Homemade Cherry Crumble Recipe

Sweet and Simple Homemade Cherry Crumble Recipe You’ll Love

There’s just something about a warm cherry crumble that feels like a big hug from grandma’s kitchen. Sweet, juicy cherries bubbling under a golden, buttery oat topping—it’s a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just craving a sweet treat after dinner, this easy cherry crumble recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It uses simple pantry staples and takes less than an hour to make. Yes, really.

This cherry crumble is perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too tart—with a crispy crumble topping that stays crunchy even after it cools. And unlike pies that take forever to assemble, this one requires no rolling, no fancy tools, and minimal cleanup. Just toss, mix, bake, and enjoy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cherry filling:

  • 5 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (sweet or tart)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the crumble topping:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Serving Size and Timing

  • Servings: 6 to 8
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Make the cherry filling: In a large bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss until well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Prepare the crumble topping: In another bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly.
  4. Assemble and bake: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the cherries. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
  5. Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.

Tips for Making the Best Cherry Crumble

  • Use fresh cherries if they’re in season. But frozen cherries work great too—just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
  • Adjust sugar depending on your cherries. If you’re using tart cherries, you may want to add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar. For sweet cherries, feel free to reduce it.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch. It helps thicken the cherry juices into that glossy, pie-like filling we all love.
  • Bake until bubbly. That bubbling around the edges is your cue that the filling has thickened and the topping is crisp.
  • Let it cool a bit before serving. It helps the filling set up so it’s not too runny.
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Cherry Crumble Variations

This recipe is super flexible and easy to customize depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving:

  • Berry Cherry Crumble: Add a cup of blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a mixed fruit twist.
  • Nutty Topping: Stir in 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for a bit of crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend or almond flour.
  • Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to deepen the flavor.

Related Post: No-Bake Blueberry Chia Seed Pie Recipe

FAQs About Homemade Cherry Crumble

Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, but look for canned cherries in water or juice, not pie filling. Drain them well and reduce the sugar in the recipe.

Can I make cherry crumble ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat it in the oven before serving. You can also freeze it before baking and bake straight from frozen—just add 10 extra minutes to the bake time.

How should I store leftovers?
Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

What’s the difference between a crumble, crisp, and cobbler?
A crumble has a streusel-like topping made with flour, butter, and sugar—sometimes with oats. A crisp typically includes oats for added texture. A cobbler has a biscuit-like topping dolloped over the fruit.

Final Thoughts

This homemade cherry crumble is the kind of dessert that’s as comforting as it is easy to throw together. It’s rustic, foolproof, and full of bold cherry flavor with that buttery, crunchy topping everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for guests or just for yourself (no judgment), this recipe is always a hit. Serve it warm, top it off with ice cream, and enjoy every gooey bite. Don’t forget to save or pin this recipe—you’ll definitely want to make it again.