Delicious Cherry Crumb Pie Recipe for Sweet Treat Lovers
This cherry crumb pie is everything a homemade dessert should be: juicy, sweet-tart cherries tucked into a flaky pie crust and finished with a buttery, golden crumb topping. It’s comforting without being heavy, classic without being boring, and simple enough for both beginner and experienced bakers. Whether you’re baking for a summer gathering or just craving a cozy slice of pie, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Fresh cherries shine here, creating a filling that tastes vibrant and real rather than overly sweet or artificial. The crumb topping adds a rich, crisp texture that balances the soft fruit filling perfectly. Serve it warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or pair it with lighter desserts like Strawberry Banana Pudding for a well-rounded dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Crumb Pie
This recipe keeps things easy while delivering bakery-style results.
- Uses real cherries for fresh, natural flavor
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart
- Crunchy crumb topping adds texture
- Simple steps with basic ingredients
- Great for gatherings, holidays, or weekend baking
If you enjoy simple recipes that rely on great ingredients rather than complicated techniques, you might also appreciate snacks like Sourdough Crackers, which use minimal ingredients but deliver big flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that feels familiar, cozy, and special all at once.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Unlike overly sweet pies, this version lets the cherries shine. The filling is thickened just enough to hold together while staying juicy, and the crumb topping adds richness without overpowering the fruit. This balance is similar to savory comfort dishes like Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers, where individual ingredients still stand out.
Equipment
You don’t need anything fancy to make this pie. Basic kitchen tools work perfectly. Having reliable everyday recipes, whether sweet or savory like Stuffed Bell Peppers, helps build confidence in the kitchen.
You only need basic kitchen tools to make this recipe:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cherry pitter (optional)
- Fork or pastry cutter
- Baking sheet
Ingredient for Cherry Crumb Pie
Simple ingredient lists are also what make comfort recipes like Blue Cheese Coleslaw so appealing and easy to prepare.
For the Cherry Filling
- Fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (optional)
- Salt
For the Crumb Topping
- All-purpose flour
- Light brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Cold unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
For the Crust
- Unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
How to Make Cherry Crumb Pie
Start by preparing the pie crust and placing it into your pie dish. Set it aside while you make the filling.
In a large bowl, combine the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir gently until the cherries are evenly coated and the mixture looks glossy, much like preparing balanced flavors for dishes such as a BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
Pour the cherry filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly.
To make the crumb topping, mix the flour, sugars, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherries.
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Let the pie cool slightly before slicing so the filling can set.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry crumb pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a little something extra. Try serving it with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- A dusting of powdered sugar
It’s best enjoyed slightly warm, when the filling is soft and the crumb topping is crisp. For a contrast of sweet and savory, it pairs nicely after hearty meals like a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
Baking Tips for Best Results
- If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them well
- Cold butter is key for a crisp crumb topping
- Bake until you see bubbling in the center, not just the edges
- Let the pie rest before slicing to help the filling set
Recipe Variations
You can easily customize this cherry crumb pie to suit your taste:
- Mix sweet and tart cherries for deeper flavor
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumb topping
- Swap almond extract for lemon zest
- Use a whole wheat or gluten-free crust if needed
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This pie can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Leftovers keep well for several days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Cherry Crumb Pie
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
For the Cherry Filling
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Crumb Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Pour the cherry filling evenly into the prepared crust.
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a fork or fingers until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the cherry filling.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow the pie to rest for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
- You can use canned cherry pie filling for a quicker version, but homemade filling gives the best flavor.
- If using frozen cherries, do not thaw completely to avoid excess liquid.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a refrigerated or frozen pie crust works perfectly and saves time. Just be sure it fits a 9-inch pie dish.
What kind of cherries are best for cherry crumb pie?
Both sweet and sour cherries work well. A mix of the two creates a great balance of flavor. Avoid canned cherries, as they tend to be overly soft and sweet.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the pie a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
How should I store leftover pie?
The pie will keep for 3 to 4 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat slices gently before serving if desired.
Final Thoughts
This cherry crumb pie is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. It celebrates simple ingredients, fresh fruit, and homemade comfort in every slice. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or a quiet weekend treat, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
