Balsamic Cherry Crisp

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

Adapted from Reader’s Digest

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Course Dessert

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings 4 Servings

Author Dianna Muscari

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!}