Name: Old-Fashioned Cherry Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Old-Fashioned Cherry Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe cherries with a buttery, crisp topping. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a summer picnic, or a special holiday gathering. The natural tartness of the cherries balances wonderfully with the sweet crumble topping, making each bite irresistible. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. If you love fruit-based desserts with a comforting, homemade touch, this cherry crumble is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or an equivalent-sized casserole dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the cherries are evenly coated. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cherry filling.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
Let the crumble cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Fruit Mix: While cherries are the star of this crumble, you can experiment with other fruits such as blueberries, peaches, or strawberries. A combination of mixed berries also works wonderfully!
Nutty Crumble: Add chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the crumble topping for an extra crunch and rich flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine. Use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a vegan version.
Spiced Topping: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to add an extra layer of flavor to the crumble topping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once the cherry crumble has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or heat the entire crumble in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cherries work just as well as fresh cherries. If using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them before use.

2. Can I make this crumble ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cherry filling and crumble topping separately and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, just assemble them in the baking dish and bake as directed.

3. How do I know when the crumble is done?

The crumble is done when the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.

4. Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a delicious twist.

5. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, to make the crumble gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

6. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert. However, the sugar does help balance the tartness of the cherries, so make sure not to reduce it too much.

7. How do I make the topping more crunchy?

To make the topping crunchier, try adding some chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans to the crumble mixture.

8. Can I serve the cherry crumble warm?

Yes! This crumble is delicious served warm, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

9. Can I freeze this cherry crumble?

Yes, you can freeze the baked crumble. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

10. How can I make the cherry crumble less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and the crumble topping. You can also add a little extra lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Cherry Crumble is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a delightful crunchy topping that’s sure to please any dessert lover. It’s a quick, easy, and comforting treat that you can make all year round. Whether you stick with the classic cherry version or get creative with your favorite fruits, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Old-Fashioned Cherry Crumble

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This Old-Fashioned Cherry Crumble is a deliciously simple dessert, combining the tartness of fresh cherries with a buttery, crunchy crumble topping. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen cherries, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 55min
Yield: 8servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or an equivalent-sized casserole dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated, then pour into the prepared dish.
In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the chilled butter, cutting it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cherry mixture.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling.
Let the crumble cool for 10 minutes before serving. For extra indulgence, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

You can experiment with different fruits such as blueberries, peaches, or strawberries.
To make it vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil or margarine and use maple syrup instead of sugar.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.