Discover the ultimate comfort dessert with this incredible easy cherry crumble recipe! Imagine warm, juicy cherries bursting with sweet and tart flavor, topped with a golden, crisp, oat and almond streusel.
This delightful dessert comes together effortlessly, using simple ingredients you likely have on hand, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Especially busy parents and beginners looking for a homemade treat will adore this. Get ready to bake a delicious cherry crumble recipe that will impress everyone.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Crumble
- Effortlessly Delicious: This cherry crumble recipe is incredibly simple to master, making it ideal for novice bakers and time-crunched schedules alike. It truly simplifies homemade dessert.
- Flexible Ingredients: Whether fresh cherries are in season or you rely on frozen ones, this recipe adapts beautifully. You can enjoy this comforting treat year-round.
- Flavor Harmony: Experience the perfect balance of juicy, sweet, and tart cherries, all nestled under a buttery, crisp, and nutty topping. Every bite is a delightful symphony.
- Comfort in Every Bite: It’s a rustic, heartwarming dessert that brings a cozy feeling to any meal. This crumble is pure edible comfort, perfect for sharing.
- Serve It Your Way: It’s fantastic warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply delightful on its own. Enjoy this versatile dessert however you like.
Ingredients
Crafting this irresistible cherry crumble recipe starts with a few wholesome ingredients, divided into two easy parts: the vibrant cherry filling and the irresistible, crunchy crumble topping. Each component plays a crucial role in the final delicious outcome.
For the Cherry Filling:
- 5 cups pitted cherries (tart cherries, sweet cherries, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Notes & Substitutions
- Cherries: You can use fresh tart cherries, sweet cherries, or a combination. Tart cherries offer a bolder flavor, beautifully balanced by the sugar in this cherry crumble recipe. If using frozen cherries, thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid well. You might add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch if they still seem overly juicy to ensure a perfect filling.
- Flour: For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Almond flour also works wonderfully for an added nutty flavor.
- Nuts: Don’t have sliced almonds? Chopped pecans or walnuts make excellent substitutes, adding their own distinct crunch. Feel free to omit nuts entirely if preferred.
- Fruit Combos: Get creative with your fruit! Substitute half the cherries with sliced peaches, plums, or a mix of berries like blueberries and raspberries for a different flavor profile.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes baking this easy cherry crumble recipe even smoother. You’ll need a 9-inch square baking dish for the perfect size. Grab a couple of large mixing bowls for your filling and topping. Of course, have your measuring cups and spoons ready. A cherry pitter is optional but incredibly handy for quick prep!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping cherry crumble recipe that’s bursting with flavor! This guide makes it straightforward for any home baker.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
- Create the Cherry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the cherries are evenly coated. The cornstarch helps thicken the juices, creating a luscious filling.
- Spread the Goodness: Pour the prepared cherry filling evenly into your greased baking dish. Spread it out with a spatula to ensure a consistent layer for baking.
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a separate large bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the topping: old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, sliced almonds, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Whisk them together until well mixed.
- Add the Butter: Pour the melted and cooled unsalted butter into the dry topping mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to gently mix everything until appealing clumps form. You want a beautifully crumbly, sandy texture with satisfying larger clusters. This forms the signature crisp topping for your incredible cherry crumble recipe.
- Top It Off: Evenly scatter the buttery crumble topping over the cherry filling in the baking dish. Cover the cherries completely, but don’t press the topping down.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The crumble topping should be beautifully golden brown, and the cherry filling beneath should be visibly bubbling around the edges. This bubbling indicates the filling is hot and thick.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cherry crumble recipe from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set properly, making it easier to scoop and preventing it from being too runny. Serve warm for the best experience!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Perfect Crumble Texture: Don’t overmix the topping; mix just until clumps form. For a rustic texture, use cold, diced butter and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingertips.
- Prevent Watery Filling: If cherries are very juicy, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch. This ensures a beautifully thick fruit layer in your cherry crumble recipe.
- Is It Done?: Look for a deep golden brown topping and bubbling fruit around the edges. This confirms your crumble is perfectly baked.
- Adjust Sweetness: Increase sugar by 1-2 tablespoons for tart cherries; reduce slightly for very sweet ones.
- Quick Cherry Pitting: A cherry pitter makes quick work of this task. Alternatively, use a piping bag tip or a sturdy straw to push out pits.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
- Serving Suggestions: This cherry crumble recipe is best served warm, ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also delicious at room temperature for a lighter treat.
- Storage: Cover any leftover cherry crumble tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked crumble for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly before freezing. Thaw in the fridge and reheat.
- Fruit Variations: Get creative! Substitute half the cherries with sliced peaches, plums, or a mix of berries like blueberries and raspberries for a different flavor profile.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
Nutrition
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this delightful cherry crumble recipe. Please remember these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact portion sizes. Always use this as a general guide. Enjoy this comforting dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet, appreciating all the wholesome goodness it offers you and your loved ones.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 31 mg |
| Sodium | 78 mg |
| Potassium | 279 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 33 g |
| Vitamin A | 410 IU |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Calcium | 38 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to pit cherries?
A cherry pitter is the most efficient tool for this task. If you don’t have one, a sturdy straw or a piping bag tip can also help push out the pits.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! Thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before using. You might add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to account for extra moisture.
How can I make a gluten-free cherry crumble?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend or almond flour for a delicious alternative.
What’s the difference between a crumble, crisp, and cobbler?
A crumble has a streusel-like topping, often including oats, while a fresh cherry crisp usually has oats as well but sometimes with less flour. A cobbler features a biscuit-like topping over the fruit.
Conclusion
This easy cherry crumble recipe is a testament to how simple and satisfying homemade desserts can truly be. With its vibrant, bubbling cherry filling and irresistibly crunchy oat and almond topping, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion, big or small. Don’t hesitate to whip up this comforting dessert for your family and friends.
We would love to hear how your cherry crumble recipe turns out, so please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! Studies suggest that consuming cherries can offer various health benefits, including reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. health benefits of cherries
Easy Cherry Crumble
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9‑inch square baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir gently until evenly coated. Spread the filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until clumps form.
- Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the cherry filling. Do not press down.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles around the edges.
- Cool on a wire rack for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
Notes
- Can be made gluten‑free using a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
- For vegan, use dairy‑free butter.
- Works with fresh or frozen cherries (drained).
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