• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sugary Logic
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    How to Make Homemade Cherry Crumble

    Published: Jul 6, 2023 by Katelyn Theofanis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Simple cherry crumble is an easy dessert that is perfect for any day. Crispy almond-oat topping coats juicy, dark cherry filling for a delicious sweet treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert is gluten-free.

    A small plate of cherry crumble with a scoop of ice cream on top.

    When you have an abundance of cherries during cherry season, nothing tastes better than a warm cherry crumble. This dessert is easier and quicker to make than a cherry pie with the same sweet flavor. It is a great way to use up all of those plump, juicy cherries.

    Like cherry compote, this delicious cherry crumble recipe uses dark sweet cherries. Start with frozen or fresh fruit for the cherry filling. The sweet cherries release their juices as the filling bubbles in the oven, creating the ultimate fruit flavor.

    Crispy oat crumble adds texture and a nutty taste. Equipped with oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and crunchy almonds, the topping combines with butter for a flavor that complements the sweet, tart cherries. Enjoy this crumble warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or Chantilly cream for added decadence.

    Jump to:
    • What is a fruit crumble made of?
    • Easy Cherry Crumble Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Ingredient Substitutions
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Suggested Equipment
    • Storage
    • Delicious Fruit Desserts
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What is a fruit crumble made of?

    A fruit crumble is a straightforward, simple dessert with fresh fruit and a streusel-like, crumbly topping. The dessert's name, "crumble," is thought to have originated in England. It's beautiful, easy to make, and versatile for almost any seasonal fruit. 

    Like pies and tarts in flavor and concept, crumbles are deceptively simple to make, requiring no special tools and minimal effort. The fruit base combines a few ingredients before transferring to a baking dish. The crumb topping is typically made from flour, sugar, and fat but often includes oats as well. 

    Easy Cherry Crumble Recipe

    Homemade cherry crumble is one of the easiest desserts to make. An alternative to pie, this cherry recipe requires no cooking. Once the filling and crumble topping have been mixed, they are layered in a baking dish and put into the oven - it is just that easy! The hot bubbling filling marries with the crispy, golden brown topping for an irresistible fruit treat.

    • Sweet Cherry Filling - Dark cherries shine in this cherry crumble recipe. The sweet, tart flavor of the fruit is prominent in every bite. Crumble is one of the easiest cherry desserts to make.
    • Buttery Crumble - An alternative to pie crust, the crumble's topping is streusel-like and crumbly textured. Flour, oats, and sugar combine with butter. It takes minutes to prepare and bakes until golden brown.
    • Easy Dessert Recipe - As far as desserts go, crumble is one of the easiest. It is a simple way to use up ripe fruit and a delicious last-minute dessert option to share with friends or family. Everyone will love it, especially with ice cream.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients you need for this recipe.
    • Dark Cherries (pitted) - Dark cherries have a sweet taste and gorgeous color. The darker the cherry, the better the taste. If using fresh cherries, be sure they are nice and ripe. Use fresh or frozen cherries in this crumble recipe.
    • Cornstarch - Cornstarch absorbs some of the liquid as the cherries release their juices in the oven. It keeps the filling from becoming too soupy or saucy.
    • Lemon Juice (fresh) - Lemon adds needed acid while also enhancing the flavor of the cherry filling.
    • Vanilla Extract 
    • Light Brown Sugar (packed) - The sugar emphasizes the flavor of the fruit without overpowering the dessert in sweetness.
    • Rolled Oats - Be sure to use rolled oats for the best texture.
    • Almond Flour - Almond flour is nutty and thick, making it perfect for crumble topping.
    • Ground Cinnamon 
    • Almonds (chopped) - Almonds add crunch, texture, and nutty taste.
    • Unsalted Butter (softened at room temperature) - Butter completes the crumble topping, adding needed fat and helping it become golden brown and crispy.

    See the recipe card for the ingredient quantities.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Cornstarch - Arrowroot
    • Lemon Juice - Orange Juice, Lime Juice
    • Vanilla Extract - Almond Extract (start with ½ teaspoon)
    • Light Brown Sugar - Dark Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar, Stevia, Coconut Sugar
    • Almond Flour - All-Purpose Flour, Oat Flour
    • Almonds - Pecans, Walnuts

    Instructions

    STEP 1 - Preheat the oven to 350℉.

    Lemon juice, cornstarch, brown sugar, and cherries combined in a bowl with a spoon.
    Coat the cherries in lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in a bowl.
    Almond-oat crumble topping in a bowl.
    Mix the crumble topping ingredients in a separate bowl.

    STEP 2 - Place the pitted cherries in a large mixing bowl with two tablespoons of light brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir to coat the cherries.

    STEP 3 - Combine the oats, almond flour, remaining light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped almonds in a separate medium bowl. Rub the softened butter into the oat mixture until large crumbs form.

    The cherry mixture placed into the bottom of an 8-inch dish.
    Place the cherry mixture in an 8-inch baking dish.
    Almond-oat crumble mixture sprinkled over cherries in an 8-inch square dish.
    Top the cherry mixture with crumble topping.

    STEP 4 - Spread the cherry mixture in the base of an 8-inch square baking pan. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit mixture, ensuring the cherries are covered.

    STEP 6 - Bake the crumble for 25-30 minutes until the fruit filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

    Variations

    • Vegan - Swap the butter for a dairy-free, vegan alternative.
    • Low-Sugar - While cherries contain fructose, you can swap the brown sugar for Monk Fruit Sweetener or Stevia. 
    • Individual - Evenly divide the cherry filling and topping between six ramekin dishes. Baking times will vary.
    • Alternative Fruit - Swap half of the cherries for apples, rhubarb, plums, peaches, or your favorite fruits. Peel the fruit as needed and make sure the fruit is the same size as the cherries for even baking. 
    A pan of cherry crumble with a portion taken out of it.

    Suggested Equipment

    • Cherry Pitter - Cherries can be tricky (and messy) to pit. This cherry pitter makes the job a breeze.
    • Large Bowl - You'll need bowls to mix the filling and topping. I love Pyrex Bowls because you can see when everything has been properly combined.
    • 8-Inch Baking Dish - Bake the crumble in a sturdy baking dish like this one.

    Storage

    Once cooled, cover the pan of crumble with a piece of foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store the cherry crumble in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Delicious Fruit Desserts

    • Mixed Berry Eton Mess
    • Creamy Mango Mousse
    • Cherry Almond Snack Cake
    • Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff
    A pan of cherry crumble with a spoon.

    Expert Tips

    1. Lightly grease the baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. 
    2. Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the cherry mixture if using frozen fruit.
    3. Bake the crumble in a preheated oven for even cooking.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you know when a crumble is done baking?

    The filling will be bubbly with softened cherries, and the topping will be golden brown and crispy. 

    Can you make a fruit crumble the day before?

    Separately assemble the topping and cherry filling ahead of time but refrain from baking until the day needed to prevent a soggy crumble.

    If you make the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #sugarylogic, and share them with me on Instagram or Facebook. 

    📖 Recipe

    A small plate of cherry crumble with a scoop of ice cream on top.

    Easy Cherry Crumble

    Katelyn Theofanis
    Simple cherry crumble is an easy dessert that is perfect for any day. Crispy almond-oat topping coats juicy, sweet dark cherry filling for a delicious sweet treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert is gluten-free.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 335 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups dark cherries fresh or frozen, pitted
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch *see note
    • 2 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
    • 2 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Crumble Topping

    • ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
    • ½ cup almond flour
    • ⅓ cup light brown sugar packed
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ⅓ cup almonds chopped
    • 5 tablespoon unsalted butter softened

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350℉.
    • Place the pitted cherries in a large mixing bowl with two tablespoons of light brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir to coat the cherries.
    • Combine the oats, almond flour, remaining light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped almonds in a separate mixing bowl. Rub the softened butter into the oat mixture until a crumbly texture forms.
    • Spread the cherry mixture in the base of an 8-inch square baking pan.
    • Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cherry mixture, ensuring the cherries are covered.
    • Bake the crumble for 25-30 minutes until the fruit filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

    Notes

    • If using frozen cherries, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 7mgPotassium: 315mgFiber: 5gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 351IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag your photo #sugarylogic or @sugarylogic ANY QUESTIONS? Please leave a comment below!

    Did you make this? Leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!

    More Dessert

    • A slice of apple streusel cake.
      The Best Apple Streusel Cake Recipe
    • A slice of key lime pie topped with whipped cream.
      Easy 3-Ingredient Key Lime Pie with Cream Cheese
    • Cups of peanut butter mousse topped with whipped cream and peanuts.
      4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Mousse Recipe
    • A slice of cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
      Easy Cherry Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

    About Me

    I am the recipe developer, content creator, and photographer behind Sugary Logic. Sugary Logic's recipes are clear, simple, and easy to learn. These are all recipes I enjoy regularly (yes, the sweets too.) I'm so happy you're here, and I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I do. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

      Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Ellie Athay

      November 27, 2023 at 7:10 pm

      Does it need to be almond flour? I have gluten free flour but not almond flour.

      Reply
      • Katelyn Theofanis

        November 28, 2023 at 10:24 am

        You can use any flour in place of the almond flour.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    author

    Hi, welcome to Sugary Logic! I'm Katelyn. I am an experienced chef and home cook publishing simple and easy recipes here on my food blog, Sugary Logic. Sugary Logic's recipes will save you time and allow you to create fast and easy meals as sophisticated as any restaurant meal.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A stack of pumpkin chocolate chip scones.
      Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones

    • An unwrapped pumpkin banana muffin sitting on a wire rack.
      The Best Pumpkin Banana Muffins Recipe

    • A banana flaxseed muffin cut in half.
      Healthy Banana Flaxseed Muffins Recipe

    • Sprinkle covered cake mix scones.
      Easy Funfetti Cake Mix Scones 

    Trending Recipes

    • A large bowl of chicken sausage pasta.
      Chicken Sausage Pasta with Broccoli

    • Quinoa salad with chickpeas in a large bowl.
      Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

    • A bowl of pesto pasta salad with a wooden spoon.
      Easy Summer Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

    • Cinnamon streusel muffins on a cooling rack.
      Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

    The Best Scone Recipes

    • A plate of coconut scones.
      Coconut Scones Recipe with Coconut Glaze

    • A single gingerbread scone on a wire cooling rack.
      Easy Glazed Gingerbread Scones Recipe

    • A coffee scone on a wire cooling rack.
      Easy Chocolate Chip Coffee Scones Recipe 

    • A cherry scone on a wire cooling rack with fresh cherries.
      Almond Cherry Scones

    Gluten-Free Recipes

    • Crispy roasted sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined tray with a wooden server.
      Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

    • A close-up of lemon blueberry baked oatmeal.
      Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

    • Easy Italian Ground Turkey Soup

    • Cauliflower Gnocchi Alla Vodka

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Recipes
    • About Me

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Subscribe

    Sugary Logic participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2017 - 2025 Sugary Logic

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.