Gluten Free Cherry Crisp Recipe With Frozen Cherries

Name: Gluten Free Cherry Crisp Recipe With Frozen Cherries
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cherries (pitted and halved (we used frozen and thawed)); 2 tbsp real maple syrup; 1 tbsp melted butter (we used plant based); 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional); 4 tbsp gluten free granola (we used Natures Path Granola Coconut Cashew Butter)

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A bowl of gluten free cherry crisp with ice cream on top.

This gluten-free cherry crisp is a fast and fruity treat made with sweet cherries, a crumbly oat topping, and just a few pantry staples. Perfect for cherry season or a cozy weeknight dessert, this recipe uses your air fryer to bring out bold cherry flavor in under 20 minutes. Serve with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’re set!

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Quick Info About This Recipe

Type: Dessert
Cuisne: American
Time: 20 minutes
Number of ingredients: 5
Diets & Allergens: Gluten Free, Dairy Free Contains: tree nuts, peanuts, and soy
Equipment needed: Air fryer

Labeled ingredients for making gluten free cherry crisp.

About the Ingredients

Pitted and halved cherries (we used frozen and thawed)
Real maple syrup
Melted butter (we used plant-based)
Almond extract (optional)
Your favorite granola (we used Nature’s Path organic gluten-free coconut and cashew butter granola)

Be sure to see the printable recipe card for the full ingredients list with measurements, instructions and tips!

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350F (if your air fryer does not have a preheat function, you can just heat it with nothing in it for about 3 minutes)

Maple syrup being poured into a glass bowl filled with cherries.

A wooden spoon mixing cherries in a glass bowl.

Step 2: Mix together cherries, maple syrup, butter, and almond extract (if using) and add to an air fryer safe baking pan or dish.

Gluten free cherry crisp being baked in an air fryer.

Step 3: Cook the cherry crisp in the air fryer for 15 minutes, or until the cherries are cooked the way you like them. Stir the cherry mixture at least once during cooking.

Step 4: When done, open the air fryer basket and add the granola on top of the cooked cherries. Cook for another 2–3 mins.

A glass pan full of gluten free cherry crisp.

Step 5: Serve the warm cherry crisp with some ice cream on top or on the side. We love using dairy-free vanilla ice cream.

You’ll Also Love This

If you’re in the mood for fruity desserts, you will also love our gluten free strawberry shortcake recipe and this yummy gluten free blackberry crumble. In the mood for more desserts? Check out this Almond Flour Brownies recipe.

Tips & Time Saving Shortcuts

Use frozen cherries from a bag that have been thawed in the fridge. Dark sweet cherries work really well.
Buy pre-pitted frozen cherries to skip the cherry pitter.
Use store-bought gluten-free granola like Nature’s Path to avoid making a crumble mixture from scratch.
Melt the vegan butter right in your mixing bowl using a microwave to cut down on dishes.

Substitutions & Variations

Swap the granola for a homemade crumble topping made with certified gluten-free oats, oat flour, cold butter, and light brown sugar.
Use fresh cherries if you have them. Sweet cherries, tart cherries, and sour cherries all work well.
No maple syrup? You can use honey or agave.
Replace almond extract with vanilla if preferred, or skip it entirely for a cleaner fruit-forward taste.
Add chopped almonds or shredded coconut to the granola topping for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

To store: Let the cherry crisp cool to room temperature, then cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Portion the cooled cherry crisp into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat: Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. Oven or toaster oven: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, and the topping is crisp. Microwave: Use short intervals on medium power to avoid overcooking the topping.

What to Serve it With

Appetizer: loaded tater tots
Side: gluten free scalloped potatoes
Main: Mexican veggie soup
Drink: tea recipes

FAQ

Can I make this cherry crisp recipe without granola?

Yes. Use a crumbly oat topping made from gluten-free flour, quick cooking oats, butter, and a spoonful of coconut sugar or light brown sugar.

Can I use cherry pie filling for cherry crisp?

This recipe works best with real cherries, but you can use cherry pie filling in a pinch. Skip the maple syrup and almond extract since pie filling is already sweet and flavored.

Can I make cherry crisp in a regular oven?

Yes. Bake at 350°F in a pie dish or metal pans for about 25 minutes, or until the cherries are soft, and the topping is golden brown.

Can I use other fruit for cherry crisp?

Absolutely. This works well with a mix of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or apples.

What’s the best way to serve cherry crisp?

Warm with a big scoop of vegan ice cream or regular vanilla ice cream. It’s one of those cherry desserts that’s simple and satisfying, especially when the crisp topping is still toasty.

Helpful Product Links for This Recipe

Air Fryer (wide)
Toaster Oven & Air Fryer Baking Pan Set
Nature’s Path organic gluten-free coconut and cashew butter granola)

Love cooking with your air fryer? Check out this awesome air fryer cooking times search tool and printable.

More Yummy Gluten Free Recipes

If you love sweet dessert recipes, you’ll also love these red velvet cake pops and chocolate milkshake!

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