Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s both delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This cherry pie crumble recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or special occasions. Forget complicated pastry; this recipe focuses on the juicy sweetness of cherries topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble – a delightful combination that’s guaranteed to please everyone. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe for a truly delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (if using fresh)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Don't overmix; a few gently combined ingredients are perfect. The lemon juice brightens the cherry flavor beautifully.
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. Cold butter is crucial for a flaky crumble.
Assemble and Bake:
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Pour the cherry filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie Crumble:
- Frozen Cherries: If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them before adding them to the filling. The extra moisture will help create a juicy crumble.
- Lemon Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice to create a unique flavor profile.
- Nut Addition: Toasted pecans or walnuts added to the crumble topping add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
Variations:
- Blueberry Crumble: Substitute blueberries for cherries.
- Apple Crumble: Use a mix of apples instead of cherries, and consider adding a pinch of allspice to the filling.
- Mixed Berry Crumble: Combine your favorite berries for a delightful mixed berry crumble.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 4-5g
This easy cherry pie crumble recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week. It’s a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought desserts, and the variations are endless! Enjoy this quick dinner dessert and let us know how you like it!