Homemade Cherry Crumb Pie – A Cozy Classic Cherry Dessert

This Homemade Cherry Crumb Pie is the very definition of a cozy, classic dessert — the kind that brings back memories of family kitchens, flour-dusted countertops, and the comforting smell of fruit and butter baking together. Cherry pies have long held a special place in traditional home baking, especially in American and European kitchens, where summer cherries were preserved or baked into desserts meant to be shared around the table. What makes this version extra special is the crumb topping: buttery, golden, and gently crisp, offering a delightful contrast to the soft, jammy cherry filling beneath.

Unlike a double-crust pie, crumb pies feel a little more relaxed and rustic. They don’t demand perfection, and that’s part of their charm. The topping is simply sprinkled on, creating natural peaks and valleys that bake into irresistible texture. The cherries themselves bring a beautiful balance of sweet and tart — lively enough to keep the pie from feeling heavy, yet comforting enough to satisfy a dessert craving. Whether you’re using fresh cherries at their peak, frozen cherries from the freezer, or even jarred sour cherries, this pie honors tradition while remaining wonderfully approachable.

This is the dessert you bake when the weather cools and you want something familiar, or when you’re hosting friends and want a dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt. Serve it slightly warm with vanilla ice cream, softly whipped cream, or simply on its own with a cup of coffee or tea. Every bite delivers nostalgia, comfort, and pure cherry goodness — just the way a classic pie should.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought) 🥧

For the Cherry Filling:

• 4 cups cherries, pitted (sweet or sour; fresh or frozen) 🍒
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional, but traditional and lovely)
• Pinch of salt

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the lower third of the oven. This helps the crust bake evenly and prevents a soggy bottom.
2. Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the edges. Crimp or flute the edges if desired, then set aside while you prepare the filling. 🥧
3. In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt. Stir gently until the cherries are evenly coated and the mixture begins to look glossy. 🍒
4. Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks full — the cherries will soften and settle as they bake.
5. In a separate bowl, make the crumb topping by mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until large, soft crumbs form. The mixture should look sandy but clump together when pressed. 🧈
6. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the cherry filling, covering it completely. Let some crumbs stay chunky for extra texture once baked.
7. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices, then bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crumb topping is golden brown. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes. 🔥
8. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly and makes serving much easier. Patience here is worth it! 😊

Nutritional Information:

This cherry crumb pie is a comforting dessert meant to be enjoyed mindfully. Cherries provide antioxidants and natural sweetness, while the buttery crumb topping adds richness and indulgence. Served in reasonable portions, this pie fits beautifully into a balanced, joyful approach to home baking — where pleasure and tradition meet. 🍒💛

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 50 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes (plus cooling)
⚡ Calories per serving: ~380 | 🍽️ Servings: 8

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Bon appétit and happy baking!