This cherry almond maple crisp is more than just a dessert; it’s a memory maker. It’s the taste of cozy fall evenings, holiday gatherings, and even those “I need a treat” kind of nights. It’s become a tradition, something the kids request all the time. And honestly, I don’t mind making it because it’s so simple!
It’s a lifesaver when unexpected guests arrive. I always have a bag of frozen cherries in the freezer, so I can whip up a cherry almond maple crisp with minimal effort. It’s rustic, it’s charming, and it always gets rave reviews. Plus, using maple syrup gives it a slightly healthier spin. Hey, every little bit counts, right?
This cherry almond maple crisp fits perfectly into my busy life because it’s forgiving. You can use fresh or frozen cherries, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and even swap out the almonds for other nuts. It’s a blank canvas for your creativity! For another delicious dessert, check out this Sausage Maple Waffle Bake recipe for more maple inspiration!
Trust me, once you try this cherry almond maple crisp, it will become a regular in your rotation too. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone happy, and that’s what cooking is all about, right? So, let’s get started!
Ingredients for Cherry Almond Maple Crisp
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing cherry almond maple crisp:
- 4 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen) I always use frozen cherries when they aren’t in season. It’s so easy and they work perfectly!
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice A little brightness really enhances the cherry flavor in this cherry almond maple crisp.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch This helps thicken the cherry juices.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats I prefer old-fashioned oats for that extra bit of texture in my cherry almond maple crisp.
- 1/2 cup almond flour Adds a delicious nutty flavor and helps create a tender crisp topping.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds For extra crunch and almond goodness!
- 1/4 cup melted butter Unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup The star of the show! Adds sweetness and that amazing maple flavor to the cherry almond maple crisp.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
When making cherry almond maple crisp, you can usually find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store. Almond flour might be in the baking aisle or the gluten-free section. And of course, make sure you’re using real maple syrup – it makes all the difference! According to the Cleveland Clinic, real maple syrup has many health benefits, check them out here: Maple Syrup Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits – Cleveland Clinic
Here’s a cherry almond maple crisp trick I learned from my mom: if your cherries are super tart, add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the cherry mixture. It balances the flavors beautifully.
For ingredient prep shortcuts that work for busy families making cherry almond maple crisp, I like to measure out all my dry ingredients ahead of time. That way, when it’s time to assemble, it goes super quick.
For cost-saving tips for cherry almond maple crisp ingredients, buy cherries in bulk when they’re in season and freeze them. It’s much cheaper than buying them out of season.
And for storage tips for leftover cherry almond maple crisp ingredients, make sure your almond flour and sliced almonds are stored in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.
How to Make Cherry Almond Maple Crisp – Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this incredible cherry almond maple crisp, step-by-step:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the cherry almond maple crisp bakes evenly and the topping gets nice and golden.
- Prepare the cherry filling. In a medium bowl, combine the pitted cherries, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Gently stir until the cherries are evenly coated. The lemon juice really helps brighten up the cherries.
- Transfer the cherry mixture to a baking dish. I usually use an 8×8 inch square dish, but a pie plate works too. Don’t worry if your cherry almond maple crisp filling looks a little juicy – the cornstarch will thicken it as it bakes.
- Make the crisp topping. In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, sliced almonds, melted butter, maple syrup, and salt. Use your fingers to mix everything together until it forms a crumbly mixture. This almond maple topping is what makes this cherry almond maple crisp extra special.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry filling. Make sure the entire surface is covered so you get that delicious crisp in every bite. I learned the hard way with cherry almond maple crisp that if you don’t spread the topping evenly, some parts will be soggy and others will be too crunchy.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. In my kitchen, cherry almond maple crisp usually takes about 32 minutes, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on it.
- Let cool slightly before serving. This allows the cherry filling to thicken a bit more. Your cherry almond maple crisp should smell like warm cherries, toasted almonds, and sweet maple syrup – pure heaven!
- Optional topping: Sprinkle with a bit more sliced almond after taking out of the oven.
While the cherry almond maple crisp is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or maybe sneak in a chapter of my book. Multi-tasking is key, right?
A little tip: if the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the cherry almond maple crisp with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Serving Your Cherry Almond Maple Crisp
Okay, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving this masterpiece! Here are some ideas on how to enjoy your warm, delicious cherry almond maple crisp.
The kids love our cherry almond maple crisp when I top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect contrast of warm and cold, sweet and creamy.
My go-to side dishes that pair with cherry almond maple crisp are simple but effective. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds extra crunch, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for those who like it extra sweet.
This cherry almond maple crisp is perfect for so many occasions! It’s a hit at potlucks, holiday dinners, or even just a cozy night in. It’s rustic enough to be casual but elegant enough to impress. As WebMD describes, Cherries are packed with antioxidants that have many benefits, so you can eat them guilt free.
Here are some cherry almond maple crisp presentation tips I’ve discovered: serve it warm in individual bowls or ramekins for a more elegant presentation. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice finishing touch.
If you have extra cherry almond maple crisp (which is rare in my house!), it’s delicious cold straight from the fridge. You can also reheat it in the microwave or oven.
Some seasonal cherry almond maple crisp variations I’ve tried include adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the fall, or a handful of blueberries or raspberries in the summer.
My friends always ask for this cherry almond maple crisp recipe whenever I make it. They love the combination of the sweet cherries, crunchy almonds, and the unique flavor of maple syrup. And honestly, who can resist a warm, comforting crisp?
FAQs
Alright, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this amazing cherry almond maple crisp. I’ve gotten a lot of questions over the years from family, friends, and even blog readers, so let’s dive in:
Q: Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen for my cherry almond maple crisp?
A: You can, but I don’t recommend it. Canned cherries tend to be too sweet and a bit mushy. Fresh or frozen cherries will give you a much better texture and flavor. You know what I do when my cherry almond maple crisp craving hits and I only have canned cherries? I drain them really well and reduce the amount of maple syrup in the topping to compensate for the extra sweetness.
Q: My crisp topping is too dry. What did I do wrong with my cherry almond maple crisp?
A: You probably didn’t use enough butter or maple syrup. Make sure your butter is fully melted and that you’re using real maple syrup. It adds both moisture and flavor. If your topping still seems dry, add a tablespoon of melted butter or maple syrup at a time until it comes together.
Q: Can I substitute the almond flour for something else in my cherry almond maple crisp?
A: Yes! You can use regular all-purpose flour, oat flour, or even a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different. My family actually prefers oat flour sometimes – it gives the cherry almond maple crisp a heartier texture.
Q: My cherry filling is too runny. How can I fix my cherry almond maple crisp?
A: Make sure you’re using enough cornstarch. If your filling is still too runny after baking, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and gently stir it into the hot filling after it comes out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Q: Can I make this cherry almond maple crisp ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire crisp and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Or, you can bake it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Q: Can I add other fruits to my cherry almond maple crisp?
A: Definitely! Cherries pair well with so many fruits. Try adding blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even a little bit of orange zest for a burst of flavor. One reader mentioned that adding a splash of amaretto to the cherry filling is amazing, and I totally agree!
Q: How do I store leftover cherry almond maple crisp?
A: Store leftover cherry almond maple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving. Honestly, though, it’s usually gone within a day in my house!
My Final Thoughts
Well, friends, we’ve reached the end of our cherry almond maple crisp journey. And I truly hope you’re as excited to make this recipe as I am to share it!
This cherry almond maple crisp recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of simple pleasures, family traditions, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. It’s a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious, and it always brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Here are a few of my Pro Tips for cherry almond maple crisp:
- Use high-quality maple syrup: It really makes a difference in the flavor!
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking will make the topping too dry and the filling too thick.
- Let it cool slightly: This allows the filling to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Here are a few cherry almond maple crisp variations we’ve tried with our family:
- Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Maple Crisp: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a richer, more decadent dessert.
- Cherry Almond Ginger Maple Crisp: Add a pinch of ground ginger to the topping for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Cherry Almond Coconut Maple Crisp: Substitute shredded coconut for some of the almonds in the topping.
My husband loves the cherry almond chocolate chip version, while the kids are partial to the original. I personally love the cherry almond ginger version – it’s so cozy and comforting!
I encourage you to make this cherry almond maple crisp your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, nuts, or spices. Add your own personal touch and create a dessert that reflects your unique taste.
I hope your cherry almond maple crisp cooking experience is filled with joy, delicious aromas, and happy memories. May it become a beloved tradition in your family, just like it has in mine.
So go ahead, give it a try! You won’t regret it. This cherry almond maple crisp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy baking!
PrintCherry Almond Maple Crisp: A Family Favorite
This Easy Cherry Almond Maple Crisp is the perfect dessert! It’s quick, easy, and delicious – packed with juicy cherries, crunchy almonds, and a hint of maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine cherries, almond flour, oats, maple syrup, melted coconut oil and almond extract.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat! You can substitute other fruits like blueberries or peaches.