Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This cherry crisp recipe, using store-bought cherry pie filling, is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings. It's a delightful blend of sweet cherries, a buttery oat topping, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, but who still want a delicious and homemade treat. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 2 (15 ounce) cans cherry pie filling
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
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Pour the Filling: Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. This is where the magic of convenience begins! No need for pitting or cooking down fresh cherries.
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Make the Crisp Topping: In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the flakier your crisp will be.
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Assemble & Bake: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the cherry filling.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cherry crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Cherry Crisp:
- Use good quality pie filling: While this recipe uses store-bought filling for convenience, using a higher quality brand will enhance the overall flavor.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry crisp. Start checking for doneness around the 35-minute mark.
- Get creative with toppings: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well) to the topping for added texture and flavor.
Variations:
- Mix it up: Feel free to experiment with different types of pie fillings, like blueberry or apple.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the topping for a warm, spiced twist.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour in the topping. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using two 15-ounce cans of cherry pie filling and assumes 9 servings. Nutritional content can vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This easy cherry crisp recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a delicious, healthy meal option that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy!