The Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe is an irresistible celebration of two beloved fruits nestled beneath a perfectly crunchy topping. Imagine juicy dark cherries and sweet strawberries baking together until their natural juices bubble up and mingle with a buttery oat and walnut crisp. This dessert wonderfully balances tartness and sweetness, delivering a comforting, vibrant treat that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re craving a warm finish to dinner or a satisfying snack, this Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe is a treasure worth making time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in creating that wonderful harmony of flavor and texture. From the fresh fruit that bursts with brightness to the mix of oats and walnuts lending crunch, these essentials come together naturally and beautifully.
- Dark, sweet cherries (1 pound): Choose ripe, juicy cherries for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Strawberries (2 pounds): Fresh and firm strawberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Light brown sugar (1 1/2 cups, divided): Its subtle molasses notes enrich both the fruit filling and the topping.
- Chilled butter (12 tablespoons/1 1/2 sticks): Cold butter ensures a flaky, crumbly topping that crisps up nicely.
- Old fashioned oats (2 cups): Provide chewy texture and wholesome heartiness in the crumble.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Helps bind the topping together and creates that classic crisp texture.
- Walnuts (1 cup, finely chopped): Add a satisfying crunch and a toasty, nutty depth to the topping.
How to Make Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This temperature is perfect for crisping the topping quickly while allowing the fruit to soften and release their vibrant juices.
Step 2: Combine the Fruit and Sugar
In a large cast-iron skillet or a 9-inch baking dish, gently toss together the pitted, halved cherries and quartered strawberries with 3/4 cup of the brown sugar. This mix will sweeten the berries just enough without overpowering their natural tartness — a key to that balanced flavor we love in this Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar, oats, chilled butter, flour, and finely chopped walnuts. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until they resemble small pebbles. This technique creates the beauty of a golden, crumbly topping full of texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Evenly spread the oat and nut topping over the sweet berry mixture in your skillet or baking dish. Make sure the entire surface is covered, as this topping seals in the fruit’s moisture while baking and turns that lovely golden brown crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your crisp into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Watch for a bubbling fruit filling and a topping that’s toasted to golden perfection. The aroma alone will have you eager to taste this cozy Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe right away.
How to Serve Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add creaminess and contrast to the warm, fruity dessert. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts on top adds extra crunch and a hint of toasted nut aroma that pairs beautifully with the berries.
Side Dishes
This crisp shines on its own but pairs well with lightly sweetened Greek yogurt or a simple cup of your favorite herbal tea. These sides complement the tart and sweet flavors without overwhelming the delicate balance of the dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the crisp in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Alternatively, turn it into a layered parfait by alternating spoonfuls of the crisp with whipped cream or yogurt in clear glasses — a fun way to enjoy the Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe with a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a lovely ready-to-enjoy treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the crisp either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed. For baked leftovers, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe warm, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This refreshes the crisp topping while keeping the fruit filling bubbling and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries and strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work well, though they may release more juice, so consider reducing any added sugar slightly. Thaw and drain excess liquid if you want a thicker filling.
What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
Feel free to swap walnuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch, or simply omit them to keep the topping nut-free while maintaining texture with oats.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly. The crisp topping will still turn out beautifully crisp and flavorful.
How do I know when the crisp is done baking?
Look for a bubbling fruit filling around the edges and a topping that is a deep golden brown. The crumble should feel crisp and firm to the touch.
Can I prepare the topping ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the topping and keep it chilled for a day before baking. This actually enhances the flavors as the butter firms up the mixture, giving you a perfect crisp when baked.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate fresh fruit with a warm, comforting twist. Its straightforward ingredients and straightforward steps make it approachable for bakers of all levels. Once you taste that bubbling, golden topping atop juicy berries, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a cherished favorite. So tie on your apron and treat yourself to the joy of homemade cherry and strawberry perfection!
Print
Cherry Strawberry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting Cherry Strawberry Crisp featuring sweet cherries and juicy strawberries baked under a crunchy oat, walnut, and brown sugar topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert that highlights fresh summer fruit with a buttery, nutty crumble.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 1 pound dark, sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 pounds strawberries, quartered
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
Crisp Topping
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) chilled butter, cut into pats
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped fine
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the crisp evenly and effectively.
- Prepare the fruit filling: In a large cast-iron skillet or a 9-inch baking dish, combine the pitted and halved cherries, quartered strawberries, and 3/4 cup of light brown sugar. Mix gently to evenly coat the fruit with sugar.
- Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of light brown sugar, old fashioned oats, chilled butter pats, all-purpose flour, and finely chopped walnuts. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the mixture until it forms small pebble-sized crumbs.
- Assemble the crisp: Evenly spread the prepared oat and walnut topping over the fruit mixture in the skillet or baking dish, covering all the fruit.
- Bake: Place the skillet or dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crisp and the fruit is bubbling at the edges, indicating it is cooked through and juicy.
Notes
- Use chilled butter to achieve a better crumbly texture in the topping.
- Adjust sugar levels depending on the sweetness of your fruit.
- Cast-iron skillets help distribute heat evenly, but a good quality baking dish works well too.
- Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving for the topping to set.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
