As I sifted through my pantry, I stumbled upon a jar of cherry pie filling, and suddenly, I was craving the warmth and comfort of my Homemade Cherry Crumble. This delightful dessert comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for a spontaneous sweet treat or a cozy gathering. The best part? It’s not just a crowd-pleaser; it also embraces the joy of baking without overwhelming your schedule. With a rich, fruity base and a crumbly, buttery topping, this recipe is a sweet reminder of why homemade food is so cherished. Are you ready to whip up a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the oven? Let’s get started!
Why Is This Cherry Crumble Unforgettable?
Irresistible flavor: The natural sweetness of cherry pie filling pairs perfectly with a buttery, crumbly topping, creating a dessert that’s simply mouthwatering.
Easy to make: With just a handful of simple ingredients, this cherry crumble comes together in no time—perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs!
Crowd favorite: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and watch it vanish at any gathering.
Versatile option: Feel free to swap in different fruits or use homemade cherry pie filling for a personalized touch!
Time-saving: In just over an hour, you'll have a comforting dessert that could easily become your next go-to recipe for spontaneous gatherings or family nights.
Ready to take your baking skills up a notch? Discover more delightful options in our easy dessert recipes.
Cherry Crumble Ingredients
• Create the magic of cherry crumble with these simple ingredients!
For the Filling
• Cherry pie filling – This is the star of the dish, providing that luscious cherry flavor that lures you in.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness; adjust according to your taste or use honey as a substitute!
• Cornstarch – Helps thicken the filling, providing the perfect texture for your cherry crumble.
• Lemon juice – Brightens up the flavor; freshly squeezed is always best!
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness of the cherries, giving your dessert a lovely aroma.
For the Crumble Topping
• Flour – Gives structure to the crumble topping, ensuring that it bakes up golden and delicious.
• Rolled oats – Adds a delightful texture and heartiness that complements the fruity filling.
• Brown sugar – Brings a hint of caramel flavor while creating a crispy crust; don't skip it!
• Cinnamon – Adds a warm spice that elevates your cherry crumble experience.
• Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Cold cubed butter – The key to achieving a flaky, tender topping; keep it cold for best results.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Crumble
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. This will ensure your delicious cherry crumble comes out easily and can be easily served at your gathering or cozy night in.
Step 2: Mix the Cherry Filling
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cherry pie filling, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined, looking for a slightly glossy mixture. This will create the luscious filling for your cherry crumble, perfect for soaking up the flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with bits of butter about the size of peas. This crumbly texture will form the delightful topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Cherry Crumble
Pour the cherry filling mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Next, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the cherry pie filling, ensuring it covers the fruit completely. This will create a beautiful layer that bakes up golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled cherry crumble in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling bubbles around the edges and the topping turns a lovely golden brown. This baking time will fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cherries and cinnamon.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the cherry crumble from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling period will help set the filling. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of delight!
Expert Tips for Cherry Crumble
Perfect Texture: Make sure your butter is cold when mixing it with the dry ingredients. This will help achieve a flaky, crispy topping for your cherry crumble.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining the cherry filling ingredients, mix just until blended. Overmixing can cause the filling to become too runny.
Customize Fruits: Feel free to replace cherry pie filling with other fruits like peaches or berries. Just adjust the sugar according to the fruit's sweetness.
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your crumble. Check for bubbling filling and a golden-brown topping to determine doneness.
Storage Savvy: If you have leftovers, store your cherry crumble in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for the best texture before serving!
Storage Tips for Cherry Crumble
Room Temperature: Store leftover cherry crumble at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the delightful texture for enjoyment later on.
Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate your cherry crumble in an airtight container. It will last for about 5-7 days, keeping the tasty cherry filling intact.
Freezer: You can freeze cherry crumble for up to 3 months! Ensure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Reheating: To enjoy your cherry crumble again, reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. This restores its warm, comforting texture, perfect with a scoop of ice cream!
What to Serve with Homemade Cherry Crumble
Indulging in a warm slice of cherry crumble is one thing, but pairing it with the right complements elevates the experience to pure bliss.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, fruity filling and crumbly topping. It’s a classic pairing that enhances each bite.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds a touch of sweetness to your dessert, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that makes every spoonful irresistible.
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Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprig of mint brings a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts through the sweetness, creating an aromatic experience that pleases the senses.
