There’s something special about cherry season in Northern Michigan. Around Traverse City and Grand Traverse Bay, cherries are more than just a fruit — they’re part of the local flavor, the summer scenery, and the sweet traditions that make this area feel like home.

This Traverse City Fresh Cherry Crisp is a simple, comforting way to celebrate fresh cherries when they’re at their best. Instead of using canned pie filling, this version starts with fresh pitted cherries, a touch of almond extract, a little lemon juice, and a buttery brown sugar topping that bakes into a golden, crumbly finish.

It’s the kind of dessert that feels right after a summer dinner, a family cookout, a day at the beach, or a weekend drive through cherry country. Serve it warm with whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a sweet taste of Grand Traverse in every bite.

 

For Capt Cherry’s Recipe Files, this one is a local classic: easy to make, full of cherry flavor, and perfect for sharing with family, friends, and anyone who loves a little Up North sweetness.

 

Traverse City Fresh Cherry Crisp

 

Servings: 6
Serving Size: About 1/2 cup

Ingredients

Cherry Filling

• 4 cups fresh pitted cherries
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Crisp Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Optional Topping

• Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place the fresh pitted cherries in an ungreased 8” x 8” baking dish.

In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the cherries and gently stir until the cherries are evenly coated.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix with a fork until the topping becomes crumbly.

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cherry filling.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream if desired.

 

Cap't Cherry’s Tip

For extra local flavor, use fresh Northern Michigan sweet or tart cherries. If using tart cherries, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of sugar, depending on how sweet you like your crisp.