This 5-ingredient oven baked cherry dessert is the kind of simple, homespun treat that comes together when you want something warm and cozy without fussing over a long ingredient list. Using frozen raw tart cherries right from the freezer gives you bright cherry flavor and a lovely jammy filling as it bakes, while a few pantry staples turn it into an easy family dessert that feels somewhere between a cobbler and a crisp.
Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt if you like a little tang against the sweet fruit. For a simple dessert table, I also like to pair it with hot coffee, black tea, or cold milk, and if you are making it for a holiday meal, it sits nicely alongside roasted meats and other comfort-food favorites.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Cherry Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
4 cups frozen raw tart cherries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly butter or spray a 9x13-inch oven-safe glass baking dish.
2. Pour the frozen tart cherries directly into the prepared baking dish and spread them into an even layer.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, and baking powder until well combined.
4. Drizzle the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until the mixture looks crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the frozen cherries, covering most of the fruit.
6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cherries are bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly golden. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the juices can thicken a bit.
Variations & Tips
For a sweeter dessert: Tart cherries have a bold, puckery flavor, so if your family prefers a sweeter treat, increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups. This is especially helpful if you plan to serve it without ice cream.
For extra texture: If you are comfortable stretching beyond the 5-ingredient idea, a handful of old-fashioned oats or chopped pecans mixed into the topping adds a nice little crunch and makes it feel even more like a crisp.
For picky eaters: Serve each portion warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping. That creamy finish softens the tartness and makes this dessert especially kid-friendly.
Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until baking time. Add a few extra minutes in the oven if the dish is going in cold.
Storage tip: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in a low oven until heated through.