Homemade Cherry Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines sweet, juicy cherry pie filling with a crispy, buttery topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home. With its comforting flavors and warm aroma, this crumble will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cherry Crumble
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and simple to prepare.
- Quick to Make: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this dessert ready for baking.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and crunchy topping creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or cold as a refreshing treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weeknight dessert, this crumble fits right in.
- Kid-Friendly Recipe: It’s simple enough for kids to help out, making it a fun family activity.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- A large mixing bowl
- An 8-inch or 9-inch square or round baking pan
- A pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills.
- Baking Pan: The right size pan ensures even cooking and the perfect texture for your cherry crumble.
- Pastry Cutter: This tool helps to easily incorporate butter into the dry ingredients for that perfect crumble texture.
Ingredients
For this delightful Homemade Cherry Crumble, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cans cherry pie filling (21 ounce cans [for a total of 42 ounces filling])
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fine-grain salt (or table salt)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold; cut into cubes)
How to Make Homemade Cherry Crumble
Follow these steps to create your delicious Homemade Cherry Crumble.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly if necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a large mixing bowl:
* Combine the cherry pie filling, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
* Mix until well combined. Don’t worry about small lumps of cornstarch; they will dissolve during baking.
Step 3: Transfer Filling to Baking Dish
- Pour the cherry mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Spread it out evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
In another mixing bowl:
* Combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
* Add the cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until you get coarse crumbs. The butter should be pea-sized to blueberry-sized.
Step 5: Assemble the Crumble
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cherry pie filling in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake the Crumble
Bake in preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes until the filling is bubbling and topping is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or cold with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
How to Serve Homemade Cherry Crumble
Homemade Cherry Crumble is a delightful dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serving it warm or cold can elevate the experience, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions.
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
- A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm crumble, enhancing its sweetness.
Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream provides a lovely texture that complements the cherry filling perfectly.
Fresh Berries
- A handful of fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, can add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the crumble.
Chocolate Sauce
- Drizzling chocolate sauce over your serving can introduce a rich flavor that pairs well with cherries.
Toasted Nuts
- Chopped toasted almonds or walnuts sprinkled on top gives an extra crunch and nutty flavor to every bite.
Mint Leaves
- A few fresh mint leaves as a garnish not only look great but also add a refreshing element to the dish.
How to Perfect Homemade Cherry Crumble
Achieving the perfect Homemade Cherry Crumble involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out just right.
- Use quality cherries: Opt for high-quality canned cherry pie filling for the best flavor and consistency.
- Chill your butter: Ensure your butter is cold when making the crumble topping. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Don’t skip the lemon: Adding lemon juice and zest enhances the cherry flavor and balances sweetness.
- Bake until bubbly: Make sure the filling is bubbling before removing from the oven; this indicates it’s cooked through.
- Let it cool slightly: Allowing the crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving makes it easier to scoop and enhances flavors.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor in your crumble topping.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Cherry Crumble
While Homemade Cherry Crumble is delicious on its own, pairing it with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Vanilla Custard
A creamy custard adds richness and pairs beautifully with the tartness of cherries. - Cheesecake Bites
Mini cheesecake bites provide a tangy contrast that complements the sweet cherry flavors nicely. - Pecan Pie Bars
These bars offer a nutty caramel flavor that can enhance your dessert experience. - Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances out the indulgence of the crumble. - Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft chocolate chip cookies make for delightful finger food alongside your crumble. - Caramel Sauce
Drizzling caramel sauce over both the crumble and additional desserts adds an indulgent touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Homemade Cherry Crumble can be simple, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the cornstarch: Not adding cornstarch can lead to a soupy filling. Always mix it in with the cherry pie filling to thicken it properly.
- Using warm butter: Using melted or warm butter will result in a soggy topping. Make sure your butter is cold and cubed for the best crumble texture.
- Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat can affect baking time and texture. Always preheat your oven before baking your crumble.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the crumble right away can cause the filling to spill out. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to set properly.
- Overbaking: Leaving it in too long can lead to burnt topping. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking; you want a golden brown color.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Homemade Cherry Crumble in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions
- To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover loosely with foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover lightly, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking often.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Homemade Cherry Crumble with fresh cherries?
You can substitute fresh cherries for canned ones by pitting and halving them. Adjust sugar based on their sweetness.
Can I use other fruits for this crumble?
Yes! This recipe is versatile. You can use blueberries, peaches, or apples instead of cherries for different flavors.
How do I know when my Homemade Cherry Crumble is done?
Your crumble is ready when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Is Homemade Cherry Crumble gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Cherry Crumble is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It makes a fantastic dessert that pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts, spices, or mixing in other fruits!
Homemade Cherry Crumble
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Homemade Cherry Crumble is the ultimate comfort dessert that combines sweet, juicy cherries with a crispy, buttery topping. This easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to cozy nights at home. The delightful aroma of baked cherries and warm spices fills your kitchen, while the combination of textures—soft fruit and crunchy topping—creates an irresistible treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold for a refreshing delight. No matter how you serve it, this Homemade Cherry Crumble is sure to become a cherished addition to your dessert collection.
Ingredients
- 2 cans cherry pie filling (21 oz each)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease your baking pan lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry pie filling, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla; mix well.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish evenly.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and blend until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the cherry filling evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the filling bubbles and the topping is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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