Black cherries are such a delicious sweet treat.

They are one of my favorite fruits, so making a delightful dessert from them just makes sense.

This warm, vegan black cherry crisp is a delectable blend of black cherries, maple syrup, cinnamon, allspice,

ground cloves, fresh thyme leaves, topped with rolled oats, almond flour, chopped pecans, maple syrup and coconut oil.

Tip: Frozen cherries are much easier to use than fresh for this recipe.

Place frozen cherries in a small strainer set over a large bowl to collect the liquid while thawing.

Reserve the liquid to use in smoothies, cocktails, or non-alcoholic beverages.

For example, you can combine some of the cherry juice with club soda and some crushed mint for a refreshing spritzer.

Warm Vegan Black Cherry Crisp 

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

4½ c. frozen black cherries, thawed and chopped
¼ c. maple syrup, preferably local
½ t. ground cinnamon
½ t. ground allspice
¼ t. ground cloves
1 T. fresh thyme leaves

Topping Ingredients:

1 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
½ c. almond flour
½  c. pecans, chopped
1/3 c. maple syrup, preferably local
5 T. coconut oil, melted, divided
1/8 t. table salt

Optional Garnish:
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Special equipment: 4 9-oz. oval cast iron mini-servers

(If unavailable, use a well-seasoned 10” cast iron skillet instead)

Directions:

Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°

Combine thawed chopped cherries, maple syrup, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and thyme leaves in a bowl.

Toss to combine and set aside.

Combine rolled oats, almond flour, pecans, maple syrup, three tablespoons melted coconut oil, and salt in a separate bowl

and stir until oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined.

Set aside.

Lightly grease the four 9-oz. oval cast iron baking dishes (or the 10” cast iron skillet) with remaining coconut oil.

Divide the cherry mixture equally among the cast iron mini-servers and spread into an even layer.

Divide the topping between the 4 mini-servers, as well, and spread into a thin layer on top.

Place into pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned and the cherry mixture is nice and bubbly.

Tip: If using a 10” skillet, cover loosely with aluminum foil after 30 minutes and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

What are your favorite ways to enjoy black cherries?

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