This customizable Cherry Crisp starts with a layer of plump, juicy cherries. Blanket the cherry mixture with crunchy sugar cookie topping and bake until it’s golden and bubbling.

The cherry on top? You can adjust this cherry crisp recipe based on dietary needs, or just based on what you have on hand! 

Whether you love your dairy and gluten…or not so much, there are multiple recipe variations below. 

So go ahead. Top your warm cherry crisp with your creamy sidekick of choice, whether that’s dairy-free ice cream or homemade whipped cream. You choose!

Cherry Crisp — Just How You Like It

This classic cherry crisp recipe can be made with or without oats, gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan! Each different combo of ingredients will get you a slightly different flavor. 

You can also choose whether to use frozen cherries or fresh cherries. I usually choose frozen cherries to make life easier. (Just know that the baking time will be a little shorter with fresh cherries.)

The only big thing I do NOT recommend is using cherry pie filling. That syrupy canned stuff will not get you the fresh, delicious dessert you’re looking for. Mixing up a quick filling with frozen cherries will only take a few minutes, and it is worth it. 

Scroll down for a list of cherry crisp ingredient substitutes to make the cherry crisp that’s just right for you.

Pitting Fresh Cherries

If you want to go all out and use fresh cherries for this recipe, this is how to pit them. 

First, you’ll need a cherry pitter or a small knife.

The cherry pitter is much easier. Simply place the cherry in the tool and squeeze to pop out the pit. It’s quick and keeps the cherries mostly intact. 

If you don’t have a pitter, no worries! Use a small knife to cut around the cherry’s center, then twist the halves apart. Remove the pit with your fingers or the knife.

The process can be a bit messy, but there’s nothing like fresh cherries in your crisp. Plus, pitting cherries is a great way to get family or friends involved in making this delicious dessert. 

Just keep an eye on those helpers — they might eat more cherries than they pit!

Cherry Crisp Ingredients

For the Filling

• • Cherries (pitted) – I like to use frozen cherries, but you can also use fresh. You’ll want to get dark, sweet cherries (avoid tart cherries for this recipe!).
  • Coconut Sugar – Or substitute an equal amount of brown sugar
  • Flour – Gluten-free flour or regular flour
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Almond Extract

For the Topping

• • Flour – Gluten-free flour or regular flour
  • Oats – Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be contaminated with wheat during processing. If you’re serving this to someone with severe gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, use certified gluten-free oats.
  • Finely Chopped Pecans – If you don’t like nuts, leave these out
  • Coconut Sugar – Or substitute an equal amount of brown sugar
  • Coconut Oil (melted) – You can use ghee or melted butter instead. (Always measure coconut oil when it is melted.) 
  • Almond Extract
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon