Setting the Scene
As the sun sets behind the horizon, casting a warm golden glow, there’s a spell of anticipation in the air. The aroma of freshly baked desserts wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table for a delightful treat. The Sweet Cherry Almond Crumble, with its enticing blend of tart cherries and nutty almond flavor, evokes memories of summer picnics and cozy family dinners.
This heartwarming dessert is the perfect key to unlock cherished moments, whether you’re hosting friends over for a casual weeknight gathering or celebrating a special occasion. The crunch of the topping against the luscious cherry filling provides a symphony of textures, while each spoonful promises to take you on a delightful journey. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your collection of easy baking recipes for desserts, providing both comfort and joy with every bite.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into this sweet adventure, it’s essential to gather your ingredients and tools. The simplicity of this recipe makes it both convenient and approachable, while each component plays a crucial role in the overall experience.
Ingredients
- 4 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving
Tools
To make your baking experience as smooth as the cherry filling, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Oven mitts for safety
- Spoon or spatula for serving
How to Make It
Creating this mouthwatering Sweet Cherry Almond Crumble is easier than you think! With a few straightforward steps, you can prepare a dessert that fills your home with warmth and flavor.
Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish with a touch of butter. The oven hums to life, radiating an inviting warmth that sets the tone for your culinary adventure. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, half a cup of granulated sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. As you stir, the vivid red cherries glisten against the bright white sugar, creating a festive visual even before baking.
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This step lets the sugars and juices mingle, producing a sweet syrup that will drench the crumble and keep the filling perfectly moist. The aroma of the cherries begins to mingle with the almond extract, releasing a nostalgic scent reminiscent of homemade treats from your childhood.
Make the Crumble Topping
Now, let’s whip up the crumble topping that will blanket those luscious cherries. In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, remaining half cup of sugar, chopped almonds, and salt. The rough texture of oats combined with the smooth flour provides an admirable contrast. Pour in the melted butter and use your hands to mix everything together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In this process, the butter transforms the dry ingredients, creating a delightful crunch that will top the cherries and bring your dessert to life.
As you work the mixture, the rich scent of toasted almonds fills the air, making it hard to resist snatching a taste. The crumbly topping piles beautifully, waiting to envelop the cherry filling like a warm embrace.
Assemble and Bake to Perfection
Take that glorious cherry mixture and pour it evenly into the greased baking dish. Gently spread it out until it’s a smooth layer. Then, unleash the crumble topping by scattering it generously over the cherries, letting the golden crumbs gather in all the nooks and crannies. With the dish prepared, place it in your preheated oven and let the magic happen.
As the crumble bakes, your kitchen will fill with a heavenly aroma—sweet cherries, nutty almonds, and buttery crisp all melding together into a fragrant symphony. Bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the topping turns a deep golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles joyously at the edges. The sound of the bubbling filling is music to your ears, signaling that something wonderful is happening inside your oven.
Finish & Serve
Once your Sweet Cherry Almond Crumble is out of the oven, let it cool for a few moments. The topping will become even crunchier as it sets, creating a texture that’s simply irresistible. When it’s time to dig in, serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm cherries—a perfect union of flavors and temperatures.
The vibrant colors of the cherries peek through the golden crust, creating an inviting tableau that beckons to be enjoyed. Each bite is an indulgence; the tartness of cherries balances perfectly with the sweetness of the crumble, while the almond notes provide a delightful finish.
Creative Twists
Once you’ve mastered the Sweet Cherry Almond Crumble, consider these exciting variations to keep your dessert game fresh and interesting:
- Seasonal Fruits: Swap cherries for seasonal fruits like peaches in the summer or apples in the fall. Each fruit brings its own charm and flavor to the crumble.
- Flavor Upgrades: Experiment with other extracts, like vanilla or hazelnut, to enhance the flavor profile. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm spice that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Mixed Nut Topping: Instead of just almonds, try incorporating walnuts or pecans into the crumble for an even nuttier experience.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, thus making it accessible to everyone.
- Serving Suggestions: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce or serve with a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert into an unforgettable experience.
Final Inspiration
This Sweet Cherry Almond Crumble has the power to transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary, inviting you to indulge not just in dessert, but in moments worth cherishing. It encourages connection, whether shared among family at dinner or enjoyed alone with a warm cup of tea as you savor the simple pleasures of life.
So, gather your ingredients and let the enticing aromas fill your home. With each bite, you’re not just tasting a dessert; you’re creating precious memories. Make this recipe part of your easy baking recipes for desserts repertoire and watch it become a beloved favorite that you’ll turn to again and again. Enjoy the journey of baking, and don’t forget to share the joy with those around you!
Sweet Cherry Almond Crumble
Ingredients
For the filling
- 4 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided 1/2 cup for filling, 1/2 cup for topping
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For the crumble topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional for serving
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pitted cherries, half a cup of granulated sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sugars and juices to mingle.
Make the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, remaining half cup of sugar, chopped almonds, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cherry filling into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Scatter the crumble topping generously over the cherry filling.
- Bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is a deep golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles at the edges.
Finish & Serve
- Let the crumble cool for a few moments before serving.
- Serve warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.