Are you craving a dessert that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Classic Cherry Delight! This recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, juicy cherries, a buttery crumb topping, and a creamy, dreamy filling – all coming together in a comforting and satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to homemade happiness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a delightful weekend treat.
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling (or 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preference based on the sweetness of your cherries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Crumb 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) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Creamy Layer (Optional):
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly baked cherry delight.
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the cherry filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries), sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
Make the crumb 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 the delight: Pour the cherry filling into the prepared baking dish. If using, spread the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract mixture evenly over the cherries. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cream cheese layer (or directly over the cherries if omitting the cream cheese layer).
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool completely before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Fresh vs. Canned Cherries: While canned cherry pie filling is convenient, using fresh cherries elevates the flavor. Just be sure to pit and halve them before adding them to the filling. Adjust sugar accordingly based on the sweetness of your fresh cherries.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the crumb topping for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Nutty delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added texture and flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and oats to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Individual servings: Bake this dessert in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, without cream cheese layer):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Cholesterol: 15-20mg
- Sodium: 100-150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-4g
This Classic Cherry Delight is a truly delicious and satisfying dessert, perfect for any occasion. It's easy to customize to your liking, making it a versatile recipe for both everyday baking and special gatherings. Enjoy!