Easy & Healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Cherry Almond Crisp with Mixed Berries

Indulge in a truly delightful dessert that doesn’t compromise on health or flavor: our Cherry Almond Crisp. This incredible recipe is brimming with the vibrant sweetness of fresh, juicy cherries, succulent strawberries, and plump blueberries, all crowned with a robust and perfectly crunchy oat crumble topping. What makes it even better? It’s completely refined sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan, making it an ideal treat for almost any dietary preference. Prepare to be amazed at how quickly this wholesome dessert comes together with minimal effort and simple ingredients, offering maximum taste satisfaction.

There’s something inherently comforting and utterly delicious about a fruit crisp, especially when summer’s bounty of stone fruit and berries is at its peak. Crisps are my go-to for many reasons: they’re incredibly forgiving, adaptable to whatever fruit you have on hand, and relatively simple to prepare compared to more elaborate desserts. The sheer variety of combinations means you can enjoy a different crisp experience all season long, and this Cherry Almond Crisp stands out as a true champion.

Our featured fruit crisp today heroes the classic pairing of sweet cherries with the subtle, nutty notes of almond. We’ve elevated this combination by adding a medley of fresh strawberries and blueberries, creating a complex flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The fruit filling is naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and enhanced with a touch of pure almond extract, ensuring every bite is bursting with bright, sweet-tart fruit flavor.

The star of any crisp is undoubtedly its topping, and ours is a refined take on the traditional. Crafted with wholesome rolled oats, finely ground almond flour, and rich almond butter, it bakes up into a delightfully crispy, golden-brown crumble. Best of all, this topping achieves its perfect texture without any butter, refined sugar, or white flour, aligning perfectly with our healthy and inclusive dietary goals.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Healthy Cherry Almond Crisp

This isn’t just another fruit crisp; it’s a meticulously crafted recipe designed to be both incredibly delicious and genuinely wholesome. Here’s why this Cherry Almond Crisp will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen:

Refined Sugar-Free Goodness

• Forget the guilt often associated with desserts. This crisp is exclusively sweetened with the natural sugars from the fresh fruit and a touch of pure maple syrup. This ensures a balanced sweetness that highlights the fruit’s inherent flavors, avoiding the sugar crash and providing a more sustained energy release.

Effortlessly Gluten-Free

• For those avoiding gluten, finding a truly satisfying dessert can be a challenge. Our recipe uses certified gluten-free rolled oats and almond flour for the crumble topping, creating a wonderfully crisp texture that’s safe for gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising on taste or quality.

Deliciously Vegan & Dairy-Free

• Catering to vegan and dairy-free diets is simple with this recipe. We’ve cleverly replaced traditional butter with creamy almond butter and nutrient-rich coconut oil in the topping. These ingredients not only contribute to the crisp’s incredible texture but also add depth of flavor and healthy fats.

Quick & Simple Prep

• Who has hours to spend in the kitchen? This recipe is designed for ease. With only about 15 minutes of active preparation time, most of which is dedicated to pitting the cherries (a small price to pay for such deliciousness!), you can have this crisp ready for the oven in no time. The remaining steps involve simply combining readily available ingredients.

Versatile & Customizable

• One of the best features of any great recipe is its flexibility. This cherry almond crisp is highly adjustable, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Whether it’s swapping out berries or experimenting with different flours, we’ve provided plenty of substitution tips below to help you make it your own.

Key Ingredients for Your Cherry Almond Crisp

Creating an exceptional crisp starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is vital for achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture:

Fresh, Juicy Berries

• Cherries, Blueberries, and Strawberries: While fresh fruit is always preferred for its vibrant flavor and firm texture, don’t despair if you only have frozen. Just remember to defrost them thoroughly, drain any excess liquid, and gently pat them dry before mixing. This prevents the filling from becoming watery. Each berry contributes its unique sweetness and a slight tartness, creating a harmonious blend.

Natural Sweeteners & Thickeners

• Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener is used in both the fruit mixture and the crisp topping. Its rich, caramel-like notes complement the fruit and almonds beautifully, providing sweetness without the need for refined sugars.
• Tapioca Flour: Essential for achieving a perfectly luscious and thick fruit filling. Tapioca flour (also known as tapioca starch) helps bind the fruit juices as they cook, preventing a watery consistency and ensuring a delightful, jammy texture. Cornstarch can be used as a substitute if needed.
• Almond Extract: A tiny splash of pure almond extract enhances the natural flavors of the cherries and provides a delicate, sweet almond aroma that ties the entire crisp together, truly justifying the “almond” in its name. Ensure it’s vegan certified if strictly adhering to a vegan diet.

Hearty Crisp Topping Essentials

• Rolled Oats (Certified Gluten-Free): These form the backbone of our hearty crisp topping, providing chewiness and structure. Opt for certified gluten-free oats to ensure the recipe remains suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but rolled oats offer the best texture.
• Almond Flour: This finely ground flour, made from blanched almonds, contributes to the topping’s delicate crumble and nutty flavor, while also keeping the recipe gluten-free. It helps to bind the oats and adds a tender crumb.
• Sliced Almonds: For an extra layer of crunch and visual appeal, sliced almonds are scattered throughout the topping. They toast beautifully in the oven, intensifying their nutty flavor.
• Almond Butter: A key player in creating those irresistible clusters in the crisp topping, almond butter replaces traditional butter, adding richness, moisture, and healthy fats. Its creamy texture helps bind the dry ingredients while baking to a beautiful crispness. Make sure it’s smooth and unsweetened.
• Coconut Oil (Virgin and Cold-Pressed, Softened): Used alongside almond butter, coconut oil is another dairy-free alternative that helps create a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown topping. Its subtle coconut flavor is typically masked by the other ingredients but can be enhanced if desired. Ensure it’s softened but not completely melted for optimal mixing.
• Salt: Just a pinch of kosher salt (or fine sea salt) is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in both the fruit filling and the topping. Don’t skip it!

