Balsamic Cherry Crisps! Rich balsamic vinegar adds an unexpected kick to sweet, tart cherries topped with a crunchy oat and almond crumble topping in this delicious dessert.
Gentlemen, listen up: Impressing your lady this Valentine's Day isn't as difficult as you think.
Sure, you can go the safe route, make dinner reservations and show up with a bouquet of roses. {::yawn::} Oh, excuse me. I fell asleep for a second.
OR... you can get your gal to brag on you to all of her girlfriends by sweetening up the evening with HOMEMADE DESSERT. {Yes please!}
These Balsamic Cherry Crisps are such a fantastic treat for two {or more!}. Sweet and tart cherries get a kick from rich balsamic vinegar. For a little texture, a combination of oats and almonds {and a surprise cameo from chili powder} creates a crunchy crumble topping that works perfectly with the tender cherry filling.
Balsamic Cherry Crisp
Ingredients
Crisp Topping:
- ¼ cup almonds
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of chili powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
Cherry Filling:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups frozen cherries thawed and drained
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
For Crisp:
- Combine almonds, oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, chili powder and salt in a food processor or blender and pulse until coarsely ground.
- Pour mixture into a bowl and stir in melted butter. The mixture should resemble wet sand and form small clumps. Set aside.
For Filling:
- In saucepan over medium high heat, melt butter and olive oil together. Add thawed cherries and powdered sugar and allow to come to a bubble. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the liquid has slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in balsamic vinegar and vanilla extract. Cool slightly, and then add slurry of cornstarch and water. Stir until well incorporated.
For assembly:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Divide cherry mixture among 4 ramekins. Divide crisp topping evenly among ramekins.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the tops are just starting to become golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Serve warm. {With a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is even better!}
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