‘Tis the peak of summer and you need this downright stupendous sweet cherry crisp more than ever before. I’m assuming you’ve already made my healthy apple crisp and blueberry crisp with tahini coconut crumble! Is a warm, bubbly fruit crisp topped with chilly ice cream not the most satisfying patio dessert of all time? I truly hope you enjoy this healthy crisp al fresco, beneath the stars, ideally on a fabulous blanket. Summer at its finest! Wouldya believe this here crisp only has 8 ingredients? Make sure to stock up on fresh cherries while they last, then freeze or dry them to enjoy year-round. This recipe could not be simpler to make. Not a baker? Rest assured that it’s next to impossible to mess up. (Unless you fail to top it with ice cream. Then we may have a problem.)
Health benefits of fresh sweet cherries
Besides tasting spectacular, antioxidant-packed sweet cherries boast a slew of impressive health benefits. As a Dietitian, I love the dynamic duo of irresistible flavor and good health!
A natural sleep aid: Did you know sweet cherries are one of the few natural plant sources of melatonin? Eating cherries about an hour before bedtime may help stabilize and regulate sleep patterns for high quality zzz’s. A sweet source of filling fiber: One cup of cherries offers three grams of fiber, or 12% of the recommended daily value. Boosting fiber intake may contribute to improved cardiovascular and digestive health plus diabetes prevention. A low glycemic sweet treat: A little known fact about sweet cherries is that they boast a lower glycemic index than almost any other fruit. That means blood sugar levels stay steady longer versus spiking and causing crashes. Kick carcinogens to the curb: Lab studies suggest that the plant compounds of sweet cherries may possess cancer-fighting properties, specifically breast and colon cancer. Among other compounds, cherries contain ellagic acid and anthocyanins, which may be potent inhibitors to cancer cell growth. Chill out with cherries: Research suggests that polyphenols may protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Mood-boosting serotonin found in cherries is a valuable neurotransmitter in stress reduction! Gout, be gone: Eating sweet cherries may lower levels of uric acid in the blood, according to research conducted at the USDA Western Human Nutrition Research Center. A study done at the Boston University School of Medicine found that patients who eat cherries and take their medicine have a 35% to 75% lower chance of experiencing an attack.
Ingredient Notes
Fresh sweet cherries: One of summer’s finest fruits, tasty to boot and packed with fiber and antioxidants! Be sure to remove the pits and the stems. No shame if you do it with your hands… White whole wheat flour: For some extra whole grain goodness, but all purpose flour, almond flour or GF flour will all work swimmingly. Old fashioned (rolled) oats: Classic for a texturally pleasing, streusel-like crisp! Be sure they’re certified GF if needed. Coconut sugar: A natural, low-glycemic sweetener. Brown sugar can be used as well. Almonds: A must for crunch factor and toasty, nutty flavor. Pecans or walnuts would also be delish. Raw is best since it’s going in the oven but I’ve made this with roasted as well and it worked fine! Cinnamon and sea salt: Key for bringing out maximum cherry flavor. Coconut oil: I love the buttery + subtle coconut flavor of coconut oil, but you can easily use butter instead. For less coconut flavor, use refined coconut oil.
Substitution Ideas
Next, all the modification possibilities! I’d say this crisp is relatively fool-proof, because it’s hard to make oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil not taste sublime. Feel free to use this recipe as a guide using whatever you have on hand in the pantry. Want to throw in some ground flax, vanilla, or lemon juice? You do you!
Using frozen cherries: Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but I recommend fresh sweet cherries while they’re available. You can also stock up now, pit them, and freeze them while they’re at their freshest to enjoy them year-round. If you’re using frozen, I’d recommend letting them thaw a bit so the cherry layer isn’t too liquidy. You can use the reserved juice on oatmeal, in smoothies, or mixed into vinaigrettes! Using butter instead of coconut oil: For a more traditional buttery flavor, butter can totally be swapped in for coconut oil. Making a gluten-free crisp: Almond flour or your favorite all purpose gluten free flour can be used here in place of wheat flour. Swap the nuts: I think the almonds make this crisp, but pecans or walnuts would be delicious, too!
Storage tips
Lastly, let’s chat storage so you can enjoy this crisp for days (if it lasts that long…).
How to store: Cover the crisp with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. How to reheat: This crisp can easily be reheated in the microwave, however the topping will be crispier if it’s reheated in the oven at 350F until hot. How to freeze: Cherry crisp can be kept in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to three months. Thaw crisp overnight in the refrigerator prior to reheating.
Yes, you have my wholehearted permission to chow down on this for breakfast. You’re welcome.
