Individual Cherry Almond Crisps: The Ultimate Classic Dessert
Warm, crunchy ramekin treats bring cozy comfort with every golden, fruit-filled bite.
Individual Cherry Almond Crisps: A Classic Recipe Refined
For those seeking a comforting dessert with a modern twist on tradition, Individual Cherry Almond Crisps offer the perfect balance of tart fruit, crunchy nuts, and a buttery, golden topping. By baking these crisps in single servings, everyone gets their own pocket of flavor and texture, making them ideal for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy night in. This article explores the complete process—from choosing the best cherries to expert tips for baking and serving—based on the techniques celebrated by The Pioneer Woman.
Why Individual Crisps?
Baking individual-sized desserts isn’t just about presentation; it’s about bringing out the best in each serving. Smaller portions let the topping crisp up evenly, prevent sogginess at the edges, and ensure a perfect ratio of fruit to crumble for every guest. Plus, they’re simply delightful to present at the table alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
The Cast of Characters: Core Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Frozen Tart Cherries | Tart flavor, juicy base for filling |
| All-Purpose Flour | Structure for the topping |
| Granulated & Brown Sugar | Sweetens both filling and topping, adds caramel notes |
| Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg | Warmth and depth of flavor in topping |
| Slivered Almonds | Crunch and nutty flavor |
| Butter | Richness, helps topping become crisp |
| Cornstarch | Thickens the cherry filling |
| Almond Extract | Boosts nutty aroma, marrying almond and cherry flavors |
| Whipped Cream / Vanilla Ice Cream | Classic accompaniments for serving |
The Essential Equipment
- 8 individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls
- Mixing bowls (one large for fruit, one medium for topping)
- Pastry cutter or two forks
- Baking sheet (to catch any overflow)
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Whisk or electric mixer (for whipped cream)
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Individual Cherry Almond Crisps
1. Prepare the Crisp Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a dash of nutmeg. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Add 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) cold butter, cubed. Using a pastry cutter or clean fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this is the secret to a crisp topping.
- Fold in 1/2 cup slivered almonds. These not only add crunch but also toast slightly in the oven, deepening their flavor.
2. Create the Cherry Filling
- In a large bowl, add four 12-ounce bags frozen tart cherries (thawed and drained thoroughly). The draining step is essential to avoid a soggy dessert—excess liquid dilutes the flavors and prevents proper bubbling.
- Add 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 teaspoons almond extract, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Toss gently to coat the cherries and evenly distribute the thickener and flavor.
- Tip: Taste your cherry mixture before assembling. Some brands of cherries vary greatly in tartness; if the mixture is too sour, adjust with a bit more sugar. The almond extract is a must—it boosts both the fragrance and depth, bringing the whole dessert together.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Divide the cherry filling evenly among 8 ramekins. This ensures each crisp has a generous amount of fruit and sauce underneath the crunchy topping.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the cherries in each ramekin.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling fruit juices that might overflow.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, until the tops are golden and the filling bubbles around the edges. For even browning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
- If the topping is browning too fast while the filling still needs time, cover the crisps loosely with foil for the latter half of baking.
4. Serve Warm
- Allow crisps to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This cooling period lets the filling set and prevents burns from hot fruit syrup.
- While crisps are cooling, whip 2 cups heavy cream with 2 tablespoons sugar until soft peaks form. Alternatively, have vanilla ice cream ready for serving.
- Present each crisp warm, topped with whipped cream or ice cream. The cold dairy melts into the warm fruit and crumble, creating an irresistible contrast in texture and temperature.
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Expert Tips for Success
- Thaw and Drain Cherries Completely: Excess moisture can lead to a soggy base. Lay cherries on paper towels after thawing to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Use Cold Butter: Warm butter blends too well and can yield a bready, dense topping instead of light, crunchy crumbles.
- Don’t Skip the Almond Extract: The combination of almond and cherry is essential for elevating this dessert.
- Taste Your Filling: Adjust sugar before baking based on the tartness or sweetness of your cherries.
- Customize Serving Vessels: If you don’t have ramekins, use oven-safe mugs or small bowls. Cooking time may vary—watch for golden topping and bubbling edges.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
- Nut-Free Version: Omit slivered almonds or substitute with rolled oats for extra texture.
- Spice It Up: Add cardamom or ginger to the topping for a more complex flavor.
- Other Fruit: Substitute cherries with berries, peaches, or apples (adjust sugar accordingly).
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh pitted tart cherries work beautifully. If using fresh cherries, you may need less cornstarch since they release less liquid during baking. Measure about 6 cups to replace the four bags of frozen cherries.
Q: What makes the topping so crisp?
Cold butter cut into the dry ingredients forms small bits that melt in the oven, creating pockets of crunch and flake. Avoid warming the butter before baking.
Q: Can I prep these crisps ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the crisps up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for best results.
Q: How should leftover crisps be stored?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds.
Q: Should the cherries be thawed before baking?
Yes. Thawing and draining frozen cherries ensures the filling thickens properly in the oven and prevents the topping from becoming soggy.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
- Classic Style: Serve with freshly whipped cream sprinkled with extra slivered almonds.
- Indulgent Twist: Top with a scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream or honey ice cream.
- Tart Counterpoint: Use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a tangy complement to the sweet, rich crisp.
- Festive Touch: Garnish with fresh mint, shaved chocolate, or a drizzle of cherry syrup.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrition | Estimate per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 718 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 92 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 39 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy Topping: Ensure cherries are drained and avoid over-mixing the topping. Bake uncovered unless browning too quickly.
- Underbaked Filling: Fruit should be bubbling around the edges before removing from the oven. Extend bake time in increments of 5 minutes if necessary.
- Too Sweet/Too Tart: Alter sugar quantity in both filling and topping to your preference after tasting the uncooked mixture.
- Topping Burns Before Fruit is Cooked: Tent with foil halfway through baking to slow browning.
Conclusion: The Perfect Homemade Dessert
Individual Cherry Almond Crisps blend simplicity and sophistication, featuring the best cherry-almond pairing in a format that keeps both the topping crisp and the filling luscious. Whether you are looking for a crowd-pleasing treat or a beautifully portioned sweet end to a meal, these crisps bring comfort, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor to any table.
References
- https://marrykitchen.com/pioneer-woman-cherry-almond-crisp-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36431617/cherry-crisp-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10571/individual-cherry-almond-crisps/
- https://peppertree.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/pioneer-womans-cherry-almond-crisp/
- https://food-network.app.link/TU4RjL5Gj1
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