Cherry Crumble Recipe

This Cherry Crumble features fresh or frozen sweet cherries topped with a buttery oat and almond crumble. Baked to golden perfection, this easy dessert recipe combines juicy fruit with a crisp, nutty topping. Perfect for seasonal fruit desserts, potlucks, or family dinners. Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a classic choice for homemade cherry desserts. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting finish.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 lbs fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup sliced almonds, divided

Optional for serving:

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pit the cherries if using fresh.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
   In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup sugar.
   In a medium bowl, toss the pitted cherries with lemon juice and vanilla extract. Sprinkle the flour and sugar mixture over the cherries and stir gently to coat evenly. Transfer the cherry mixture to a 9×13 or 9×12-inch baking dish.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
   In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix. Add the diced cold butter and pulse until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
   Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the oats using your hands, rubbing the mixture between your fingers to create large crumbs. Add half of the sliced almonds and toss to combine.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   Evenly spread the crumble topping over the cherry filling in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds on top.
   Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry juices are bubbling around the edges.
5. Cool and Serve:
   Let the cherry crumble cool for at least 15 minutes before serving so the juices thicken. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines juicy cherries with a crunchy, buttery topping for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Uses simple pantry staples and fresh or frozen cherries.
• Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
• Ideal for year-round dessert, especially when cherries are in season.

Tips

• For the best texture, use cold butter straight from the fridge when making the crumble topping.
• If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to avoid a watery filling.
• To prevent the topping from burning, you can tent the crumble with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if it browns too quickly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap almonds for walnuts or pecans if preferred.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth.
• Stir in a handful of shredded coconut into the crumble topping for a tropical twist.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, but drain them well and reduce added sugar slightly as canned cherries may be sweeter.

How long will leftover cherry crumble keep?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the crumble and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Use as a topping for pancakes or yogurt bowls for added texture and flavor.

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