This Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble is a sweet treat that combines juicy cherries with a crisp, buttery topping. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for dessert lovers!
I love how this dish makes my kitchen smell heavenly while it bakes. Plus, it’s great served warm with a scoop of ice cream. Who can resist that combo? 🍒🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal, but frozen cherries work just as well. If cherries aren’t available, consider using blueberries or peaches for a different twist.
Sugar: Use granulated sugar to sweeten the cherry filling. If you like it less sweet, reduce the amount. For a healthier option, you could substitute with honey or maple syrup, but be aware this may change the texture slightly.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the cherry filling. If you’re avoiding cornstarch, arrowroot or tapioca flour can serve as alternatives.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to, but you can use margarine, coconut oil, or even a dairy-free butter for a vegan version.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Crumble Topping?
Making the crumble topping is simple and crucial for that perfect crispy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with cold butter; it helps create that flaky texture. Cut it into small cubes to make it easier to incorporate.
- Mix dry ingredients first. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt before adding the butter.
- Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, blend the cold butter into the dry ingredients. Stop when it looks like coarse crumbs with some larger pieces. This variation provides great texture when baked.
Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the cherry filling)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Time Needed:
This cherry crumble recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake, for a total of about 55-60 minutes. Afterwards, let it cool slightly before serving. It’s a quick dessert that brings delightful warmth to any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your cherry crumble.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the cherries evenly. Once well mixed, pour this cherry mixture into a buttered baking dish. This will be the fruity base of your crumble.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, take the cold, diced butter and add it to the mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Aim for a mix that has some larger pieces for extra texture!
4. Assemble the Crumble:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cherry mixture in the baking dish. Try to cover the cherries well for a crunchy topping.
5. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s a comforting dessert that’s sure to please!
This cherry crumble features a luscious, juicy cherry base topped with a buttery, crumbly topping. Enjoy your delightful creation and share it with your loved ones!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble
Can I Use Frozen Cherries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Just toss them in the mixing bowl straight from the freezer, and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What Can I Substitute for Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can easily use arrowroot powder or tapioca flour as a thickening agent for the cherry filling. Use the same amount, about 1 tablespoon.
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 pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave it until warmed through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cherry filling and crumble topping separately a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake. This way, you can enjoy a freshly baked dessert in no time!
