Cherry Crumble Recipe

Craving a simple and delicious dessert? Try this easy Cherry Crumble recipe made with fresh or frozen cherries, a buttery crumble topping, and a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. This cherry crumble is a quick and satisfying dessert for any occasion, ideal for summer gatherings, family dinners, or holiday celebrations. With its juicy cherry filling and golden, crunchy topping, it pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Learn how to make this classic fruit crumble with step-by-step instructions, and discover variations like adding almonds or oats for extra flavor. Whether you’re using fresh cherries or frozen, this homemade cherry crumble is the perfect dessert for any fruit lover.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 lbs fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold, unsalted butter, diced
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup sliced almonds, divided
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare cherries: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Pit the cherries and set them aside.
2. Prepare the cherry filling: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup sugar. In a medium bowl, toss the pitted cherries with lemon juice and vanilla extract. Sprinkle the flour-sugar mixture over the cherries and stir until they are evenly coated. Transfer the cherries to a 9×13 or 9×12-inch baking dish.
3. Make the crumble topping: In the bowl of a food processor, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Pulse to mix. Add the cold, diced butter and pulse again until the butter is in pea-sized pieces.
4. Finish the topping: Transfer the crumbly mixture to a medium bowl. Add the quick-cooking oats and use your hands to rub the mixture between your fingers to create large crumbs. Stir in 1/2 cup sliced almonds.
5. Assemble and bake: Evenly spread the crumble topping over the cherries in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup sliced almonds over the top. Bake uncovered at 350˚F for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry juices are bubbling at the edges.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the crumble to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The juices will thicken as it cools. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

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Tips

• Cherry Selection: Fresh sweet cherries are best for this recipe, but frozen cherries will work well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the crumble topping in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month.
• Crispier Topping: For an extra-crispy topping, bake the crumble for a few extra minutes at the end, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.

Variations and Substitutions

• Fruit Mix: You can swap the cherries for other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Or use a combination of different fruits for a mixed berry crumble.
• Nut Options: If you’re not a fan of almonds, try substituting them with chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts.
• Butter Substitute: For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, frozen cherries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the dry ingredients.
• Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the cherry crumble the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
• Can I freeze the crumble? Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Just bake it directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Serve the warm crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Breakfast or Brunch: Cherry crumble also makes a wonderful addition to brunch or breakfast when served with yogurt or a drizzle of cream.
• Top with Yogurt: For a lighter option, serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top for a delicious combination of creamy and tart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Crumble is a delightful dessert that brings together sweet cherries and a buttery, crispy topping in the most comforting way. With its balance of juicy fruit and crunchy crumble, it’s the perfect treat for any season. Whether served warm with ice cream or cooled to room temperature, this dessert is sure to please everyone. Easy to make and customizable, this cherry crumble is a go-to recipe for satisfying your sweet cravings with minimal effort.