Peach and Cherry Amaretto Crisp

Nothing says summer like the marriage of juicy peaches and ripe cherries, and this Peach and Cherry Amaretto Crisp delivers that and more. With an aromatic splash of amaretto liqueur and almond extract, the flavor is deepened and elevated to something truly special. The crisp topping is crumbly, golden, and spiked with sliced almonds for extra crunch and richness. Served warm with melting vanilla ice cream, this dessert is a celebration of seasonal fruit in its most comforting form.

This dessert is incredibly easy to assemble, making it a go-to option for summer cookouts, Sunday dinners, or when you’re simply craving a cozy fruit-filled treat. The balance between the tart cherries, sweet peaches, and the slight nuttiness from the amaretto is truly irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a solo indulgence, this crisp never fails to satisfy. Plus, it’s easily adaptable with other stone fruits or berries depending on what’s in season or in your freezer.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced fresh or frozen peaches

• 2 cups pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

• 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur

For the crisp topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine peaches, cherries, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, and amaretto. Toss gently until well mixed.

3. Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

4. In another bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in sliced almonds.

6. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit.

7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.

8. Cool slightly before serving. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Few desserts are as welcoming, rustic, and universally loved as a fruit crisp. The Peach and Cherry Amaretto Crisp takes everything you already adore about traditional crisps juicy fruit filling, crumbly topping, and that comforting warmth and elevates it with a touch of sophistication from amaretto. With its beautiful blend of seasonal fruits and the nutty essence of almond liqueur, this dessert is equal parts nostalgic and exciting. It’s the kind of dish that brings people to the table, invites conversation, and keeps them asking for seconds.

This crisp is especially perfect in the late spring and summer months when peaches and cherries are at their peak. However, thanks to the availability of frozen fruits, this dessert is easy to make year-round. The balance of flavors is truly remarkable sweet, tart, and rich with layers of texture from the soft fruit and buttery crumble topping.

What Makes This Crisp Special

While many fruit crisps focus on a single fruit like apple, peach, or berry this recipe combines peaches and cherries for a more complex, vibrant flavor profile. The sweetness of ripe peaches contrasts beautifully with the slight tartness of cherries. When baked together, they create a juicy, jammy filling that tastes like the essence of summer.

The addition of amaretto liqueur takes this dish into new territory. Amaretto, an almond-flavored Italian liqueur, enhances the natural flavor of the fruits while adding warmth and depth. A small amount is all you need to infuse the entire crisp with a rich, nutty aroma that’s as delightful as it is unexpected. Almond extract is also used to round out the flavor and give the fruit base an aromatic boost.

The topping, a golden mixture of oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar, is everything a crisp topping should be crunchy, crumbly, and slightly chewy. Sliced almonds add extra texture and a beautiful toasty finish once baked. When spooned over the bubbling fruit and served warm, it becomes a harmonious mix of hot, cold (if paired with ice cream), soft, and crisp. It’s an old-fashioned dessert with a modern flavor twist that everyone will love.

Perfect for All Occasions

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or simply looking to treat your family to a homemade dessert, the Peach and Cherry Amaretto Crisp is an ideal choice. Its rustic presentation feels effortlessly elegant, and it doesn’t require any advanced baking skills or equipment. You can serve it directly from the baking dish, and it’s easily doubled for larger gatherings.

This crisp is also a fantastic make-ahead option. It can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. If you’re pressed for time, bake it a few hours before your event and reheat it gently in the oven. It travels well and fills the kitchen with a sweet, inviting aroma as it bakes—a bonus if you’re looking to impress guests.

Seasonality and Ingredient Flexibility

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how flexible it is. You can use fresh or frozen fruit depending on availability. In the summer, take advantage of ripe, local peaches and sweet cherries. If you’re making this dessert in the off-season, high-quality frozen fruit works just as well just be sure to thaw and drain it properly to avoid excess moisture.

Feel free to get creative with the fruit combination. Apricots, nectarines, or plums could be used alongside or in place of peaches. Berries, particularly blueberries or raspberries, pair beautifully with cherries. The amaretto plays well with nearly all stone fruits and berries, allowing for a variety of delicious flavor pairings.

The topping is just as adaptable. You can swap the almonds for chopped pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts. Coconut flakes, granola, or crushed amaretti cookies are also excellent additions that introduce new flavors and textures. If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, substitute gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter for an allergen-friendly version.

The Role of Amaretto in This Dessert

Amaretto is what truly distinguishes this crisp from its more traditional counterparts. Made from almonds or apricot kernels, this Italian liqueur has a distinctive sweet and slightly bitter profile. In this dessert, it’s used to enhance and deepen the flavor of the fruit filling without overpowering it. As the crisp bakes, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind the warm, nutty essence that complements both the fruit and the almond topping.

If you prefer to skip alcohol, you can omit the amaretto entirely and double up on almond extract for a similar flavor effect. However, if you’re serving this dish to adults and want to elevate it even further, a splash of extra amaretto poured over the warm crisp just before serving is a decadent finishing touch.

Serving Tips and Pairings

This crisp is best served warm, straight from the oven, when the topping is golden and the fruit filling is bubbling. Vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing it melts into the warm fruit and adds creamy contrast. However, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even mascarpone cheese also make delicious toppings.

For a more elegant presentation, spoon individual portions into dessert bowls and top each with a small drizzle of amaretto or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair it with a glass of Moscato, Riesling, or dessert wine to complement the fruity, nutty flavors.

If you’re planning to serve it at brunch or as part of a holiday spread, consider offering it alongside a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and fresh fruit. The crisp’s sweet-savory notes make it surprisingly versatile in more sophisticated menu pairings.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers (if there are any!) keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer to an airtight container. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

If you want to freeze the crisp, it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the dessert in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Fruit Too Juicy? If your filling turns out too runny, make sure you’re adding enough thickener like cornstarch. Let the crisp rest for 10–15 minutes after baking to allow the juices to set.
• Soggy Topping? Avoid using overly ripe fruit, especially if frozen. Always thaw and drain it thoroughly. Cold butter in the topping is essential to maintain a crisp texture.
• Want More Crunch? Add a tablespoon of crushed amaretti cookies to the topping before baking. This adds an extra almond boost and crunch.

Conclusion: A Must-Have in Your Baking Repertoire

The Peach and Cherry Amaretto Crisp is the epitome of an easy, elegant dessert. It brings together seasonal fruit, aromatic liqueur, and a textural topping that satisfies all the senses. Its warm, comforting nature makes it perfect for intimate gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in. The ingredients are simple, the prep is quick, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

Whether you’re introducing amaretto into your baking for the first time or looking for a fresh way to enjoy summer fruits, this crisp is bound to become a favorite. It offers enough flavor complexity for gourmet palates while remaining approachable and familiar. Once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again swapping fruits, tweaking toppings, and savoring the sweet success of a timeless dessert reinvented.

Perfectly sweet, wonderfully tart, and rich with nutty undertones, this crisp isn’t just a recipe it’s a warm memory waiting to be made.