Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 6-7 cups cherries, pitted
- 3 Tbsp all purpose flour
- 2-4 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1 Tbsp orange juice
Crumb Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 or 10-inch deep dish pie plate or an 8x11 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Set it aside for later use.
- Mix Cherry Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries, all purpose flour, 2-4 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness), almond extract, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir until the cherries are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Assemble Cherry Filling: Pour the prepared cherry filling evenly into the greased baking dish and spread it out to form an even layer.
- Prepare Crumb Topping Base: In another large bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and orange zest thoroughly. This helps to release the natural oils from the zest, enhancing the orange flavor.
- Add extracts and dry ingredients: To the sugar and zest mixture, add the vanilla extract and almond extract. Stir to combine. Then add the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with a slightly dough-like consistency, ensuring the crumb topping will have a tender texture after baking.
- Top the Cherry Filling: Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the cherry filling layer in the baking dish, covering it completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping turns lightly golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool before serving: Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly for easier serving.
- Serve: Serve the cherry crumble warm, optionally topped with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar in the cherry filling according to the sweetness of your cherries; tart cherries may need more sugar.
- Using cold butter is essential for a crumbly topping texture.
- Pitting cherries can be done ahead of time to save prep time.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts over the crumb topping before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
