Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before mixing—this prevents a soupy filling. You might want to add another tablespoon of cornstarch if your cherries are extra juicy.

What if I don’t have a pastry cutter for the topping?

No worries! Two forks work well, or even your fingers—just squish the butter into the dry ingredients until you get that pebbly texture.

What’s the best way to pit cherries quickly?

A cherry pitter is your friend, but pressing them with a straw, chopstick, or even a wooden skewer works in a pinch. If you’re short on time, get pre-pitted frozen cherries!

Can I make this crumble ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the filling and topping separately the night before (keep the topping in the fridge), then sprinkle the topping on and bake when you’re ready for dessert. You’ll have freshly-baked crumble with zero stress.

Cherry Crumble Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Cherry Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups pitted cherries; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup salted butter, cold and cubed

Looking for a dessert that’s outrageously tasty but doesn’t leave you chained to the kitchen for hours? Cherry Crumble is about to steal the spotlight at your table! With its vibrant, jammy cherries and that rustic, buttery topping, this treat hits all the sweet (and tart!) notes you crave. Don’t be fooled by its impressive looks—Cherry Crumble is a simple, fuss-free bake, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Each bite is a cozy mix of soft fruit, warm spices, and the most addictive crunchy topping. If you’re craving comfort, this is your go-to dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Effortless: It comes together with minimal prep, so dessert is on the table in about an hour—no tricky pastry skills required.
Homey and Versatile: The golden, crumbly topping blankets juicy cherries for a result that’s both rustic and elegant. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Customizable: No cherries? No worries. This crumble is endlessly adaptable to whatever fruit you have on hand.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm from the oven, the cherry filling bubbles up under a blanket of cinnamon-scented, buttery crumbles—it’s pure, nostalgic joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients and let’s make magic. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love each one:

Cherries: The heart of the recipe—use sweet Bing or Rainier cherries for classic summer flavor, or go bold with tart Montmorency for more zing.
Lemon Juice: Wakes up the cherry flavor and adds a much-needed brightness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness in the cherries.
Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry juices so the filling isn’t runny.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy aroma—don’t skip this!
Vanilla Extract: Deepens and rounds out the fruit flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of your crumble topping.
Brown Sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
Salted Butter (cold, cubed): This is non-negotiable. Cold butter makes the crumble crispy and irresistible.
Extra Cinnamon (for topping): More flavor in every bite!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Wanna have fun and riff on this crumble? Here’s how to switch things up:

Berry Blend: Swap half the cherries for blueberries or blackberries for a medley.
Nutty Crunch: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into your crumble topping for extra crunch.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the fruit or topping for a unique twist.
Different Fruit: Out of cherries? Try plums, peaches, or even apples instead.

Experiment with what’s in your pantry or whatever fruit is in season.

How to Make Cherry Crumble

Let’s break it down into easy steps so you can get this beauty in the oven quickly.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by firing up your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Cherry Filling

In a big bowl, toss together your pitted cherries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything’s coated—this builds those thick, juicy layers we all love. Scoop the mixture (and every last bit of juice!) into your greased pan.

Step 3: Build the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add your cold, cubed butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips. The goal: a rough and crumbly mix with bits of butter still intact—this is what forms those crave-worthy crispy bits as it bakes.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the cherries. Let it snow! Make sure every bit of fruit is snuggled under the topping. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until you see frantic bubbling fruit and the topping is a deep golden brown.

Step 5: Serve Warm

When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes (the filling will set up a bit), then serve it up while it’s still warm and fragrant.

There’s no way to mess this up—just toss, top, and bake!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Cold Butter: It’s essential for a crumbly (not doughy!) topping. Warm butter will melt and flatten everything.
Don’t Overmix the Topping: A few pea-sized clumps of butter are exactly what you want for texture.
Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Both work, but make sure frozen ones are thawed and well-drained.
Watch for Bubbling: The filling should be actively bubbling along the edges when it’s done. This means it’s thickened and the crumble topping is ready.
Cover if Browning Too Fast: If your topping starts browning too much, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.

How to Serve

Cherry Crumble shines brightest when served warm, straight from the oven. Spoon it generously into bowls or onto plates. Here’s how to make it even better:

Classic Pairing: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that dreamy melty effect.
Whipped Cream: Cool whipped cream tames the tartness and adds lightness.
Yogurt: For breakfast (yes, dessert for breakfast is allowed!), add a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Almonds or Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle on top for extra crunch.

Don’t forget the extra napkins—everyone will be going back for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover crumble tightly and stash it in the fridge—it’ll stay tasty for up to 4 days. The topping may soften, but the flavor will still be spot-on.

Freezing

This cherry crumble freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling, store portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a future treat.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish in a 325°F oven until hot and bubbly again. If the topping needs reviving, a brief blast under the broiler crisps things right up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before mixing—this prevents a soupy filling. You might want to add another tablespoon of cornstarch if your cherries are extra juicy.
What if I don’t have a pastry cutter for the topping?

No worries! Two forks work well, or even your fingers—just squish the butter into the dry ingredients until you get that pebbly texture.
What’s the best way to pit cherries quickly?

A cherry pitter is your friend, but pressing them with a straw, chopstick, or even a wooden skewer works in a pinch. If you’re short on time, get pre-pitted frozen cherries!
Can I make this crumble ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the filling and topping separately the night before (keep the topping in the fridge), then sprinkle the topping on and bake when you’re ready for dessert. You’ll have freshly-baked crumble with zero stress.

Final Thoughts

Put aside any thoughts of baking being complicated—this Cherry Crumble is proof that unforgettable desserts can be easy, fast, and full of flavor. Whether you’re using peak-summer cherries or pulling some from the freezer, every bite is a celebration of juicy fruit and crisp topping. So preheat your oven, gather those cherries, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a sweet moment—this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!