Name: Best Cherry Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 6 –7 cups cherries pitted; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 –4 tbsp granulated sugar; ½ tsp almond extract; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp orange zest; 1 tbsp orange juice; ¼ cup brown sugar; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp orange zest; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp almond extract; 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 8 tbsp unsalted butter cold and cubed

There’s something so comforting about a warm cherry crumble fresh out of the oven.

The juicy, slightly tart cherries pair beautifully with the buttery, golden topping, making this dessert perfect for summer gatherings or cozy winter nights.

It’s simple to prepare yet tastes indulgent and special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The cherries bake down into a sweet, jammy filling full of natural flavor.

The crumble topping is buttery, crisp, and perfectly golden.

Hints of orange zest, almond, and vanilla add brightness and depth.

It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Fresh cherries are the star—juicy, sweet, and slightly tart for balance.

Orange zest and juice add a subtle citrus brightness to both the filling and topping.

Almond extract enhances the cherry flavor beautifully.

Cold butter ensures the crumble topping bakes up crisp and crumbly.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use a cherry pitter to save time when prepping cherries.

If cherries are very sweet, reduce the sugar slightly in the filling.

Work quickly with the cold butter to keep the topping crumbly.

Let the crumble rest before serving so the filling thickens.

How to Make Cherry Crumble

Step 1 – Prep the pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9–10 inch deep-dish pie plate or 8×11 inch baking pan.

Step 2 – Make the cherry filling

In a large bowl, mix cherries with flour, sugar, almond extract, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.

Spread evenly in the prepared dish.

Step 3 – Prepare the topping base

In another bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and orange zest until fragrant.

Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.

Step 4 – Add dry ingredients

Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined.

Step 5 – Cut in the butter

Add cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles crumbs.

Step 6 – Assemble and bake

Sprinkle topping over cherries.

Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden.

Step 7 – Cool and serve

Let cool 15–20 minutes before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.

What to Serve Them With

A scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream.

Freshly whipped cream for a lighter option.

A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Variations / Substitutions

Use frozen cherries (thawed and drained) if fresh aren’t available.

Swap cherries with mixed berries or peaches.

Add chopped nuts to the topping for crunch.

Storage & Leftovers

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, just thaw and drain them well before using.

Do I have to use almond extract?
No, but it really enhances the cherry flavor. Vanilla works fine as a substitute.

What kind of butter works best?
Unsalted butter is ideal so you can control the salt.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.

How do I know when it’s done?
The topping should be golden and the filling bubbling at the edges.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Crumble is sweet, tart, and buttery in every bite.

It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like pure comfort.

Whether you serve it warm at a dinner party or enjoy it cold for breakfast the next day, it’s always a hit.

The Boat Shed Kitchen