Cherry Crumble Recipe

Cherries: Fresh, pitted cherries provide the tart and juicy base for this dessert.

Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the cherry filling.

Cornstarch: This thickening agent helps to create a luscious cherry filling.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping, providing structure.

Rolled oats: Adds a hearty texture to the crumble topping.

Brown sugar: Sweetens the topping and adds a hint of molasses flavor.

Butter: Melted butter binds the topping ingredients together and adds richness.

To achieve a perfectly balanced crumble topping, ensure that the butter is thoroughly melted before mixing it with the flour, oats, and brown sugar. This will help create a uniform texture and allow the topping to bake evenly, resulting in a golden brown, crispy finish. Additionally, when combining the cherries with the sugar and cornstarch, make sure the cherries are well-coated to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.

• cherries - Substitute with blueberries: Blueberries provide a similar tartness and juiciness, making them an excellent alternative for a fruit crumble.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a slight floral note, though you may need to adjust the quantity as it is sweeter than sugar.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder works similarly to cornstarch as a thickening agent and is a good alternative for those avoiding corn products.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour provides a nutty flavor and is a gluten-free option, though it may alter the texture slightly.

• rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes offer a similar texture and are a good gluten-free alternative to rolled oats.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and is less processed, making it a healthier option.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and richness, with a slight coconut flavor that complements the crumble.

• Allow the cherry crumble to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the topping soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the cherry crumble to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cherry crumble in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• For freezing, first, ensure the cherry crumble is completely cooled. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer the cherry crumble to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.

• Label the container with the date and contents. The cherry crumble can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the cherry crumble in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through and the topping is crisp.

• For individual servings, you can freeze portions in smaller containers. This allows for easy reheating in the microwave or oven without having to thaw the entire dish.

• If you prefer a microwave, place a portion of the cherry crumble in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• Always check the cherry crumble for any signs of spoilage before consuming, especially if it has been stored for an extended period.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover cherry crumble in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the crumble topping.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the cherry crumble to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over low heat.
  2. Add the cherry crumble to the skillet, breaking it up slightly.
  3. Cover with a lid to help retain moisture.
  4. Heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the cherry crumble in a small, air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. If needed, give it a gentle stir and continue heating until warm.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the cherry crumble in a toaster oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the crumble topping.

• Oven: Used to bake the cherry crumble at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch.

• Baking dish: The container where the cherry mixture and crumble topping will be baked.

• Mixing bowl: Another bowl to mix the flour, oats, and brown sugar with the melted butter.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the cherries, sugar, flour, oats, and brown sugar.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cornstarch.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients together and ensuring everything is well combined.

• Knife: Needed for pitting the cherries if they are not pre-pitted.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for pitting and preparing the cherries.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Prepare the filling in advance: Mix the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter by pulsing in a food processor.

Pre-measure ingredients: Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before starting.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze half for a quick dessert later.