Cherry Crumble Pie – Buttery, Juicy, and Easy to Make

There’s something magical about that bubbling cherry filling meeting a golden oat crumble—like summer nostalgia wrapped in flaky pastry. This Cherry Crumble Pie takes me back to lazy weekends at my grandma’s, where dessert cooled on the windowsill and a second slice was always expected. Sweet, tart, buttery, and cozy—this is comfort in a crust.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Crumble Pie

This cherry crumble pie is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together beautifully. With no need to chill the dough, it’s a go-to for busy bakers craving something homemade and irresistible. The filling bursts with sweet cherries, balanced by a hint of almond and lemon, while the streusel-like topping adds that crave-worthy crunch. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, holiday table, or weeknight treat, this pie fits right in. It’s juicy, buttery, sweet—but not too sweet—and always a showstopper. Plus, it’s easier than it looks, which makes it even more lovable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pie Crust

  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 4 tbsp ice-cold water

You can whip this crust together in a food processor or by hand—no chilling required. Just roll it out, press into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, and you’re set.

For the Cherry Filling

  • 6 cups sweet cherries (pitted and halved)
  • ⅔ cup sugar (use 1 cup if using sour cherries)
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp almond extract or 1 tsp vanilla
  • ¼ tsp salt

Fresh or thawed frozen cherries both work well here—just make sure frozen ones are drained to prevent a soggy filling.

For the Crumble Topping

  • ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

Optional: Add chopped nuts like almonds for an extra layer of crunch. You can also sub gluten-free flour or use monk fruit sugar if you’re cutting back on sugar.

Cherry Crumble Pie – Buttery, Juicy, and Easy to Make 13

How to Make Cherry Crumble Pie Step-by-Step

Prepare the Crust

In a food processor (or by hand using a pastry cutter), pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough holds together. Press into your pie dish and dock the bottom with a fork to keep it from puffing up.

Make the Cherry Filling

In a large bowl, toss your halved cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes—this allows the juices to start flowing and helps prevent runny pie later.

Overhead view of a cherry pie crust filled with glossy halved cherries before baking
Cherry Crumble Pie – Buttery, Juicy, and Easy to Make 14

Quick tip: A cherry pitter will save you time and stained fingers. If you’re using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them completely first.

Assemble and Add the Crumble Topping

Pour the cherry mixture—juices and all—into your prepared crust. In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the filling.

Optional: Add a handful of slivered almonds on top for a toasty, nutty bite.

Bake to Perfection

Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch drips) and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake another 40–45 minutes. If the crumble is browning too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through.

Overhead view of a fully baked cherry crumble pie with golden oat topping and bubbling cherry filling
Cherry Crumble Pie – Buttery, Juicy, and Easy to Make 15

The hardest part? Letting it cool for at least 3 hours before slicing. This sets the filling and gives you those clean, gorgeous slices.

Tips for Perfect Crumble Pie Every Time

  • Use ripe cherries for peak flavor—fresh in season or quality frozen when out of season.
  • Don’t rush the cooling time—seriously, it’s the key to a slice that holds together.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate cherry-on-top finish.

FAQ – Cherry Crumble Pie Troubleshooting & Tips

How do you make crumble topping for cherry pie?

Just mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter until crumbly. That buttery topping adds texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with juicy cherries.

What is the difference between a cherry crumble and a crisp?

They’re super similar! Both use fruit and a crumb topping, but crisps usually include more oats or nuts, while crumbles stick to a simpler streusel base.

What is the difference between a pie and a crumble?

A pie has a crust (sometimes top and bottom), while a crumble skips the crust entirely and bakes fruit with just the crumb topping. Want a crumble? Just pour the filling into an 8×8-inch dish and top with the crumb mixture—no crust needed!

How to make a cherry crumble?

Follow the same filling and topping instructions, but skip the pie crust. Bake it in a greased square baking dish at 375°F for about 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions

This cherry crumble pie is one of those easygoing recipes that feels extra special. It’s rustic, juicy, and honestly tastes even better the next day. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—or straight from the fridge if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers. Want more cherry goodness? Try this Sweet Soft Cherry Bread with Cherry Almond Glaze or this buttery Cherry Pie Crumb Bars Recipe next.

And if you’re craving the classic, you can’t go wrong with The Best Cherry Pie Recipe.

Looking for more cozy baking ideas? Follow along on Pinterest or Facebook for daily inspiration and more real-kitchen favorites!

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Close-up of a cherry crumble pie slice with golden oat topping and juicy cherry filling on a white plate

Cherry Crumble Pie – Buttery, Juicy, and Easy to Make


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This cherry crumble pie is packed with juicy cherries and topped with a buttery oat crumble. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, no dough chilling needed, and always a crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

**For the Crust:**

1¼ cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp sugar

¼ tsp salt

½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)

4 tbsp ice-cold water

 

**For the Cherry Filling:**

6 cups sweet cherries, pitted and halved

⅔ cup sugar (or 1 cup if using sour cherries)

3 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ tsp almond extract (or 1 tsp vanilla)

¼ tsp salt

 

**For the Crumble Topping:**

¾ cup old-fashioned oats

¾ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ tsp salt

6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (cubed)


Instructions

1. Make the crust by combining flour, sugar, and salt, then cutting in the butter and adding ice water just until dough forms.

2. Press into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan and dock the bottom with a fork.

3. Mix cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, extract, and salt; let sit 10 minutes.

4. Pour cherry mixture into pie crust, including juices.

5. Prepare crumble topping by mixing oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt; cut in cold butter until crumbly.

6. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the cherry filling.

7. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes; then reduce heat to 350°F and bake 40–45 minutes more.

8. Tent pie with foil partway through if browning too quickly.

9. Cool at least 3 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen cherries (thawed and drained).

Add slivered almonds to the topping for crunch.

Can be made as a crisp by skipping the crust and using an 8×8-inch pan.

Best served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Store covered at room temperature for up to 8 hours or refrigerate for 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 393
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 179mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 42mg

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