[Foodie Friday Recipe] Warm Black Cherry Crisp

Indulge in the best fruit of the season with this delicious black cherry crisp recipe!

Summer is here, which means, it’s one of my favorite seasons… Cherry season! This Black Cherry Crisp combines the rich flavor of sweet black cherries with warming spices, heart-healthy oats, crunchy pecans, and just the right amount of natural sweetness from honey. It’s a simple dessert that feels indulgent while featuring wholesome ingredients you can feel good about serving to family and friends!

One of the best parts? Using frozen cherries makes this recipe incredibly easy. Not only do they save prep time, but you can also reserve the flavorful cherry juice released during thawing and use it in smoothies, sparkling beverages, or mocktails. Try mixing some of the juice with club soda and fresh crushed mint for a refreshing antioxidant-rich spritzer.

Whether you’re enjoying it on a cool summer evening or serving it at a gathering, this rustic crisp is delicious on its own or topped with Greek yogurt, homemade whipped cream, or your favorite ice cream.

Warm Black Cherry Crisp Recipe:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4–6

Helpful Tip

Frozen cherries are much easier to work with than fresh cherries for this recipe. Place frozen cherries in a small strainer set over a large bowl while thawing to collect the juice. Save the liquid for smoothies, cocktails, mocktails, or sparkling cherry spritzers.

Special Equipment

Four 9-ounce oval cast iron mini-servers or one well-seasoned 10-inch cast iron skillet.

Ingredients:

Filling:

• 4½ cups frozen black cherries, thawed and chopped
• ¼ cup honey, preferably local
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup almond flour
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ⅓ cup honey, preferably local
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ⅛ teaspoon table salt
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or olive oil)

Optional for Serving:

• Greek yogurt
• Homemade whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Directions:

1. Place the top oven rack in the center position and preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the thawed cherries, honey, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and fresh thyme leaves. Toss until evenly coated and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, chopped pecans, honey, melted butter, salt, and coconut oil. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the oats are evenly coated.
4. Lightly grease four 9-ounce cast iron baking dishes (or a 10-inch cast iron skillet) with coconut oil.
5. Divide the cherry mixture evenly among the mini-servers and spread into an even layer. Top each with the oat mixture, distributing it evenly across the surface.

6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.

   Skillet Option: If using a 10-inch cast iron skillet, loosely cover with aluminum foil after 30 minutes and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes.

7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
8. Enjoy plain or topped with Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or sugar-free ice cream. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich in antioxidant-packed cherries
• Naturally sweetened with honey
• Contains fiber from oats and cherries
• Features healthy fats from pecans and coconut oil
• Simple ingredients with no refined sugar

This warm, fragrant cherry crisp is proof that wholesome desserts can be every bit as satisfying as traditional favorites. Serve it fresh from the oven and enjoy every comforting bite!