Easy Cherry Crumble (with Frozen or Fresh Cherries)

Easy Cherry Crumble: A Delicious and Simple Dessert

Looking for a quick and easy dessert that will wow your family and friends? This Easy Cherry Crumble is a classic, foolproof dessert that’s ready in no time! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a mouthwatering treat that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen cherries, this recipe is perfect for any time of year!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Crumble

Quick & Simple: Prep takes just 10 minutes—this is the perfect dessert for when you’re short on time but want something delicious.
Versatile: While the classic cherry crumble is delicious, feel free to swap in other fruits, like berries, apples, or peaches.
Make-Ahead: You can easily prepare the crumble topping in advance and store it in the freezer for future use. It’s a great option for meal prepping!
Gluten-Free Option: Just switch to gluten-free flour to make this dessert suitable for everyone.

Ingredients for Cherry Crumble

Here’s everything you need for this easy dessert:

Cherries: You can use fresh or frozen cherries. If you’re using frozen cherries, be sure to defrost them first to avoid excess moisture.
Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the fruit filling. You can also use flour, arrowroot starch, or potato starch.
Sugar: I use granulated sugar for the filling, but you can also use brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is ideal for the crumble topping. Just make sure it’s chilled to create that perfect crumbly texture.
Flour: For the crumble topping, I use all-purpose flour, but you can easily switch it out with gluten-free flour if needed.

How to Make Cherry Crumble – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Toss the cherries with cornstarch and sugar in a large bowl until well coated.
Transfer the fruit mixture into an ovenproof baking pan. I use a 9×13 inch baking dish, but feel free to use a slightly larger or smaller dish depending on what you have.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, mix flour and sugar.
Add the cold butter in small cubes, and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Assemble the Crumble

Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the cherries, leaving a small border around the edges so some fruit is still visible.
Place the pan on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Crumble?

A crumble is a popular dessert in the UK, consisting of a fruit base topped with a crumble mixture of flour, butter, and sugar. It’s a rustic dessert, easy to make, and always delicious!

What’s the Difference Between a Crumble and a Crisp?

Both are similar, but a crumble topping is made with just flour, butter, and sugar, while a crisp often includes rolled oats and sometimes nuts for extra crunch.

Should I Use Cold Butter for the Crumble?

Yes! Always use cold butter for the crumble topping. It helps to create the right texture and keeps the crumble light and crisp. If you use warm butter, it might make the topping too soggy.

Can I Use Cornstarch Instead of Flour in the Fruit Filling?

Absolutely! Cornstarch is great for thickening the filling and gives it a nice glossy finish, plus it’s gluten-free. If you prefer, you can also use all-purpose flour.

Why is My Crumble Topping Not Crispy?

The secret to a crispy topping is measuring the butter correctly. Too much butter can make the topping greasy, and too little can make it dry. Also, make sure the butter is cold and don’t over-mix the crumble.

Variations & Substitutions

Fruit Variety: While this recipe uses cherries, you can easily swap in strawberries, blackberries, apples, or even a mix of berries.
Sweeteners: For a richer flavor, you can use brown sugar or even maple syrup.
Additional Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the fruit filling for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Crispy Topping: Add a handful of rolled oats or crushed nuts (like almonds or walnuts) to the crumble topping for a little extra texture.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t Over-mix the Topping: When making the crumble topping, make sure to only mix until it resembles coarse meal. Over-mixing will result in a dense, heavy topping.
Frozen Fruit: If using frozen fruit, let it thaw and drain off any excess moisture before using it in the crumble.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the crumble topping in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for future use. You can even make the entire crumble ahead of time and freeze it before baking!

How to Serve Cherry Crumble

This cherry crumble is best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It’s also fantastic with custard if you’re looking for something extra comforting.

How to Reheat Cherry Crumble

Reheat in the Oven: If you have leftovers, simply cover the crumble with foil and reheat in a 350°F/175°C oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: For a quicker option, you can microwave individual servings for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Conclusion

This Easy Cherry Crumble is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a simple treat to enjoy at home. With its minimal prep time, delicious fruit filling, and crispy crumble topping, it’s sure to be a hit every time. Try it with fresh cherries or frozen berries—it’s so adaptable and delicious!