Late Summer Cherry Crisp

It's a cloudy day outside, my husband is off from work, and I thought it sounded like a good idea to make a big pot of potato soup!  Fall is around the corner, and that means soup season!  I've had some beautiful frozen cherries in the freezer I've been meaning to make a pie with over the last month, but time has gotten away.  As a last nod to summer, tonight I decided to make an easy cherry crisp packed with oats and brown sugar with a sweet cherry filling.

I found a recipe on Pinterest and made it my own, just the way I like to do it.  It's hard for me to leave any recipe without adapting my own version.  I added vanilla extract because I think it goes well with cherries, and I used old fashioned oats for a crunchier topping than quick cooking.  If you don't want to use cherries for this, you could certainly substitute some peaches, blackberries or even apples for a new crisp idea!  (I would add cinnamon  to the topping if using peaches or apples.)  Crisps are easy, unfussy desserts meant for the most casual nights.

This sweet girl is sure excited to help me out with the topping! 

I just snuck a little taste hot out of the oven and it's so delicious!!  It will be perfect with some vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream tonight.  I think this dessert will be one to make again very soon! 

Easy Cherry Crisp

Slightly adapted from: My Baking Addiction

1/2 c. old fashioned oats

1/2 c. plus 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour, divided

1/8 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed

1/4 c. butter, melted

Filling:

2-3 c. (about 1 1/2 bags) frozen pitted cherries

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.In another bowl, mix together the frozen cherries, sugar and vanilla

3. Spray baking dish or use butter as I did.  I used a large pie pan, but I definitely could've used a regular 9 inch one.  I think cobblers are pretty in pie pans, myslf.

4. Combine oats, 1/2 c. flour, baking powder, and baking soda together in a medium bowl.  Stir to combine.

5.  Add the brown sugar and melted butter to the flour mixture.  Mix well to form a delicious clumpy dough. (My daughter loved this part!)

6.  Pour the sweetened cherry mixture into the pan and sprinkle clumps of the topping all over.

7.  Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden!