How to Make the Best Cherry Almond Crisp

Simple and delicious, this quick and easy cherry almond crisp promises flavor and texture in every bite. Sweet, juicy cherries are accompanied by a brown sugar and oatmeal streusel topping. Almonds add a little crunch while a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delicious contrast to the warm cherry filling.

cherry almond crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle baked in a small black cast iron skillet on a wooden table top

Man, oh man, there are about one thousand reasons to love this dessert.

First of all, NO PIE CRUST. HALLELUJAH! Although my sourdough pie crust is delicious and near and dear to my heart, I will be the first to admit that pie crust is not my favorite thing to deal with. I would much rather throw together a quick and easy crumble topping (like in this peach blueberry crisp recipe– YUM), and throw the whole thing in the oven to bake. No waiting for a pie crust to chill, roll it out, yada yada.

You get the picture.

Anyway, I have to tell you that this cherry almond crisp is scrumptious, full to the brim with sweet, juicy cherries and topped with a brown sugar and oat crumble topping that belongs on top of just about any fruit crisp recipe.

Let’s make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe


  • QUICK AND EASY: The beauty of fruit crisp! No rolling out pie dough, no chilling. Just assemble, bake, and serve. Ready in about an hour!
  • DELICIOUS FLAVOR: The combination of sweet cherries with the slight flavor of almond is out of this world delicious. The key is to not overdo with the almond extract- less is definitely more here!
  • CROWD PLEASER: This cherry crisp recipe is a great option for serving a large amount of folks. It can easily be doubled! Serve it warm with ice cream and a big dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is a quick overview of essential ingredients needed for this recipe. Make sure to check out the recipe card below for the full list!

  • Cherries: You can use whatever variety of cherries you prefer. I used dark sweet cherries. If using sour cherries, I recommend adding a little extra sugar.
  • Almond Extract: You’ll only need 1/2 tsp, but it is an essential ingredient in the fruit filling.
  • Sugar: I used organic cane sugar for this recipe. White sugar, brown sugar, or even coconut sugar will also work well.
  • Rolled Oats: You’ll need ’em for the streusel topping. Quick oats will work in a pinch.
  • Almonds: I recommend sliced or slivered almonds.

Tips for Preparing to Make This Recipe

  1. I highly recommend using pitted cherries so you don’t have to mess with removing the pits. I used frozen pitted sweet cherries!
  2. If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw briefly and blot them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before using.
  3. I used a 8 inch cast-iron skillet for this recipe which worked great. You could also use a pie dish or other small baking dish.
  4. Rolled oats are best for the streusel topping because they provide the best texture. However, quick oats can be used in a pinch!
  5. The key to the best topping is to use very cold butter. This keeps it from melting everywhere while baking, therefore providing better texture.
  6. This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re serving a crowd!

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below!

How to Make Cherry Almond Crisp

  1. Begin by preheating oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Prepare the fruit filling: In a large bowl, add cherries (make sure they are thawed if using frozen), sugar, and almond extract. Stir to combine and then set aside while you prepare the streusel topping.
  3. For the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, add brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, and salt. Stir gently and then add in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, begin blending the cold butter into the flour mixture, stopping once the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the sliced almonds, working them in gently with your hands.
  4. In a well seasoned 8 inch cast iron skillet , pie dish, or lightly greased 9 x 9 baking pan, pour in the cherry mixture, spreading evenly throughout the baking dish. Top with the crumble topping.
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and the fruit is bubbly around the edges of the pan.
  6. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store in an airtight container to enjoy for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Unbaked crisp will freeze well for up to 3 months. Once you’re ready to bake, thaw it at room temperature on the counter before baking and serving.

I don’t recommend making this ahead of time because the crust will get soggy. It is best made and baked right away!

You can use any that you find, fresh or frozen. I like to use frozen sweet cherries because they are already pitted.

Shop Recommended Tools

Pin it For Later!

Cherry Almond Crisp

cherry almond crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle baked in a small black cast iron skillet on a wooden table top

Simple and delicious, this quick and easy cherry almond crisp promises flavor and texture in every bite. Sweet, juicy cherries are accompanied by a brown sugar and oatmeal streusel topping. Almonds add a little crunch while a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delicious contrast to the warm cherry filling.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

Cherry Filling

  • 5 cups frozen sweet cherries, thawed
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract

Streusel Topping

  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 stick cold butter, cubed
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Begin by preheating oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Prepare the fruit filling: In a large bowl, add cherries (make sure they are thawed if using frozen), sugar, and almond extract. Stir to combine and then set aside while you prepare the streusel topping.
  3. For the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, add brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, and salt. Stir gently and then add in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, begin blending the cold butter into the flour mixture, stopping once the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the sliced almonds, working them in gently with your hands.
  4. In a well seasoned 8 inch cast iron skillet , pie dish, or lightly greased 9 x 9 baking pan, pour in the cherry mixture, spreading evenly throughout the baking dish. Top with the crumble topping.
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and the fruit is bubbly around the edges of the pan.
  6. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store in an airtight container to enjoy for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • I highly recommend using pitted cherries so you don't have to mess with removing the pits. I used frozen pitted sweet cherries!
  • If using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw briefly and blot them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before using.
  • I used a 8 inch cast-iron skillet for this recipe which worked great. You could also use a pie dish or other small baking dish.
  • Freezing Instructions: Unbaked cherry crisp will freeze well for up to 3 months. Once you're ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature on the counter before baking and serving.
  • Storage Instructions: This cherry crisp will store well covered in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

    If you loved this cherry almond crisp recipe, I would appreciate it if you came back and rated it 5 stars! Leave me a comment and let me know how it turned out for you.

    rachael

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *