Cherry Crisp with Roasted Pecan Topping
Sweet, lightly tart cherries, and crumbly, buttery topping, all with a smokey note create an irresistible dessert. New take on old and loved classic.
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Equipment
- pellet smoker or oven
- square or round baking dish
- measuring cups and spoons
- mixing bowl
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- zester and hand juicer
- cherry pitter or small knife
- small pan to roast pecans
- pastry cutter
Ingredients
For the Cherry Filling
- 4 cups of fresh cherries washed and pitted
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
For the crumb topping
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ chopped and roasted pecans
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup cold butter
Instructions
Prepare the Cherry Filling
- Start by washing and sorting the cherries. Remove any bruised, damaged ones. Using a small knife or cherry pitter remove the pits.
- In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries, honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Toss until the cherries are evenly coated with the mixture. Additionally you can use 1 tbsp of cornstarch.
- Preheat your smoker to 375F.
- Sweet flavored wood pellets are best to use when making this crisp. I would recommend: cherrywood, applewood, pecan, maple or alder.
- Grease the baking dish
- Prepare the pecans. Chop them finely and roast lightly on a cast iron pan. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the crumb topping
- In a separate bowl, mix together the almond flour, chopped - roasted pecans, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble the Cherry Crisp
- Spread the cherry filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping over the cherry filling, covering it completely.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated smoker and bake for 40 - 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the cherry crisp from the smoker and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose the Right Cherries: opt for fresh, sweet cherries when possible.
- Add Flavor Enhancements: a splash of vanilla, almond extract or a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom can nicely elevate this Cherry Crisp.
- The butter for the topping should be cold, not softened or melted. Using warm butter can result in a greasy topping instead of crispy one.
- Allow the Cherry Crisp to cool before serving: it will help to set the filling and topping, making it easier to slice and serve.
Nutrition
Serving: 1sliceCalories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 92mgPotassium: 166mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg
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