Easy cherry crumb pie made with frozen or fresh cherries is a delightful dessert that shines at any gathering. The Cherry Crumb Pie features a luscious filling and a crumbly streusel topping that creates a perfect balance of flavors. This pie is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, picnics, or holiday celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen cherries based on what you have available, ensuring year-round enjoyment.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries with a hint of almond and vanilla creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With ten slices per pie, it’s great for sharing at gatherings and parties.
- Streusel Satisfaction: The crumbly topping adds texture and richness, elevating this cherry pie to the next level.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cherry crumb pie effortlessly, gather the essential tools before starting. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9-inch pie pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch pie pan: Ensures the perfect size for your crust and filling, providing even baking throughout.
- Mixing bowls: A must-have for combining ingredients without mess, allowing for easy mixing.
- Pastry cutter or fork: Useful for creating the crumbly streusel topping by cutting cold butter into flour.
Ingredients
For the Pie Filling
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 5 cups fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries (pitted)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp salted butter
For Fresh Cherries (if using)
- ¼ cup water
For the Streusel Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 6 tbsp salted butter (cold, cubed)
How to Make Cherry Crumb Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. While it heats up, place a baking sheet lined with foil inside to catch any drips from the pie.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Place your pie crust in the pie pan. Flute the edges for a decorative touch. Set it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Cherry Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, almond extract, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salted butter. If using fresh cherries, add water as well. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pie
Transfer the cherry mixture into the chilled pie crust. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 5: Prepare Streusel Topping
In another bowl, mix together flour and brown sugar. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until you achieve a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this mixture over the cherry filling.
Step 6: Bake Your Pie
Carefully place your assembled pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Now you are ready to enjoy your homemade Cherry Crumb Pie, bursting with flavor and topped with delicious crumbs!
How to Serve Cherry Crumb Pie
Cherry crumb pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in several ways. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice by yourself, the right accompaniments can enhance its deliciousness.
A La Mode
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing that balances the tartness of the cherries.
Whipped Cream
- Top with freshly whipped cream to add a light and airy texture that complements the crumbly topping.
Fresh Berries
- Garnish with a handful of fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for added color and flavor.
Almond Slices
- Sprinkle toasted almond slices on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cherry.
Coffee or Tea
- Pair slices of cherry crumb pie with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea to create a comforting experience.
How to Perfect Cherry Crumb Pie
To achieve the best cherry crumb pie, follow these simple tips to elevate your baking skills.
Use ripe cherries: Fresh, ripe cherries yield the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are properly thawed and drained.
Chill the crust: A chilled crust helps maintain its shape while baking and results in a flakier texture.
Don’t skimp on spices: Adding cinnamon and almond extract enhances the overall flavor profile of your pie.
Check for doneness: Bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly to ensure perfect texture.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Crumb Pie
Pairing side dishes with cherry crumb pie can make your dessert spread even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:
Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, such as brie or sharp cheddar, complements the sweetness of the pie.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the pie.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Offer various toppings for an interactive dessert experience where guests can create their own sundaes.
Pecan Sandies: These buttery cookies provide a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft filling of cherry crumb pie.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each slice for an indulgent twist on this classic dessert.
Caramel Sauce: Serve warm caramel sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra sweetness with their fruit desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Cherry Crumb Pie can be easy, but there are some pitfalls to watch out for. Here are common mistakes to avoid to ensure your pie turns out perfectly.
- Using unpitted cherries: Always use pitted cherries! It saves you from the unpleasant surprise of biting into a pit and enhances the overall enjoyment of your dessert.
- Skipping the chilling step: Don’t skip chilling the pie crust. This step helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a flaky texture in your final pie.
- Not adjusting sugar levels: Be mindful of the sweetness of your cherries. If using tart cherries, you may need to increase sugar; taste before adding!
- Ignoring the streusel topping ratio: Use the right amount of streusel topping. Too little will leave your pie bare, while too much can overshadow the cherry filling.
- Overbaking the pie: Keep an eye on baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling. Aim for bubbly filling and golden-brown topping for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil if not using a container.
Freezing Cherry Crumb Pie
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Cherry Crumb Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cherry Crumb Pie that might help you out.
Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Crumb Pie?
Yes, frozen cherries work beautifully in this recipe! Just thaw them before use and drain any excess liquid.
What is the best way to pit cherries?
The easiest method involves using a cherry pitter. However, you can also slice them in half and remove the pits manually if necessary.
How do I know when my Cherry Crumb Pie is done?
Look for bubbling cherry filling and a golden-brown streusel topping. Baking times may vary, so check it towards the end!
Can I customize the Cherry Crumb Pie filling?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor. Just adjust sugar as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Crumb Pie is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. With its sweet cherry filling and delightful streusel topping, it makes for a perfect dessert at any gathering. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or spices to suit your tastes!
Cherry Crumb Pie
Cherry Crumb Pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweetness of cherries with a rich, crumbly topping. This easy-to-make pie can be prepared using either fresh or frozen cherries, making it perfect for any season. Its luscious filling and satisfying streusel topping create a perfect balance of flavors, making it an irresistible treat at family dinners, picnics, or holiday celebrations. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this comforting dessert is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 5 cups dark sweet cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- ¼ cup water (if using fresh cherries)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 6 tbsp salted butter (cold, cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan and chill in the refrigerator.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, almond extract, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salted butter. If using fresh cherries, add water as well. Stir well.
- Transfer the cherry mixture into the chilled pie crust.
- For the streusel topping, mix flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel over the cherry filling.
- Bake for about 45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
