Homemade Cherry Crumble

Homemade Cherry Crumble is the ultimate dessert for cherry lovers! This easy recipe combines sweet, juicy cherry pie filling with a golden, buttery crumble topping. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the delightful flavors of summer all year round. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cherry Crumble

This cherry crumble is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.

• Quick and Simple: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this dessert in no time.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of cherries and buttery crumble makes it an irresistible classic that suits any palate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weeknight treat, this dessert fits right in.
• Serve It Your Way: Enjoy it warm or cold, topped with ice cream or whipped cream—there are endless serving possibilities!
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the cherry filling in advance and bake it fresh when needed.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: A good baking pan ensures even cooking. Using an 8- or 9-inch size helps achieve the right texture.
• Mixing Bowls: They allow you to mix ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision in measuring ensures consistent results every time.
• Pastry Cutter: While optional, this tool makes incorporating butter into dry ingredients simpler for an even crumble texture.

Ingredients

To make your delicious Homemade Cherry Crumble, you’ll need the following:

For the Cherry Filling

• 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

For the Crumble Topping

• 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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Prepare your baking pan by ensuring it’s ready for the pie filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the cherry pie filling, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until well combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; they’ll 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.

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping

In another mixing bowl:
1. Combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the cold cubed butter.
3. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until you achieve coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Assemble the Crumble

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cherry filling. Ensure it’s well distributed for even baking.

Step 6: Bake

Place your assembled dish in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

How to Serve Homemade Cherry Crumble

Homemade Cherry Crumble is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this delicious treat.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm cherry filling, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a sweet touch, making each bite even more indulgent.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of rich caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a luxurious finish to your crumble.

Served with Greek Yogurt

• For a healthier option, pair the crumble with tangy Greek yogurt. This adds protein and a refreshing balance to the sweetness.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries can add a burst of flavor and color to your serving plate.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include slices of homemade brownies or cookies alongside your cherry crumble for a delightful dessert spread that caters to various tastes.

How to Perfect Homemade Cherry Crumble

To ensure your Homemade Cherry Crumble turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality canned cherry pie filling for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference.
• Don’t overmix the topping: When making the crumble topping, mix just until combined. This helps maintain a light texture.
• Cool before serving: Allow the crumble to cool slightly after baking. This helps set the filling and makes it easier to serve.
• Add spices for depth: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with cinnamon for an additional layer of flavor.
• Experiment with fruit: Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or peaches for a unique twist on your cherry crumble.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Cherry Crumble

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Cherry Crumble can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this dessert beautifully.

1. Coffee
   A warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the crumble, making it an ideal post-dinner drink.
2. Ice Tea
   Refreshing iced tea provides a cooling contrast and pairs well with summer gatherings featuring cherry crumble.
3. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness and can enhance the fruity flavors in the crumble itself.
4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses offers savory notes that create an interesting contrast against the sweet dessert.
5. Chocolate Mousse
   Rich chocolate mousse adds decadence and pairs nicely with fruity desserts like cherry crumble.
6. Pecan Pie Bars
   These sweet bars add another layer of texture and flavor, making for an indulgent dessert pairing.
7. Lemon Sorbet
   The tartness of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate after enjoying sweet treats like cherry crumble.
8. Shortbread Cookies
   Buttery shortbread cookies provide a nice crunch alongside the soft texture of homemade cherry crumble.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in your homemade cherry crumble. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using fresh cherries instead of canned: While fresh cherries are delicious, this recipe is designed for canned cherry pie filling to ensure consistency and ease.
• Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the filling. Omitting it can lead to a watery dessert. Always include it for the best texture.
• Overmixing the crumble topping: If you overmix, the topping can become too dense. Mix just until you see coarse crumbs for a perfect crispy finish.
• Not letting it cool before serving: Serving right out of the oven can result in a messy slice. Allow it to cool for a few minutes to set properly.
• Using unsalted butter at room temperature: Cold butter is essential for achieving that crumbly texture. Make sure it’s cold and cubed before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Homemade cherry crumble lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

• For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Homemade Cherry Crumble with fresh cherries?

You can use fresh cherries by pitting them and adding sugar and cornstarch as you would with canned filling. Adjust sweetness based on the tartness of your cherries.

Can I use other fruits for this crumble?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with various fruits like peaches, blueberries, or apples. Just adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s sweetness.

How do I serve Homemade Cherry Crumble?

Serve it warm or cold with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra treat!

Can Homemade Cherry Crumble be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and bake it just before serving for freshness.

Final Thoughts

Homemade cherry crumble is not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or spices based on your preference. Try this easy dessert recipe today, and enjoy its comforting flavors!