Baking a Cherry Crumb Pie is like hosting a joyful party inside your oven, where each burst of fruity sweetness meets a delightfully crunchy topping. As the summer sun ripens the cherries to their juiciest perfection, this dessert recipe transforms those vibrant gems into a classic crumb pie that feels both rustic and indulgent. The tender, flaky pie crust forms the perfect cradle for a filling that balances sweet and tart cherries, kissed with almond and vanilla extracts. Every bite delivers a symphony of flavors—fruit-forward brightness, rich buttery notes, and a touch of citrusy zing from fresh lemon juice—all under a golden blanket of cinnamon-spiced crumbs.
With every home bake, you’ll find yourself returning to this pie over and over, whether you’re craving a comforting slice on a rainy afternoon or aiming to wow guests at a dinner party. It’s an easy baking dream: simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and room to add your own twist—like tossing in a handful of crunchy pecans or swapping cherries for blueberries. This Cherry Crumb Pie feels like a warm hug in dessert form, a testament to why a good pie crust and a crunchy topping can turn humble fruit into a showstopping centerpiece.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHERRY CRUMB PIE
Before you dive into the measuring and mixing, let’s take a closer look at the stars of this dessert recipe. Each component plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor, turning everyday pantry staples into a memorable summer dessert.
- Unbaked pie crust
This flaky foundation holds the cherry filling and crumb topping together. Whether you whip up your own pie crust for that homemade charm or use a store-bought shell for convenience, a sturdy yet tender crust ensures every slice holds its shape.
- Pitted cherries
Fresh or canned, cherries are the heart of this cherry pie, lending their sweet-tart juices and vibrant color. They provide natural sweetness and tang, while their juicy texture becomes luxuriously thick once baked with sugar and cornstarch.
- Granulated sugar
This essential sweetener balances the cherries’ tartness. It dissolves into the filling, coaxing out fruit juices and ensuring each bite has just the right level of sweetness.
- Cornstarch
Acting as a thickening agent, cornstarch prevents a runny filling by absorbing excess liquid released by the cherries. It keeps the pie gooey yet structured.
- Almond extract
A few drops of this extract add a subtle nutty note that complements the cherries’ natural flavor, creating a sophisticated depth without overpowering the fruit.
- Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the filling with a warm, aromatic sweetness that enhances every other ingredient, rounding off sharp edges and adding complexity.
- Lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the filling, cutting through sweetness and highlighting the cherries’ natural tang. It adds a refreshing zing to every bite.
- All-purpose flour
This pantry staple forms the base of the crumb topping. When combined with butter and sugar, it creates those golden, crunchy bits that contrast beautifully with the soft cherry filling.
- Light brown sugar
With its hint of molasses, brown sugar brings a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the crumb topping, enriching the buttery flavor and helping it brown to perfection.
- Ground cinnamon
A sprinkle of cinnamon warms the topping with a cozy spice that pairs wonderfully with the cherries, making each mouthful even more inviting.
- Salt
Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors, cutting through sweetness and ensuring the crumb and filling taste balanced and vibrant.
- Unsalted butter
Cold and cubed, butter creates that irresistible crumb texture when cut into flour and sugar. Its fat content yields a golden, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
HOW TO MAKE CHERRY CRUMB PIE
Baking this Cherry Crumb Pie is a straightforward yet rewarding journey, combining the bright, juicy filling with a buttery, crunchy topping in a few simple steps. Follow along carefully, and you’ll end up with a stunning dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings, holiday dinners, or cozy nights in.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the lower third. This lower placement helps the bottom pie crust bake evenly and become wonderfully crisp rather than doughy.
2. If you’re using fresh cherries, pit them by removing stems and seeds, then place the fruit in a large mixing bowl. For canned cherries, ensure they are thoroughly drained before adding them to the bowl to prevent excess moisture.
3. Into the bowl with cherries, add granulated sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Use a gentle folding motion to combine everything, ensuring each cherry is coated with the sugar mixture without crushing the fruit.
4. Transfer the cherry filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula so every bite will have an even layer of fruit beneath the crumb topping.
5. In another bowl, stir together the flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix is the foundation of your crumb topping, giving it that signature texture.
6. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it breaks into coarse, pea-sized crumbs.
7. Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the cherry filling, making sure to cover the cherries completely. This even layer will bake into a golden, crunchy topping.
8. Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 40–45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and bubbling filling around the edges.
9. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This rest time ensures the filling sets properly so you get clean, perfect slices.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHERRY CRUMB PIE
Presenting and serving this cherry crumb pie can be just as delightful as baking it. Whether you’re aiming for a casual family dessert or an elegant conclusion to a dinner party, thoughtful presentation and complementary accompaniments will elevate each slice. From the first forkful to the last crumb, you’ll want your friends and family to savor every element: the juicy cherry center, the buttery crumb, and the tender crust. Styling your pie with the right garnishes and pairings is a wonderful way to showcase your efforts and add extra layers of flavor and texture. Here are a few inspired serving suggestions that will turn your dessert into the star of the show:
- Serve each slice warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot pie and cold ice cream creates a creamy-meets-tart sensation that’s downright irresistible.
- Add a dollop of softly whipped cream infused with a touch of almond extract. This extra hint of almond deepens the flavor synergy between the cream and cherry filling.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the crumb topping just before serving. This simple garnish adds a pretty finish and a touch of sweetness without overpowering the pie.
- Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or a few extra pitted cherries on the side. The bright green of mint or pop of extra fruit color gives an attractive, fresh contrast to each plate.
HOW TO STORE CHERRY CRUMB PIE
Storing your cherry crumb pie correctly ensures that every leftover slice tastes almost as good as the first. Whether you have a few wedges left after a big gathering or you’re baking ahead for a party, proper storage preserves both the flavor of the tart cherries and the satisfying crunch of the topping. Keep in mind that the pie will stay freshest when given enough time and space to cool completely before any covering is applied, preventing sogginess or condensation. Here are a handful of storage methods to help maintain that just-baked quality:
- Room-temperature storage: Once the pie has cooled completely, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a pie saver and leave it at room temperature for up to 24 hours. This is great for a day-long event where you want the crust and crumbs to stay crisp.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cooled pie in the fridge, covered tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Chilling also gives the filling a chance to firm up even more, making for cleaner slices.
- Freezer storage: To enjoy this pie weeks later, wrap individual slices or the whole pie in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to serve refrigerated or thawed pie, warm individual slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–15 minutes. This little heat boost revives the crumb’s crunch and warms the filling without drying it out.
CONCLUSION
This Cherry Crumb Pie has everything you could hope for in a dessert recipe: a buttery pie crust, vibrant tart cherries sweetened just right, and a delightfully crunchy topping that makes every bite memorable. Throughout this article, we’ve explored the key ingredients that elevate this summer dessert, walked through step-by-step instructions to guide you from gathering your fresh or canned cherries to pulling a golden masterpiece from the oven, and shared serving suggestions and storage tips that ensure your pie always looks and tastes its best. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, the straightforward method and flexible nature of this crumb pie make it a go-to treat for any occasion—family gatherings, picnics, festive celebrations, or even an everyday indulgence. Feel free to personalize it with your favorite nuts, switch up the fruit, or experiment with spices to make it truly your own.
Go ahead and print this article or save it in your recipe collection for easy reference whenever you’re craving a classic dessert that wows both the eyes and the taste buds. You’ll find a handy FAQ section just below this conclusion to answer any additional questions you might have about technique, substitutions, or troubleshooting. If you try the recipe, please leave a comment and share your experience—any feedback, questions, or creative spins are always welcome! Happy baking, and may every slice of this Cherry Crumb Pie bring a smile to your table.
Cherry Crumb Pie
Description
This Cherry Crumb Pie combines juicy cherries with a crunchy topping. Each slice bursts with flavor, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure the bottom crust bakes well.
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If you're using fresh cherries, pit them and place them in a large mixing bowl. If using canned cherries, make sure they are well drained before placing them in the bowl.
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In the bowl with cherries, add granulated sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Gently mix together until the cherries are coated evenly with the sugar mixture.
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Pour the cherry filling into the unbaked pie crust. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
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In a separate bowl, prepare the crumb topping. Combine flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
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Add cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
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Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the cherry filling evenly. Make sure to cover the cherries completely.
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Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling up around the edges.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing to ensure that the filling sets properly.
Note
- The cherries can be replaced with other fruits such as blueberries or apples for a different flavor.
- For an extra nutty flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
- Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert option.
- You can make the pie crust from scratch using your favorite recipe, or use a store-bought crust for convenience.
- This pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
