Cherry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Introduction
This Cherry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream is a delightful dessert perfect for showcasing fresh, juicy cherries. With a crunchy oat topping and a scoop of creamy ice cream, it’s a simple treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of cherries)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the cherries are evenly coated.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the cherry mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the cherries.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and you see the cherries bubbling underneath.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and allow the crisp to cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra nutty flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat topping mixture.
- Use frozen cherries if fresh are not available, but be sure to thaw and drain excess juice before mixing.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar or try substituting with honey or maple syrup.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oats and flour substitutes.
Storage
Store any leftover cherry crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the topping soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cherry filling and oat topping separately in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving to keep the topping crisp.
What can I use instead of vanilla ice cream?
Vanilla ice cream complements the warm cherries well, but you can substitute with whipped cream, frozen yogurt, or even a dollop of mascarpone for a richer experience.
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Cherry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cherry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream is a delightful dessert combining fresh, juicy cherries topped with a buttery oat crumble baked to golden perfection. Served warm with creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunchy topping that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of cherries)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
To Serve
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss thoroughly to coat the cherries evenly with the mixture, which will help thicken the filling during baking.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cherry filling into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the cherries to cover them completely. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the cherry crisp from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar amount depending on the sweetness of your cherries to avoid an overly sweet or tart filling.
- Fresh cherries work best, but frozen cherries can be used if fresh are unavailable; just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- For a crunchier topping, bake an additional 5 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- You can substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
- Serve immediately after baking and scooping to enjoy the contrast between warm crisp and cold ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry crisp, cherry dessert, baked cherry dessert, fruit crisp, summer dessert, vanilla ice cream dessert

