If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Cherry Crumble with Almonds and Oats Recipe. It combines the juicy brightness of fresh or frozen cherries with a delectably crunchy topping packed with oats and sliced almonds. Each bite offers a fantastic balance of tart, sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dessert for family or a special treat for friends, this crumble is straightforward to make, yet impressively delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together is half the magic here. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish truly shine.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: For binding the juicy cherry filling to perfection.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the fruit.
- 2 1/2 lbs fresh or frozen sweet cherries (pitted): The star player, bursting with natural tartness and vibrant red color.
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon): Elevates the cherries’ flavor with a fresh zing and keeps their color bright.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting notes that round out the filling perfectly.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for the crumble topping’s structure.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumble topping delicately without overpowering.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings a lovely caramel depth to the topping.
- 1/8 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 8 Tbsp (1 stick) cold, unsalted butter, diced: Creates that irresistibly crumbly, buttery texture in the topping.
- ½ cup quick cooking oats: Adds chewiness and a wholesome texture contrast.
- 1 cup sliced almonds (divided): Half mixed into the topping for crunch, half sprinkled on top for a toasty finish.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional): The perfect cooling partner to serve alongside.
How to Make Cherry Crumble with Almonds and Oats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
Begin by combining 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl. Toss in the pitted cherries, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until all cherries are evenly coated. This mixture thickens as it bakes and infuses the cherries with hints of citrus and vanilla—a combination that awakens the natural sweetness and tartness beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Add cold diced butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the quick cooking oats and half of the sliced almonds, folding them in to ensure every bite has a bit of that wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cherry filling into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over it. Scatter the remaining sliced almonds on top to get a beautifully toasted finish. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling deliciously.
How to Serve Cherry Crumble with Almonds and Oats Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, top warm servings with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm, textured crumble and luscious cherry filling, creating that dreamy contrast everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This crumble is a fantastic dessert on its own, but you could elevate your spread by serving it alongside a simple green salad or a light cheese platter if you want to keep things casual and balanced. For brunch, try pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or fresh herbal tea to complement the fruity sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests or loved ones, serve the crumble in individual ramekins or mason jars. Layer a bit of extra sliced almonds or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a festive, rustic vibe. For a lighter version, swap some of the butter with applesauce in the topping to reduce richness without sacrificing crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Crumble with Almonds and Oats Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even more once it rests, making leftovers just as delightful as the freshly baked version.
Freezing
You can freeze the crumble either baked or unbaked. To freeze baked, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. For unbaked, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready, bake straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15–20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works too but may compromise the topping’s crispiness. If reheating from frozen, give it extra time and cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly here and actually make preparation a breeze. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy crumble base.
What can I substitute for almonds if I have a nut allergy?
You can swap almonds for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without nuts. Alternatively, just omit them and add a bit more oats for texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, and serve it with a vegan ice cream or coconut whipped cream instead.
How do I make the crumble topping crispier?
Make sure the butter is cold when you cut it into the dry ingredients, and don’t overmix. Baking uncovered helps the topping get that perfect golden crunch.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the crumble a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it super convenient for special occasions or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing this Cherry Crumble with Almonds and Oats Recipe. From its rich layers of sweet-tart cherries to the nutty oats and almonds, it’s a dessert that feels like home in every bite. Whether it’s a quiet night in or a special gathering, I hope you enjoy baking and savoring this delightful treat as much as I do!
Print
Cherry Crumble with Almonds and Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Cherry Crumble recipe featuring a luscious cherry filling topped with a buttery, oat and almond crumble. Perfectly balanced with fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract, this dessert is easy to prepare and ideal for a cozy family gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 2 1/2 lbs fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 8 Tbsp (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds, divided
To Serve (Optional)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss gently until the cherries are evenly coated to create the filling.
- Mix the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the quick cooking oats and half of the sliced almonds, mixing evenly.
- Assemble the Crumble: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cherry filling into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cherries, then evenly distribute the remaining sliced almonds on top for an added crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake: Place the assembled crumble in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are pitted to avoid any hard bites.
- Using frozen cherries is fine; thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent a watery filling.
- Cold butter is crucial for a crumbly topping texture.
- Feel free to substitute sliced almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
