First off, let’s talk about using frozen cherries. They’re a fantastic option for this recipe because they’re convenient and readily available year-round. Plus, they’re much easier to work with than fresh cherries. To use frozen cherries, simply thaw them and chop them up. While they thaw, place them in a strainer set over a bowl to catch any excess liquid. You can save this liquid to use in other recipes, like smoothies or cocktails.

Now, onto the recipe itself. You’ll need some basic ingredients like honey, ground cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and fresh thyme leaves to flavor the cherries. Combine these ingredients in a bowl with the thawed cherries and set them aside while you prepare the topping.

The topping is where the magic happens! It’s a delicious mixture of old-fashioned rolled oats, almond flour, chopped pecans, honey, melted butter, salt, and melted coconut oil. Once combined, it forms a crunchy and flavorful topping that pairs perfectly with the warm cherry filling.

To assemble the crisp, lightly grease your mini cast iron servers or a skillet with coconut oil. Divide the cherry mixture and topping evenly among the servers, then pop them in the oven to bake. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a beautiful dessert with a golden-brown topping and bubbling cherry filling.

If you’re using a larger skillet instead of individual servers, you can cover it with foil halfway through baking to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Enjoy Your Warm Black Cherry Crisp

Once it’s done baking, let the crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it plain or top it with Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or sugar-free ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. And if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme for a pop of color and flavor.

With its warm, comforting flavors and simple preparation, this Warm Black Cherry Crisp is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. So why wait? Treat yourself to a delicious homemade dessert tonight!

Warm Black Cherry Crisp: A comforting sugar-free dessert

Recipe by Easy Clean RecipesCourse: DessertDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Ingredients

• 4½ c. frozen black cherries, thawed and chopped

• ¼ c. honey, preferably local

• ½ t. ground cinnamon

• ¼ t. ground cloves

• 1 T. fresh thyme leaves

• 1 c. old-fashioned rolled oats

• ½ c. almond flour

• ½  c. pecans, chopped

• 1/3 c. honey, preferably local

• 3 T. unsalted butter, melted

• 1/8 t. table salt

• 2 T. melted coconut oil (or olive oil)

Directions

• Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F.
• Combine thawed chopped cherries, honey, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and thyme leaves in a bowl. Toss to combine and set aside. 
• Combine the topping ingredients in a separate bowl and stir until oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside. 
• Lightly grease the four 9-oz. oval cast iron baking dishes (or the 10” cast iron skillet) with coconut oil.
• Divide the cherry mixture equally among the cast iron mini-servers and spread into an even layer. Divide the topping between the 4 mini-servers, as well, and spread into a thin layer on top.
• Place into pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and the cherry mixture is nice and bubbly.
  
  Tip: If using a 10” skillet, cover loosely with aluminum foil after 30 minutes and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
• Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving plain or topped with some Greek yogurt, whipped cream, and/or sugar-free ice cream. Garnish with a couple sprigs of fresh thyme, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

• Optional, to Serve:
  
  Greek yogurt, homemade whipped cream, or sugar-free ice cream.
  Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F and position the top rack in the center. This ensures even cooking for your blueberry maple crisp.

In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of fresh, rinsed blueberries with 1/4 cup of real maple syrup, 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary (or 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh, finely chopped), and a pinch of salt. Toss this medley of flavors together, creating a vibrant mixture that will be the heart of your dessert.

In a separate bowl, assemble the topping. Combine 3/4 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/4 cup of almond flour, 1/4 cup of sliced almonds, 1/4 cup of local honey, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1/8 teaspoon of table salt. Stir until the oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. This will give your crisp a delightful texture and rich flavor.

Now, transfer the blueberry mixture into a 10-inch cast iron skillet, spreading it evenly. Follow by generously sprinkling the topping across the blueberries, creating a uniform layer of goodness.

Bake your creation in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the top layer; if it’s nicely browned, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the blueberry crisp is bubbling and inviting.

Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible as the flavors meld together.

When ready to serve, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy touch that complements the fruity and nutty notes of the crisp. Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Rustic Blueberry Maple Crisp is a delightful treat to savor. Enjoy every spoonful!

Tips for Perfecting Your Rustic Blueberry Maple Crisp

Creating the perfect Rustic Blueberry Maple Crisp involves more than just following the recipe. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out spectacularly:

1. Select Quality Blueberries:

Opt for fresh, plump blueberries for the best flavor and texture. If fresh ones are unavailable, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before use.

2. Balance the Sweetness:

The sweetness of your crisp depends on the blueberries and maple syrup. Taste your blueberries beforehand to gauge their natural sweetness. Adjust the amount of maple syrup accordingly to strike the perfect balance.

3. Play with Toppings:

Feel free to customize the topping based on your preferences. Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or experiment with different types of flour to suit your taste.

4. Master the Art of Spices:

The combination of cinnamon, allspice, and rosemary adds depth to the blueberry filling. Adjust the quantities based on your preference, but be mindful not to overpower the natural sweetness of the blueberries.

