Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp Recipe

Cozy Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp Recipe: Sweet Summer Magic

Sweet summer memories dance through this cherry berry skillet crisp that brings incredible warmth to your kitchen.

Ripe fruit bursts with intense flavor, promising a delightful dessert experience.

Juicy cherries and mixed berries create a vibrant palette of colors and textures.

Skilled bakers know how simple ingredients can become magical when combined thoughtfully.

Cast iron skillets help develop a perfect golden-brown crust that crackles with each spoonful.

Rustic charm meets elegant dessert in this straightforward recipe perfect for casual gatherings.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this irresistible skillet treat.

Why Buttery Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp Is A Dream Dessert

  • Quick and Simple Prep: Get ready for a delightful dessert that comes together with minimal kitchen effort, requiring just a few basic steps and standard ingredients.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Eliminate multiple dish cleanup with this clever recipe that starts and finishes in a single cast-iron skillet, making post-dessert kitchen time a breeze.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with sweet-tart mixed berries and cherries, this crisp delivers a nostalgic, homestyle dessert that appeals to all ages, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
  • Customizable Delight: Swap seasonal fruits or adjust spices to create your personal twist, making this recipe a versatile canvas for culinary creativity and personal taste preferences.

What’s Inside Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp

Fruits:
  • Fresh Cherries: Sweet and juicy stone fruits that provide a rich, deep flavor to the dessert.
  • Mixed Berries: A colorful blend of seasonal berries that adds natural sweetness and vibrant texture.
Fruit Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus liquid that balances the sweetness and prevents fruit browning.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps macerate the fruits.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, complex flavor that complements the fruit.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit filling and create a cohesive texture.
Crisp Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Create a hearty, crumbly base for the crisp topping.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the dessert's overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the topping.
  • Cold Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a flaky, crumbly texture in the topping.

How To Make Buttery Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and lightly grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with a gentle swipe of oil or butter.

Step 2: Prepare Fruit Fusion

In a large mixing bowl, tumble together:
  • Fresh cherries
  • Mixed berries
  • Tangy lemon juice
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cornstarch

Gently toss until every fruit piece gets a delicious, even coating.

Step 3: Spread the Fruity Base

Pour the vibrant fruit mixture into the prepared skillet, creating an even, colorful layer that promises deliciousness.

Step 4: Mix the Crispy Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Rolled oats
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Step 5: Create Crumbly Magic

Drop in cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients. Keep mixing until the mixture looks like rustic, coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Crown the Fruit

Sprinkle the crumbly topping generously over the fruit, making sure every inch gets covered with the crispy goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit edges signaling it’s ready.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Pull the skillet out and let the crisp rest for 15 minutes. This helps the filling set and prevents potential tongue burns.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out warm servings, optionally crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for pure dessert bliss.

Simple Tips For Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp

  • Choose Fresh Fruits: Select ripe, in-season cherries and mixed berries for the most vibrant and sweet flavor profile.
  • Prevent Soggy Topping: Work cold butter into the crisp mixture quickly to maintain a crumbly, crisp texture that doesn't become dense.
  • Adjust Sweetness Levels: Taste your berries first and reduce sugar if they're naturally sweet, allowing the fruit's natural flavors to shine through.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of almond extract or a sprinkle of lemon zest to enhance the fruit's natural taste and complexity.
  • Serving Suggestion: Let the crisp rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and prevent burning, creating a perfect balance of warm fruit and crisp topping.

Different Ways To Enjoy Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp

  • Summer Stone Fruit Swap: Replace cherries and berries with sliced peaches, nectarines, and plums for a vibrant seasonal variation that captures the essence of summer's fresh harvest.
  • Tropical Paradise Crisp: Substitute the original fruits with mangoes, pineapples, and passion fruit for an exotic flavor profile that transports your taste buds to a tropical getaway.
  • Autumn Spice Transformation: Use apples and pears as the base fruits, then enhance the topping with nutmeg and ginger for a warm, cozy dessert perfect for cool autumn evenings.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crisp topping and drizzle caramel sauce over the finished dessert for extra richness and textural complexity.

What Goes Well With Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp

  • Scoop Creamy Vanilla Delight: Pair the warm, fruity crisp with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic temperature and flavor contrast that melts beautifully over the crisp topping.
  • Sip Smooth Dessert Wine: Choose a sweet Moscato or late-harvest Riesling to complement the berry's tartness and enhance the dessert's rich, sweet profile with its delicate, fruity notes.
  • Blend Creamy Whipped Topping: Crown the crisp with freshly whipped cream, lightly sweetened and infused with a hint of vanilla, creating a luxurious and light accompaniment that balances the crisp's warm intensity.

How To Store Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp With Ease

  • Store leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving within a short period. Place a clean kitchen towel loosely over the skillet to protect from dust and insects.
  • Wrap the completely cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

FAQs For Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp Lovers

  • Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries and mixed berries. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with other ingredients to prevent a watery filling.

  • How do I know if the crisp topping is correctly mixed?

The topping should look like coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs with small butter pieces visible. When squeezed gently, it should slightly hold together.

  • Is a cast-iron skillet necessary for this recipe?

While a cast-iron skillet provides excellent heat distribution, you can substitute with a similar-sized baking dish or oven-safe pan. Just ensure it has comparable depth and width.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit mixture and crisp topping separately, refrigerate, and assemble just before baking.

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Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp Recipe

Cherry Berry Skillet Crisp Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade cherry berry skillet crisp delivers sweet summer magic straight from grandma’s kitchen. Warm spices and golden crumble invite passionate bakers to savor each delightful, rustic bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits:

  • 2 cups cherries, pitted
  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

Crisp Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 10-inch cast-iron skillet by lightly greasing its surface.
  2. Combine cherries, mixed berries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl, gently tossing until fruits are evenly coated.
  3. Transfer the fruit mixture into the prepared skillet, spreading it in an even layer.
  4. Create the crisp topping by mixing flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
  5. Add cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients, using fingertips to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs.
  6. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit filling bubbles around the edges.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the crisp to cool for 15 minutes, which helps the filling set and prevents burning.
  9. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

  • Opt for seasonal, ripe cherries and mixed berries to enhance the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in the crisp.
  • Use cold butter and work quickly when making the topping to achieve a perfectly crumbly, flaky texture that doesn’t become dense.
  • Consider substituting gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the crisp’s delightful crunch.
  • Allow the crisp to rest after baking, which helps thicken the fruit filling and prevents burning, creating a more cohesive and appealing dessert.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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