This Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble is a warm delight! With juicy cherries and a buttery crumb topping, it’s sure to make your taste buds dance.
Honestly, there’s nothing like a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of this crumble. It’s the perfect match—just like peanut butter and jelly! 🍒
I love how simple this recipe is. Just mix the cherries with sugar, top it with a quick crumble, and bake. It’s a sweet treat that feels special without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries give the best flavor, but you can use frozen ones too! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before using. If cherries are out of season, try blueberries or peaches for a different twist.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you can reduce the amount if your cherries are really sweet. For alternatives, consider honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind they may alter the texture slightly.
Cornstarch: This thickens the cherry filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour, though it won’t thicken as well. Just double the amount used.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over salt content. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or vegan butter.
How Do You Get a Perfect Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping is what makes this dish special! To get that perfect crunchy texture, watch your butter. Make sure it’s cold and cut into small pieces for easy mixing with the dry ingredients.
- Mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together before adding butter.
- Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork it; you want some larger chunks for that nice crunch!
Spread the crumble topping evenly over the cherries for balanced bites. Bake until golden and bubbly—this signals it’s ready to come out!
Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Time Estimate
This delicious cherry crumble will take about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to bake it for 35-40 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes before you can dig in! Perfect for a cozy dessert time.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s ready to go when you assemble your crumble.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir gently until the cherries are coated with the mixture. Once ready, transfer this delicious cherry mixture into a greased baking dish.
3. Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Next, add the cold butter pieces to this mix. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub or cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. It’s okay to have some larger bits for that nice crunch!
4. Assemble the Cherry Crumble
Now, spread the crumble topping evenly over the cherry filling in your baking dish. This will form a lovely crust when baked.
5. Bake and Enjoy
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. When it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Serve it Warm
If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your homemade cherry crumble!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble
Can I Use Frozen Cherries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen cherries completely before use. Drain any excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. You might want to add a little extra cornstarch to help thicken it up if needed!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Crumble?
If you find the cherries are particularly sweet, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and topping. You can also use a sugar substitute, but be sure to check the conversion rates since they can vary.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cherry filling and crumble topping ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, assemble and pop it in the oven for a fresh dessert!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. A scoop of ice cream on top can brighten it up again!
