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Easy Classic Cherry Crisp Recipe with Buttery Oat Topping

Easy Classic Cherry Crisp

A warm cherry dessert made with sweet cherries, lemon, vanilla, and a golden old-fashioned oat topping. This easy crisp is ready in about 50–65 minutes, including its essential resting time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cherry Filling
  • 5 cups Pitted fresh or frozen sweet cherries
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Crisp Topping
  • 1 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly butter an 8-inch square or similarly sized 2-quart baking dish.
  2. Combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Transfer the fruit mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Add the melted butter to the dry topping mixture. Stir until moist, irregular crumbs form.
  5. Scatter the topping loosely and evenly over the cherries without pressing it into a solid layer.
  6. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the cherry filling bubbles around the edges and the topping is golden brown. If using frozen cherries without thawing, add approximately 5–10 minutes if needed.
  7. Let the crisp rest for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the cherry juices to thicken so the portions are less watery.

Notes

Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the crispest topping. Sour cherries can replace sweet cherries, but usually need 3/4 cup sugar. Canned cherries should be thoroughly drained, and the sugar should be reduced because many are packed in sweet syrup.