest in a cherry pitter. Especially if you plan on making this more than once. I'm sure you will.
The original recipe also uses tart dried cherries for a flavor contrast (I suppose). If you opt to add the dried cherries, soak 1 cup dried cherries in the 1 cup boiling water for 30 minutes before the first step. Mix in with the remaining ingredients.
Nuthin’ better than a fruit crisp with ‘nilla ice cream! (OK — maybe an almond-y streusel-y topping is better…)
We are in the process of buying a house that is going to need a kitchen redo within the next year. I don’t look forward to not having a functional pizza. This crisp looks fabulous.
Happy that you found a house and start cooking in future.
Cherries and almond makes wonderful combo. Love both of them. I like the idea of making them into crisp and serving with good old vanilla ice cream.
Oh what a gorgeous crisp! You did a beautiful job for having all of your kitchen things still in boxes! This looks like such a comforting dessert, and I can’t wait to try it! Good luck with your new home (and kitchen)! You’ll have to make a ‘full size’ crisp to celebrate! : )
YUM!! That scoop of ice cream and the crisp….. drool
Yum! Your cherry and almond crisp looks fantastic! What a great idea for the Improv Challenge!
Ooh, I love putting fruit crisp on creamy vanilla yogurt! This looks absolutely divine! Great pick!
I love crisps! I’ve never made a cherry one before though!
#27
I love a fruit crisp. It is one of the first recipes I ever baked, other than cookies as a kid. Since I am not a fan of a lot of crust like with a pie, crisps are my favorite! Yum!
I remember my last move , we had to rent for a year before our house was finished! Cooking in my own kitchen was the thing I missed the most! I’m sure before you know it you will be standing in your own kitchen and this will all be a distant memory!
Your Cherry Almond Crisp looks amazing…I love fruit desserts!!