This Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble is a sweet delight with juicy cherries and a crumbly topping that makes your taste buds dance! It’s perfect for dessert or even breakfast—no judgment here!
Whenever I make this crumble, my kitchen fills with the best smell ever. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Who could resist that combo? 🍒😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are the star here, but frozen cherries work just as well! If fresh cherries aren’t available, try using blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry combo for a fun variation.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the cherries sweetness, but you could use brown sugar or even honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the quantities, as those are sweeter than granulated sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt levels, but you can substitute it with coconut oil or a vegan butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Cornstarch: This thickens the cherry mixture. You can swap it with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch if needed, especially for a gluten-free version!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crumble Topping?
Creating a crumbly, buttery topping is simple but requires the right technique. Start by mixing the dry ingredients first to evenly distribute the sugar and oats. Then, add in cold butter.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter. The goal is to have small, pea-sized clumps of butter mixed with the dry ingredients.
- Avoid over-mixing—it should be crumbly, not a dough.
- For extra texture, feel free to mix in some nuts or seeds into the crumble!
After baking, let your cherry crumble cool a bit before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve it warm, and don’t skip the ice cream—I promise, it elevates the dessert!
Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cherry crumble will take you about 15 minutes to prep and 35 to 40 minutes to bake. So, in just about an hour, you’ll have a warm dessert ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready for the crumble once you assemble it.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything together gently until the cherries are well coated. This will help thicken the juices while baking. Set this mixture aside for a moment.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, cinnamon if you’re using it, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together. Next, add the cold cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub or cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This will create that delicious topping!
4. Assemble the Crumble:
Pour the cherry mixture into a baking dish; an 8-inch square dish works well. Spread the crumble topping evenly over the cherries, covering them completely.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place your assembled cherry crumble in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling. This means those sweet juices are locked in!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly—just long enough to avoid burning yourself! For a special touch, dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serve warm, and don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra yum factor!
Enjoy your delicious homemade cherry crumble! Your friends and family will love it! 🍒❤️
FAQ about Easy Homemade Cherry Crumble
Can I Use Frozen Cherries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly in this crumble. Just make sure they are thawed and drained of excess liquid before mixing with sugar and cornstarch to avoid a soggy filling!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your crumble again, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Swap the Cherries for Another Fruit?
Yes, you can! Feel free to substitute cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free cherry crumble, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free!
