This Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble is a warm, fruity dessert topped with a crunchy, buttery mix. It’s packed with sweet cherries and is super simple to make—perfect for any day!
Honestly, it’s hard to resist a bowl of this cherry goodness with ice cream on top. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla, and I bet you’ll want seconds too! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries work best, but you can easily use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra water in your crumble. Use other fruits like blueberries or peaches for different flavors!
Granulated Sugar: This helps balance the tartness of the cherries. If you’re watching sugar intake, you can swap with a sugar substitute. I personally like to use less sugar with fresh cherries since they’re naturally sweet.
Cornstarch: This thickens the cherry filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour or arrowroot powder in a pinch, though it might take a bit longer to thicken.
All-Purpose Flour: It gives structure to the crumble topping. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or gluten-free flour blends can work too! Just know the texture might differ slightly.
Butter: Stick to unsalted butter for better control of salt in your dish. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used, but it may alter the flavor a bit.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Crumble Topping?
The crumble is what makes this dessert special! To achieve a crunchy topping, ensure the butter is cold when you mix it in with the dry ingredients. This helps create those little buttery pockets that turn golden as they bake.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Don’t overwork the dough! It should still have some larger pieces for that crunchy texture.
- If you like an extra crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the crumble mixture.
Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 35-40 minutes for baking. Total time is about 55-60 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a warm, delicious dessert ready to enjoy shortly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Cherries:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss them gently until the cherries are well coated. This mixture is what gives the cherry filling its sweet and thick texture. Then, transfer this lovely cherry mixture into a baking dish or individual ramekins for a charming touch!
2. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, optional cinnamon, and salt. This is the base of your crispy topping. Next, add the cold butter pieces to the mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs—this will give your crumble that delightful crunch!
3. Assemble and Bake:
Now, sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cherry filling in your baking dish. Make sure to cover it well to create a nice golden crust. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, carefully remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly. This makes for a perfect warm dessert! If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for a lovely finish. Serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every bite of your delicious homemade cherry crumble!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugar and cornstarch. This helps keep the filling from becoming too watery.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you’re avoiding gluten altogether!
Can I Prepare the Cherry Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cherry filling a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to bake, just mix the crumble topping and assemble before baking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cherry crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven or microwave. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor!
