Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Oatmeal Cherry Crisp is the perfect blend of sweet cherries and a buttery, crunchy oat topping. It's a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights, satisfying sweet cravings without demanding hours in the kitchen. This healthy and delicious dish is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts and beginners alike, offering a simple yet impressive dessert everyone will love. Get ready to enjoy this quick dinner idea that's much more than just a simple treat!
Ingredients:
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get started with the cherry filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the cherries, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure the cherries are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the amazing oat topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is key for that perfect crispy texture!
Combine and bake:
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Cooking Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cherry Crisp:
- Don't overmix the topping: Overmixing can lead to a tough topping. Just work until the butter is incorporated.
- Use fresh cherries if possible: Fresh cherries offer the best flavor, but frozen work well too. Just make sure they're thawed and drained before using.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet crisp, reduce the sugar in both the filling and the topping.
- Add a touch of almond extract: A teaspoon of almond extract enhances the cherry flavor beautifully.
Variations:
- Berry Crisp: Substitute other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for the cherries.
- Apple Crisp: Use sliced apples instead of cherries and adjust spices accordingly (add a dash of allspice or nutmeg).
- Nutty Crisp: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping for added crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 4-5g
This easy oatmeal cherry crisp recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of food recipes and healthy meals. It's a simple and satisfying dessert that's perfect for any occasion, proving that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. Enjoy!