This homemade cherry crumble is a warm and comforting dessert that’s super easy to make! Juicy cherries are topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble that adds a delightful texture.
Honestly, who can resist that sweet cherry filling? I love to serve it with a scoop of ice cream on top—it’s like a little party in your mouth! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are delicious, but frozen cherries work just as well. If you use frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first. You can also substitute with other fruits like blueberries or peaches for a fun twist!
Sugar: I used granulated sugar for sweetness, but you can easily use coconut sugar or honey if you want a healthier option. Just adjust the amounts since honey is sweeter than sugar.
Cornstarch: This ingredient helps thicken the cherry filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour, but you might need to increase the amount slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt levels. You can substitute it with coconut oil or a vegan butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
Making the crumble topping just right can be tricky, but here’s how to do it. You want a mix that’s crumbly, yet stays together when baked. The key is to mix the dry ingredients together first before adding the melted butter.
- Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Pour in melted butter and mix gently until you see clumps forming. Don’t overmix!
- Sprinkle the crumble evenly on top of the cherries for the best coverage.
Take your time with this step, and you’ll end up with a delightful, crunchy topping that pairs beautifully with the juicy cherries!
The Best Homemade Cherry Crumble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh flowers or mint for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely cherry crumble will take about 15 minutes to get everything ready and then another 30-35 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at a total of about 50 minutes before you can dig in and enjoy this delightful dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab an 8×8 inch baking dish and give it a nice grease to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cherry Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the cherries are well coated with the mixture. Pour this lovely cherry mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to combine everything until you have a crumbly mixture. This is what will create that crunchy topping we love!
4. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the cherry filling in your baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping turns a lovely golden brown and the cherry filling starts bubbling up.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cherry crumble from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet touch and garnish it with fresh flowers or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Enjoy every bite of your delicious homemade cherry crumble!
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them before mixing. Just toss them in the bowl with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. They may release a bit more liquid, so your crumble might take a minute or two longer to bake. Just look for that bubbly filling!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this cherry crumble gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free as well. The taste and texture will be just as delicious!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers 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 until warmed through. You can also microwave it for a quick fix!
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Filling?
Yes, feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches for a fun twist! Just adjust the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of the additional fruits. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
