This cheery cherry crumble is a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The sweet and tangy cherries paired with a buttery, crumbly topping make for an irresistible treat. Whether you're serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying it on its own, this crumble is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Most of the ingredients for this cheery cherry crumble are common pantry staples, except perhaps the cornstarch. This ingredient is essential for thickening the cherry filling, ensuring a luscious consistency. Make sure to grab a couple of cans of cherries—usually found in the canned fruit aisle—if you don't already have them at home.
Ingredients for Cheery Cherry Crumble
cherries: The star ingredient, providing a juicy and sweet-tart flavor.
cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling, ensuring it isn't too runny.
sugar: Adds sweetness to both the filling and the crumble topping.
vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warm, aromatic essence.
salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
butter: Adds richness and helps create a crumbly, buttery topping.
flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping, adding texture and structure.
One reader, Hi Ng says:
This cheery cherry crumble recipe is a delightful treat! The sweet cherries paired with the buttery crumble topping create a perfect balance. It's easy to make and absolutely delicious. My family loved it, and it's now a favorite dessert in our home. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Techniques Required
How to melt butter in the microwave: Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for about 1 minute. Use potholders to handle the hot bowl.
How to use potholders: Use potholders to safely handle hot dishes or bowls to prevent burns.
How to crumble topping: Use your fingers to break up the topping mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the cherries.
How to use a baking sheet: Place a baking sheet under the baking dish if it is very full to catch any spills or drips during baking.
How to cool food: Allow the dish to cool before serving to ensure it sets properly and to avoid burns.
How To Make Cherry Crumble
Delightfully crumbly and sweet, this Cherry Crumble made with canned cherries and topped with a buttery crumble offers cherry-filled goodness in every bite!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cancherries,in juice
- 3tbspcorn starch
- 1¼cupsugar
- ½tspvanilla extract
- pinchsalt
For Topping:
- ¼cupbutter
- 1cupflour
- 1cupsugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Put the cherries, cornstarch, 1¼ cup of sugar, vanilla, and salt in the mixing bowl.
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Stir with a wooden spoon to combine, then dump the mixture into a greased baking dish.
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Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for about 1 minute.
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Use the potholders when you take the bowl out of the microwave.
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Add the flour and the ⅓ cup of sugar to the melted butter.
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Stir with the wooden spoon to combine.
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Use fingers to crumble the topping over the cherries, and then bake for 45 for 50 minutes.
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If the baking dish is really full, put a baking sheet under it when putting it in the oven.
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Remember to use potholders when taking the dish out of the oven, and let the food cool before you dig in
Nutrition
- Calories: 416.75kcal
- Fat: 6.09g
- Saturated Fat: 3.71g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.34g
- Carbohydrates: 91.36g
- Fiber: 2.22g
- Sugar: 74.87g
- Protein: 2.40g
- Cholesterol: 15.25mg
- Sodium: 465.92mg
- Calcium: 15.61mg
- Potassium: 194.94mg
- Iron: 0.66mg
- Vitamin A: 57.97µg
- Vitamin C: 4.37mg
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure a perfectly thickened filling, make sure to thoroughly mix the cornstarch with the cherries and sugar before baking. This will help prevent any lumps and ensure an even consistency throughout the crumble.
How to Save Time on Making This Crumble
Use canned cherries: Opt for canned cherries to save time on pitting and prepping fresh ones.
Pre-melt butter: Melt the butter while prepping other ingredients to streamline the process.
Combine dry ingredients ahead: Mix flour and sugar for the topping in advance to save time during assembly.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine the topping ingredients using a food processor for a faster, more uniform crumble.
Prepare in batches: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick dessert later.
Substitute Ingredients For Cheery Cherry Crumble Recipe
cherries - Substitute with mixed berries: Mixed berries provide a similar tartness and sweetness, adding a variety of flavors to the crumble.
corn starch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder acts as a thickening agent just like corn starch and is often used in similar quantities.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide the necessary sweetness and adds a unique flavor profile to the dish.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor that pairs well with fruits.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral taste.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can replicate the fat content and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour provides a nutty flavor and is a gluten-free alternative.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Best Way to Present This Delightful Crumble
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the cherry crumble in individual ramekins to create an elegant and refined look. This allows each guest to have their own perfectly portioned dessert.
Use decoration: Garnish the top of each crumble with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Add texture contrast: Serve the cherry crumble with a side of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold, creamy texture will contrast beautifully with the warm, crunchy crumble.
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that the cherries used are of the highest quality, preferably fresh or high-grade canned cherries. This will enhance the overall flavor and presentation.
Plate with precision: Use a small offset spatula to carefully lift and place the crumble onto the plate, ensuring that each portion looks neat and appealing.