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Cherry Almond Crisp

Making this healthy cherry crisp is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding baking experience:

Preparing Your Fruit Base

• Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, a high-rimmed pie plate, or a casserole dish. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Carefully prepare your fruit: pit the cherries and slice them in half. Halve your strawberries. Blueberries can be left whole.

Mixing the Luscious Fruit Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared fruit. Add the maple syrup, tapioca flour, and almond extract. Gently toss the mixture until the fruit is thoroughly and evenly coated. The tapioca flour will look slightly clumpy at first but will dissolve as it bakes.
• Evenly spread this vibrant fruit mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Assembling the Crunchy Topping

• In a separate large bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the crisp topping: rolled oats, almond flour, sliced almonds, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
• Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture: maple syrup, room-temperature almond butter, and softened coconut oil. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix everything together until a wet, crumbly, and clumpy mixture forms. This is key to getting those perfect crisp clusters. If your almond butter or coconut oil is too firm, microwave it briefly (about 30 seconds) to soften it.

Baking to Golden Perfection

• Generously scatter the prepared crisp topping evenly over the fruit layer in the skillet. Ensure good coverage for that delightful crunch in every bite.
• Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the fruit mixture is visibly bubbling around the edges. This bubbling indicates the fruit is tender and the juices have thickened.
• Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven. This next step is crucial: let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This short rest allows the fruit filling to firm up and prevents it from being too runny when scooped.
• Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cherry Crisp

Here are answers to some common questions that might come up while you’re making or enjoying your cherry almond crisp:

Can You Make Cherry Crisp with Frozen Cherries and Berries?

• Absolutely! While fresh fruit offers the best texture, you can certainly use frozen cherries, strawberries, and blueberries. The key is to defrost them completely first. Once thawed, drain any accumulated water thoroughly and gently pat the fruit dry with a paper towel. This extra step is vital to prevent the fruit filling from becoming excessively watery during baking.

Can You Make This Crisp with Cherry Pie Filling or Canned Cherries?

• This particular recipe has been developed and tested specifically with fresh (or properly defrosted frozen) fruit to achieve its refined sugar-free and naturally wholesome profile. While there are recipes that utilize cherry pie filling or canned cherries, the flavor, texture, and sweetness levels of this recipe are optimized for fresh fruit. Substituting these would significantly alter the outcome, especially regarding the refined sugar content.

Does Cherry Crisp Need to Be Refrigerated? How Do You Reheat It?

• Yes, once your cherry almond crisp has cooled completely to room temperature, it’s best to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 4-5 days. You can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge for a quick snack, or gently warm individual servings in the microwave. For a truly crispy topping experience, reheat the entire crisp (or larger portions) in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is revived and crunchy.

Can You Freeze Cherry Crisp?

• I haven’t personally tested freezing an entire baked cherry crisp, so I can’t guarantee how the filling and topping would maintain their texture upon thawing. However, I’ve had great success freezing individual leftover servings! Simply place cooled portions into individual freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven for the best results, as described above.

Can You Replace the Almond Flour with Other Flours?

• Almond flour is fantastic for this gluten-free topping, adding a lovely texture and nutty flavor. If you don’t have almond flour, certified gluten-free oat flour can be a good substitute, keeping the recipe gluten-free. I haven’t specifically tested this crisp with all-purpose flour, but it would likely work, though the crisp would no longer be gluten-free. For different dietary needs, you might explore specific gluten-free all-purpose blends, but results may vary.

Expert Tips & Delicious Variations for This Gluten-Free Cherry Crisp

Elevate your cherry almond crisp with these additional tips and creative substitutions:

Thickening Alternatives

• If tapioca flour isn’t available, an equal amount of cornstarch can be used to thicken the berry mixture. Both work effectively to create a wonderfully jammy fruit filling.

Ensuring Gluten-Free & Vegan

• Always double-check your labels! Ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Similarly, verify that your almond extract is vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain alcohol derived from non-vegan sources.

Grain-Free Options

• For those following a strict grain-free diet, buckwheat flakes can be an excellent substitute for rolled oats in the crisp topping. They offer a similar texture and a mild, earthy flavor that pairs well with the fruit and almonds.

Berry Swaps

• Feel free to get creative with your fruit! While cherries, strawberries, and blueberries are a fantastic trio, this recipe is highly adaptable. Replace the strawberries and blueberries with other seasonal favorites like raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of pitted peaches and nectarines for a stone fruit crisp variation.

Softening Nut Butter & Coconut Oil

• If your almond butter or coconut oil is too firm, making it difficult to mix into the topping, simply microwave them together for about 30 seconds. They should be soft and pliable, but not fully liquid, for the best results in creating those delightful crumble clusters.

The Importance of Resting

• Do not skip the crucial step of letting the crisp rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes after baking. This brief cooling period allows the fruit juices to set and thicken, resulting in a perfectly firm, rather than runny, filling when you serve it.

Serving Suggestions

• While delicious on its own, this cherry almond crisp truly shines when served warm with a generous scoop of vanilla dairy-free ice cream. A dollop of coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup can also take this dessert to the next level.

Other Fruit Crisp Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Grain-Free Blueberry Crisp: A fragrant and wholesome crisp featuring the sweet spice of cardamom.
• Healthy Peach Crisp Bars: All the deliciousness of a crisp in a convenient bar form, perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
• Apple Cranberry Crisp: A seasonal favorite, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet, especially cozy in the fall.

If you make this irresistible Cherry Almond Crisp with Berries, I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Please share your feedback in the comments section below. Your insights and culinary adventures inspire me!

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