5. Invest in a Cast Iron Skillet:

Using a cast iron skillet not only adds to the rustic charm but also enhances the overall cooking experience. It distributes heat evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked crisp with a crispy top and juicy blueberries.

6. Serve with Finesse:

While the crisp is delectable on its own, serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can take it to the next level. Experiment with different accompaniments to elevate the dessert experience.

7. Experiment with Seasonal Variations:

Embrace the versatility of this recipe by incorporating other seasonal fruits like peaches, raspberries, or blackberries. This allows you to enjoy the crisp with a delightful twist throughout the year.

Incorporate these tips into your baking routine, and soon you’ll be a master of the Rustic Blueberry Maple Crisp, delighting friends and family with your irresistible dessert prowess.

Rustic Blueberry Maple Crisp

Recipe by Easy Clean RecipesCourse: Dessert

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Ingredients

• 4 c. fresh blueberries, rinsed

• ¼ c. real maple syrup

• ¾ t. ground cinnamon

• ½ t. ground allspice

• ½ t. dried rosemary (or 1½ t. fresh, finely chopped)

• Topping:

• ¾ c. old-fashioned rolled oats

• ¼ c. almond flour

• ¼ c. almonds, sliced

• ¼ c. honey, preferably local

• 2 T. unsalted butter, melted

• 1/8 t. sea salt

• 1 c. Greek yogurt (optional, to serve)

Directions

• Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F.
• Place blueberries in a large bowl. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, allspice, rosemary, and salt. Toss to combine and set aside.
• Combine the topping ingredients in a separate bowl and stir until oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
• Pour blueberry mixture into a 10” cast iron skillet and spread into an even layer. Spread the topping evenly across the top in a uniform layer, as well.
• Place into pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes. If the top layer is nicely browned at this point, cover dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the blueberry crisp is nice and bubbling. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
• Serve warm with some Greek yogurt, if desired. Enjoy!

Try with: Cherry Pecan Nice Cream

One of the key ingredients in this recipe is frozen bananas. By keeping a stock of sliced frozen bananas in your freezer, you can effortlessly whip up this delicious treat in no time. The process from start to finish takes a mere 10 minutes, resulting in a soft serve-like consistency that will leave you wanting more. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, simply transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and allow it to freeze until it reaches your desired consistency.

Cherry Pecan Nice Cream

While the recipe suggests using whole milk, feel free to experiment with your choice of milk, cream, or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk. It’s worth noting that plant-based alternatives may slightly impact the flavor, so keep that in mind when making your selection. For those seeking an extra indulgent touch, a splash of heavy cream can be added during the blending process, resulting in a richer final product.

To ensure the best results, opt for frozen cherries. The frozen cherries lend a refreshing tartness and a burst of vibrant color to the “nice” cream. Rinsing them briefly under warm water and chopping them up will allow them to incorporate seamlessly into the mixture. Don’t forget to add the crunchy element with chopped pecans, which add a delightful nuttiness and a satisfying texture to the overall experience.

The preparation time for this recipe is a mere 10 minutes, excluding any additional freezing time. Once you’ve blended the frozen bananas with honey, vanilla extract, salt, and milk, you’ll achieve a smooth and creamy base. Should you find that the mixture requires more liquid, simply add additional milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Once you’ve achieved the perfect base, it’s time to introduce the star players: the chopped cherries and pecans. Gently fold them into the mixture, ensuring an even distribution of these delicious ingredients. Spoon the finished nice cream into individual serving bowls, and for an added touch of elegance, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top as a garnish. The finished product is best enjoyed immediately, allowing you to savor the luscious blend of flavors and textures.

Cherry Pecan Nice Cream is a versatile dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while offering a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. Its simplicity, quick preparation time, and delightful taste make it a go-to treat for any occasion. Whether you choose to serve it immediately or let it firm up in the freezer, you’re sure to delight in every creamy spoonful. So, keep those frozen bananas on hand, and get ready to experience a truly delectable frozen delight. This would be amazing with a slice of peach cobbler pound cake.

Cherry Pecan Nice Cream: A Clean Indulgent Treat

Recipe by Easy Clean RecipesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

3-6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe bananas, sliced and frozen

• 1-2 T. honey

• 1 t. real vanilla extract

• ¼ t. salt

• ½ c. whole milk (see notes above)

• 1 c. frozen dark cherries, rinsed briefly under warm water and chopped

• ½ c. pecans, chopped

• Additional chopped pecans, for garnish

Directions

• Place the frozen bananas, honey, vanilla extract, and salt into a high-powered blender. Add milk and blend on high until smooth, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  
  Note: If more liquid is necessary, add additional milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, while blending until smooth. 
• Pour mixture into a large bowl and fold in the chopped cherries and pecans. Spoon into individual serving bowls and serve immediately topped with some chopped pecans (or place in the freezer until firm). Enjoy! 

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