Sour Cherry Crisp

This sour cherry crisp is everything a summer dessert should be—juicy, tart, golden-crisp on top, and best of all, super easy to throw together. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just craving something sweet and seasonal, this recipe brings together bright sour cherries and a buttery oat topping that’s simply irresistible. The sour cherry filling bubbles beneath a warm, crunchy layer of oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts, creating a spoonful of summer in every bite.

If you’ve never baked with sour cherries before, now’s your moment. They’re a bit tangier than the sweet varieties, which makes them perfect for desserts where a rich topping or creamy pairing balances them out beautifully.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out some of our other popular recipes like this Dark Chocolate Berry Bark or these fun and flaky Cheesy Crescent Roll Garlic Knots.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

This sour cherry crisp is:

• Incredibly easy to prepare—no complicated steps or special tools needed
• A great way to use fresh or frozen sour cherries
• Perfect for summer picnics, backyard BBQs, or weeknight treats
• Easily adaptable to different dietary needs

Taste & Texture

Get ready for layers of flavor and contrast:

• Tart and juicy cherry filling
• Sweet, buttery, and crisp topping
• Slight crunch from chopped walnuts or pecans
• Just enough chewiness from the oats

Every bite gives you the perfect blend of tender fruit and toasted topping.

Dietary Attributes

• Naturally vegetarian
• Can be made gluten-free with certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend
• Easily adapted for dairy-free or vegan diets (see below)

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the cherry filling:

• 4 cups pitted sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the crisp topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for extra warmth

Notes on Quality

Fresh sour cherries are ideal when in season (usually mid-summer), but frozen cherries work just as well—just thaw and drain them first to avoid extra moisture. Choose real butter for the richest flavor, and don’t skip the nuts if you enjoy a crunchy finish.

Possible Substitutions

• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil
• Nut-Free: Omit the nuts or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch
• Low-Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the filling slightly, or use a sugar substitute

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together the pitted sour cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, chopped nuts, salt, and cinnamon if using.
4. Stir in the melted butter until the topping forms a crumbly texture.
5. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the cherry filling.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving—this helps the filling set up.

Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• If your cherries are extra juicy, you can increase the cornstarch slightly to help thicken the filling.
• Taste your cherries before baking—if they’re especially tart, you might want to add a bit more sugar.

Common Mistakes

• Runny filling: This usually happens from too much moisture or not enough thickener. Always thaw and drain frozen cherries thoroughly.
• Soggy topping: Make sure the topping is fully baked. It should be deep golden and crisp.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-pitted frozen cherries to save time
• Mix the topping ahead of time and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance
• Assemble the entire crisp a few hours before baking and refrigerate until ready

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• A scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream
• A dollop of whipped cream
• A light drizzle of warm honey or maple syrup

Presentation Ideas

• Serve in small ramekins for individual desserts
• Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves
• Add a few whole cherries on top for a pop of color

Beverage Pairings

• A glass of chilled rosé
• Sparkling lemonade or iced tea
• For a cozy twist, pair with hot black tea or coffee

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Reheating Methods

• Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for about 30–60 seconds (note: topping may soften)

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use sweet cherries instead?
Yes, but reduce the sugar in the filling since sweet cherries won’t need as much added sweetness.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time slightly (you may need 5–10 extra minutes).

Troubleshooting

Why is my crisp too watery?
Likely due to too much juice from the cherries. Make sure to drain them well and use enough cornstarch to thicken the mixture.

Why is my topping too soft?
It may need more time in the oven. If the top isn’t browning, move it to the upper rack or broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on it.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified GF oats
• Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter

Flavor Twists

• Add almond extract to the filling for a cherry-almond vibe
• Mix in a handful of raspberries or blueberries
• Stir shredded coconut into the topping for a tropical hint

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Top with cranberry sauce during the holidays for a tart-sweet twist
• Serve with spiced whipped cream or cinnamon ice cream in fall

Conclusion

This sour cherry crisp is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again during cherry season. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and couldn’t be easier to make. Plus, the contrast of tangy fruit and crunchy topping is just so satisfying.

Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag us—we’d love to see how it turns out for you. And if you’re craving more easy and fun recipes, you’ll love our Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels—a sweet snack that’s always a hit.

For more crave-worthy dishes and inspiration, head over to our Pinterest page and follow along. You’ll find all the sweet, savory, and seasonal recipes to keep your kitchen buzzing with flavor.

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