Are you craving a comforting, delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Cherry Crumble Pie recipe is the perfect blend of sweet cherries baked under a golden, buttery crumble topping. It's a delightful homemade treat perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and delicious dishes that even beginner bakers can master. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this stunning and flavourful pie!
Ingredients:
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Pie Crust (Use your favorite store-bought or homemade recipe):
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust
Instructions:
Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, gently combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until the cherries are evenly coated.
Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake the Pie:
- Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Cherry Crumble Pie:
- Don't overmix the crumble topping: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough topping.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to a flaky crumble topping.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar in both the filling and the crumble.
- Add a touch of almond extract: A few drops of almond extract enhance the cherry flavor beautifully.
Delicious Variations:
- Blueberry Crumble Pie: Substitute blueberries for cherries.
- Apple Crumble Pie: Use a mixture of your favorite apples instead of cherries.
- Mixed Berry Crumble Pie: Combine different berries for a vibrant and flavorful pie.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more accurate nutritional profile, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. However, expect this to be a moderately high-calorie dessert, with a good source of fiber from the fruit and oats.
This easy cherry crumble pie recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a delightful dessert that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!