Almond Cherry Crisp Recipe

My almond cherry crisp recipe is out-of-this-world yummy, made with cherries, almond extract, and maple syrup for a natural sweetness. Plus, this crisp is both vegan and gluten-free, so everyone can have a piece!

Cherry crisp recipe with almond

Cherry has to be one of the most underrated fruits. Juicy and sweet with just a touch of tartness, this small yet mighty stone fruit has been my latest muse. 

From my Cherry Almond Smoothie to my Healthy Cherry Pie Oatmeal Bars, cherries provide endless inspiration for my sweetest recipes. 

Today’s cherry crisp recipe is no different, combining syrupy cherries with warming notes of almond. 

I find this classic flavor combination so comforting. Somehow, the sweet almond flavor makes the cherries taste even more vibrant (it’s science, seriously!). 

As an added bonus, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, meaning everyone can take part in its splendor. 

Ingredients needed

Here’s a little bit about everything that goes into my cherry almond crisp recipe. 

Cherry filling

• Frozen cherries: The base of our cherry filling is 7 heaping cups of frozen cherries. Remember to choose sweet cherries for the best flavor possible. Dark sweet cherries are my personal favorite!
• Maple syrup: To sweeten the cherry filling, I use ¼ cup of maple syrup. This is great for all of you natural-sweetener fans. Plus, it’s just darn delicious. 
• Lemon juice: For a bit of brightness, I include 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in the cherry filling. 
• Vanilla: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract gives this cherry crisp recipe a bit more depth. It also enhances the other flavors in the filling – a win-win!
• Arrowroot powder: Optionally, you can include 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder or cornstarch in this filling. I do highly recommend this step, as it will help prevent a liquidy cherry filling. 

Almond crisp

• Rolled oats: For this almond crumble topping, I use 1 ½ cups of rolled oats. If you’re celiac, make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats.
• Sliced almonds: 1 cup of finely chopped sliced almonds gives this crisp an incredible crunch. 
• Almond flour: Almond flour is my secret weapon for gluten-free baking. The fat content from the almonds gives your desserts a nutty, chewy texture that I can’t get enough of. In other words, a far cry from dry, gluten-free baking. This crisp recipe calls for 1 ½ cups. 
• Salt: To enhance all of our ingredients, I use ¼ teaspoon of salt. 
• Maple syrup: Our crispy topping deserves a bit of sweetness! I use ½ cup of maple syrup.
• Coconut oil: ½ cup melted coconut oil helps bind our crunchy topping while adding extra fat content (for extra deliciousness!). 
• Almond extract: The final ingredient in my cherry crisp recipe is 1 teaspoon of almond extract. This rich almond flavor will add warmth and aromatics to the dessert, while also highlighting the cherry filling. YUM.

Kitchen tools required

Gather a few kitchen essentials to complete this fruity dessert.

• 2 large mixing bowls
• 2 wooden spoons
• 9x9 baking pan or 10.25" cast-iron skillet

You’ll also need some measuring cups, including 1 cup, ½ cup, ¼ cup, 1 tbsp, 1 tsp, and ¼ tsp. 

How to make cherry almond crisp

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. 

Next, add 7 cups of frozen cherries, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Mix well, then add 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder and toss to combine. 

Pour your prepared cherry filling into a baking pan or cast iron skillet. Set aside while we prep the crisp.

To a second mixing bowl add 1 ½ cups rolled oats, 1 cup finely chopped sliced almonds, 1 ½ cups almond flour, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix well, then stir in ½ cup maple syrup, ½ cup melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. 

Sprinkle the cobbler topping over the cherry filling. Most of the cherries should be covered. 

Pop your cherry almond crisp into the oven for 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a lovely golden brown. For an extra crispy topping, set your oven to broil for the last few minutes of bake time. 

Let your cherry crisp cool for 15 minutes before digging in!

Recipe tips

Below are some common cherry almond crisp questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!

How to serve cherry almond crisp

This crisp is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tart cherries are decadent when paired with the creamy vanilla ice cream. 

Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped almonds for extra presentation points. 

Which drinks pair well with this cherry crisp recipe?

When serving this almond crisp with cherries, I recommend adding a fun drink to savor on the side. 

For a cozy after-dinner option, it would be extra tasty with vanilla rooibos, chai, or cherry herbal tea. 

Want a boozy pairing instead? Try amaretto on the rocks, a fruity ruby port, or an Old Fashioned with muddled cherries.

If you’re in the mood to sample a new recipe, my Gold Rush Bourbon Cocktail and Classic Whiskey Sour would both make great pairings.

Does this recipe work with other types of fruit? 

While cherries and almonds are the perfect combination (in my humble opinion), this recipe can work with just about any of your favorite berries!

Try it with frozen blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. 

Storing leftovers

To store leftover cherry crisp, let it cool completely. Then, transfer your crisp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Your crisp should last up to 5 days. 

I suggest reheating this cherry crisp recipe in the oven to get back some of that crispy topping. 

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Looking for more yummy dessert ideas? Each of these recipes is guaranteed to appease your sweet tooth. 

• Healthy Brownie Skillet Recipe
• Lemon Ricotta Cookies
• Jelly Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
• Healthy Banana Bread
• Light Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa