Luscious Cherry Crumble Delight

For the Cherry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust depending on the sweetness of cherries)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish with a little butter or nonstick spray.

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens. This will take about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen cherries, allow a few extra minutes for them to thaw and cook.
3. Once thickened, remove the cherry filling from the heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Pour the cherry filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

3. Make the Crumble Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
2. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. You’re looking for a coarse, sand-like texture with some larger crumbs for extra crunch.

4. Assemble the Crumble

• Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cherry filling, making sure to cover the entire surface. It’s okay if some cherries peek through!

5. Bake the Cherry Crumble

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.

6. Cool and Serve

Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly while still keeping it warm.

Serve your luscious cherry crumble with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream (classic and heavenly!)
• Whipped cream for a light, airy topping
• A dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair

Tips for Success

• Adjust Sweetness: If your cherries are very sweet, reduce the sugar in the filling. For tart cherries, you may want to add a little extra.
• Use Frozen or Canned Cherries: If cherries aren’t in season, frozen or canned cherries work perfectly. Just be sure to drain canned cherries and thaw frozen cherries before cooking.
• Don’t Overmix the Crumble: For the best texture, mix the topping just until crumbly. Overmixing will make it too dense.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or almonds to the crumble topping for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cherry crumble for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Perfect Pairings

While this Cherry Crumble Delight is perfect on its own, pairing it with complementary flavors takes it to another level:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess balances the warm, tangy cherries beautifully.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream adds a light, tropical twist.
• Espresso or Coffee: The slight bitterness of coffee enhances the sweetness of the dessert.

Why Cherry Crumble Is a Crowd Favorite

This Luscious Cherry Crumble Delight is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for any season. It’s:

• Simple to Make: Minimal prep and fuss make it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Flavorful: The natural sweetness of cherries, combined with a buttery crumble, creates the perfect harmony of taste and texture.
• Versatile: Enjoy it warm in the winter or chilled in the summer for a refreshing treat.

Whether you’re serving it after a weeknight dinner or at a festive gathering, this cherry crumble will always hit the sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

This Luscious Cherry Crumble Delight is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy, making it a standout dessert that’s both easy and elegant. It’s versatile, customizable, and sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

With its juicy cherries and buttery crumble topping, this dessert is destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the warm, sweet magic of this cherry crumble delight!

Happy baking! 🍒✨