If there’s one dessert that screams summer without even trying, it’s cherry crumb pie. Juicy, ruby-red cherries bubbling under a golden, buttery crumb topping? Yeah, it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds. Whether you’re headed to a family barbecue, looking for a weeknight dessert, or just craving a slice of homemade comfort, this one hits the sweet spot every time.
Here’s the magic: you can make this cherry crumb pie with fresh or frozen cherries, and it still comes out with that perfect juicy-but-not-soggy filling and crisp, cinnamon-scented topping. Trust me, this one’s worth every cherry-pitting minute—though, spoiler alert: frozen cherries make it way easier.
While you’re here, you might want to check out some other fruity favorites: Cool, creamy inspiration with mini crème brûlée cheesecakes or Easy fruit pastry recipes like puff pastry desserts.
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The Best Cherry Crumble Pie Recipe
This isn’t just any cherry pie. This is a crumb-topped cherry pie that marries classic flavor with that cozy streusel crown. The kind that makes you want to sneak a second slice before the rest of the table finishes theirs.
The filling? Sweet cherries—either fresh or frozen—simmered with lemon juice, cornstarch, a hint of vanilla and almond extract, and a touch of cinnamon. The topping? A brown sugar-butter-flour trio that bakes up crisp and golden.
Bonus points: It doesn’t require a top crust. So, if you fear lattice work (been there), this one’s your jam.
Don’t miss our Try another fruity classic like this Dutch apple pie, too. Total crowd-pleaser.
Streusel Topping for Cherry Pie
Alright, let’s talk topping. The crumb topping—also known as streusel—is what makes this pie feel like something Grandma would’ve made on a Sunday afternoon. It’s buttery, crumbly, slightly crispy, and adds the perfect sweet finish.
Here’s what you need:
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Cold salted butter (cut into small cubes)
Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour and sugar. Stop when you get pea-sized clumps. That’s the gold standard.
Want to switch it up? Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or even a tablespoon of oats for extra texture.
Ingredients List
For the Filling:
- 6 cups sweet cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp water (only if using fresh cherries)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold salted butter (cubed)
Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Tip: If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure you have a cherry pitter on hand. It’s a game changer. And don’t forget to line a baking sheet with foil—this pie tends to bubble over.
Explore more cherry options with Explore Amarena cherries in baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie pan
- Cherry pitter (for fresh cherries)
- Pastry blender (or two forks)
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowls
- Baking sheet lined with foil
How to Make a Crumb Topping for Pie
- In a bowl, mix flour and brown sugar.
- Add cubed cold butter.
- Use a pastry blender or fingers to cut the butter in until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Chill until ready to use.
Tip: Don’t overwork it. You want those chunks!
Tips and F.A.Q.
Absolutely. In fact, they’re preferred for consistency. Just thaw and drain first.
Bing and Rainier are top picks. Just make sure they’re sweet, not tart.
This recipe hasn’t been tested with canned. Stick to fresh or frozen for best results.
Keep in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Chill the crust before baking and bake on the lower rack with a foil-lined sheet beneath.
Don’t forget to Bake ahead for July with make-ahead 4th of July recipes.
Recipe Card
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Cherry Crumb Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
Description
Juicy cherries bubbling under a buttery, golden crumb topping—this cherry crumb pie is the ultimate summer dessert made easy.
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 6 cups sweet cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp water (if using fresh cherries)
- For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold salted butter (cubed)
- For the Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Roll out and chill your 9-inch pie crust.
- In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond extract. Add water if using fresh cherries.
- Simmer on medium until thickened (about 8-10 mins).
- Pour cherry mixture into chilled pie crust.
- In a bowl, mix flour and brown sugar, then cut in cubed butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the filling.
- Place pie on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until topping is golden and filling is bubbly.
- Cool completely before slicing (about 2 hours).
Notes
Use sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the crumb. Store in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 4 months. Reheat in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 333
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Pair this with our Strawberry-lemon blondies for a sweet table spread.
Additional Notes
- Salted vs. Unsalted Butter: If using unsalted, add a pinch of salt to your crumb mix.
- Crust Options: Try a graham cracker base or gluten-free crust if needed.
- Cooling Matters: Let the pie cool fully for clean slices.
- Reheating: A quick 10-minute warm-up in a 300°F oven does the trick.
More Summer Recipes You’ll Love
Need more summery dessert ideas? Check these out:
- Perfect for summer: strawberry rhubarb pie
- Sweeten the moment with strawberry-rhubarb crumble
- If you love cherries, don’t miss this fruit-forward sangria cake
And there you go! A cherry crumb pie recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and just the right amount of nostalgic. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just your own slice of happiness, this pie is a win all summer long.
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