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Chilled Lemonade: The tangy notes of lemonade balance out the sweetness of the cherry crumble, making it a refreshing sipper as you enjoy your dessert.
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Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of rich, warm chocolate sauce over your crumble adds decadence that pairs nicely with the fruity undertones. Perfect for chocolate lovers!
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Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: For a delightful crunch, serve some homemade cinnamon sugar tortilla chips alongside. Their crispy sweetness adds texture and a fun element.
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Caramel Sauce: A sweet and buttery drizzle enhances the overall flavor, turning your cherry crumble into an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
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Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of coffee provide an excellent counterpoint to the sweetness of the crumble, perfect for winding down after a delicious meal.
These pairings not only enhance the flavors of your cherry crumble but also add delightful contrasts in texture and experience. Enjoy crafting your perfect dessert moment!
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Cherry Crumble options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cherry filling and crumble topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the filling, mix the cherry pie filling, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, then refrigerate in an airtight container. For the crumble topping, combine flour, oats, sugars, cinnamon, salt, and butter, mixing until crumbly; store it in a sealed bag. When you're ready to enjoy your cherry crumble, simply layer the filling in your baking dish, sprinkle the topping on, and bake as directed for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. This prep-ahead method lets you enjoy homemade dessert without the last-minute hustle!
Cherry Crumble Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to spark your creativity and customize your cherry crumble with these fun twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-friendly dessert. This allows everyone to enjoy the warm goodness.
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Fruit Fusion: Mix in other fruits like blueberries or sliced peaches with the cherry filling for a delightful fruit combo. The vibrant colors and flavors will amaze your guests!
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Oat-ful Crunch: Use quick oats instead of rolled oats for a finer texture. This will make the topping crispier, giving your crumble an irresistible bite.
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Coconut Delight: Add shredded coconut to the crumble topping for a tropical twist. You’ll love the added flavor and texture that transports you to a sunny paradise with each bite.
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Nutty Crumble: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans with your crumble topping for a nutty crunch. The rich, buttery flavors from the nuts complement the cherries beautifully.
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Spiced Up: Enhance the spice factor by adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon in the crumble mixture. The warming spices will elevate your dessert to a new level!
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Non-Dairy Version: Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter to make it a non-dairy dessert. This keeps all the deliciousness while catering to those with dietary restrictions.
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Syrupy Sweet: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the warm cherry crumble before serving. It adds a luscious layer of sweetness that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Explore these variations to discover your favorite version of this cozy dessert. And if you enjoy baking, don’t miss our easy dessert recipes or take a look at our collection of easy fruit desserts for more mouthwatering inspiration!
Homemade Cherry Crumble Recipe FAQs
What type of cherries are best for cherry crumble?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is convenient, fresh or frozen tart cherries work wonderfully too. Look for cherries that are firm and vibrant in color. If using fresh, make sure they’re tart and juicy, which will bring a lovely balance to the sweetness of the crumble topping.
How should I store leftover cherry crumble?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, and you can enjoy it for up to 5-7 days. Just remember, if you want to maintain that delightful texture, a quick reheat in the oven is best.
Can I freeze cherry crumble, and if so, how?
Very! Freezing cherry crumble is a great option for making it ahead of time. Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes!
What should I do if my crumble topping is too dry?
If your topping isn’t coming together properly, try adding a bit more cold cubed butter — about 1-2 tablespoons should do the trick. Mix it into the dry ingredients gently until you achieve that crumbly consistency. Also, ensure you’re not overmixing; you want those pea-sized bits of butter to remain intact for that perfect texture.
Is cherry crumble safe for pets?
I recommend keeping cherry crumble away from pets, particularly dogs, as cherries — especially the pits — can be harmful. The sugar and other ingredients in your homemade cherry crumble may also upset a pet's stomach, so it’s best enjoyed by fellow humans only!
Can I make cherry crumble gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version of cherry crumble, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. There are many great options available that will yield delicious results, allowing everyone to enjoy this wonderful dessert without worry!
Irresistibly Warm Cherry Crumble Your New Dessert Obsession
Equipment
- baking dish
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- ½ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste or substitute with honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed is best
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold cubed butter keep cold for best results
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry Crumble
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cherry pie filling, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then add the cold cubed butter and mix until crumbly.
- Pour the cherry filling into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the crumble topping over it.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, until the filling bubbles and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
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