Incorporate a sauce: Drizzle a light cherry reduction sauce around the plate for added flavor and visual appeal. This can be made by reducing some cherry juice with a bit of sugar until it thickens.
Highlight the topping: Make sure the crumble topping is golden brown and evenly distributed. The buttery, crunchy topping should be the star of the show, providing a delightful contrast to the soft cherry filling.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the cherry crumble on fine china or a stylish dessert plate to elevate the overall dining experience. The choice of serving ware can significantly impact the visual appeal of the dish.
Create a balanced presentation: Ensure that the plate is not overcrowded. A minimalist approach with a focus on the crumble and its accompaniments will make the dish look sophisticated and well-thought-out.
Finish with finesse: Add a final touch by sprinkling some finely chopped nuts or a light zest of lemon over the top for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cherry crumble at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cherries, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Wooden spoon: Used to stir the cherry mixture and the topping mixture.
Greased baking dish: The dish where the cherry mixture is placed before baking.
Microwave-safe bowl: Used to melt the butter in the microwave.
Microwave: Used to melt the butter.
Potholders: Used to safely handle hot dishes and bowls from the microwave and oven.
Baking sheet: Placed under the baking dish to catch any overflow during baking.
Fingers: Used to crumble the topping over the cherries.
How To Store / Freeze This Crumble
Storing Guidelines:
- Allow the cherry crumble to cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the topping soggy.
- Transfer the dessert to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store the cherry crumble in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. For the best texture, reheat individual portions in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.
Freezing Guidelines:
- Ensure the cherry crumble is completely cooled before freezing. This prevents ice crystals from forming and affecting the texture.
- Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer the dessert to a freezer-safe container.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. The cherry crumble can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the cherry crumble in the refrigerator overnight. For a crisp topping, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This will ensure that your cheery cherry crumble reheats evenly and maintains its delightful texture.
Place the leftover cheery cherry crumble in an oven-safe dish. If you stored it in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to take the chill off.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This will help retain moisture and prevent the topping from becoming too dry or overly browned.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Check the crumble halfway through to ensure it’s heating evenly. If you prefer a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
Use potholders to carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot cherry filling.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the cheery cherry crumble in a microwave-safe bowl.
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in.
Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Check the temperature and stir gently to ensure even heating. If it’s not warm enough, continue to heat in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature.
Be cautious when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it can get very hot. Let it cool for a minute before enjoying your reheated cheery cherry crumble.
For a stovetop method, place a portion of the cheery cherry crumble in a non-stick skillet over low heat.
Cover the skillet with a lid to help retain moisture and heat evenly.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even reheating. This method might take about 5-10 minutes, depending on the portion size.
Once heated through, transfer to a serving dish and let it cool slightly before indulging in your delicious cheery cherry crumble.
Random Fact About This Recipe
A fun fact about this cherry crumble recipe is that the crumble topping originated in Britain during World War II as a more economical alternative to pies, which required more butter, flour, and sugar.
Is This Crumble Economical for Home Cooking?
This cheery cherry crumble recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using canned cherries and basic pantry staples like cornstarch, sugar, and flour, it keeps expenses low. The only slightly pricier ingredient is the butter, but even that is used sparingly. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Given its simplicity and delicious outcome, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.
Healthy or Unhealthy?
This cheery cherry crumble recipe, while undoubtedly delicious, leans towards the unhealthy side due to its high sugar content and use of refined flour and butter. The recipe calls for a total of 2¼ cups of sugar, which is quite excessive and can contribute to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, the use of canned cherries often means added sugars and preservatives, further tipping the scales towards unhealthiness. The refined flour and butter in the topping add unnecessary saturated fats and empty calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following adjustments:
- Replace canned cherries with fresh or frozen cherries to avoid added sugars and preservatives.
- Reduce the overall sugar content by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or simply cutting the sugar amount in half.
- Swap out the refined flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content.
- Use a healthier fat alternative such as coconut oil or a smaller amount of butter to reduce saturated fat intake.
- Add some rolled oats to the topping for extra fiber and a satisfying crunch.
These tweaks will not only make the crumble healthier but also enhance its flavor and texture.
Editor's Thoughts on This Recipe
This cherry crumble recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. The use of canned cherries ensures convenience, while the cornstarch helps achieve a perfect consistency. The vanilla extract adds a subtle depth to the cherry filling. The topping, made with melted butter, flour, and sugar, creates a wonderfully crisp contrast to the juicy cherries. However, consider reducing the sugar in the topping to balance the sweetness. Overall, it's a straightforward and satisfying dessert that can be easily prepared, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
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Why trust this Cheery Cherry Crumble Recipe:
This cheery cherry crumble recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion. Using canned cherries ensures convenience without compromising on taste. The buttery crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the hint of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible to both novice and experienced bakers. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this classic dessert to impress your family and friends.
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