Cherry Crunch Dessert: A Deliciously Easy Recipe
Cherry crunch dessert is a classic for a reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a burst of sweet and tart cherry flavor with a satisfyingly crunchy topping. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in when you’re craving something sweet. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your cherry crunch turns out perfect every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert!
## Why You’ll Love This Cherry Crunch
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner bakers.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of sweet cherries and buttery, crunchy topping is irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different fruits or nuts.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Always a hit at gatherings and parties.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these simple ingredients:
**For the Cherry Filling:**
* 2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended)
**For the Crunchy Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl
* Pastry blender or fork
* Measuring cups and spoons
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your perfect cherry crunch dessert:
**1. Preheat Your Oven:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking and a perfectly golden-brown topping.
**2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:**
* In your 9×13 inch baking dish, pour both cans of cherry pie filling. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
* If desired, add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract. Almond extract enhances the cherry flavor and adds a subtle depth to the filling. Gently stir it into the cherry pie filling.
**3. Make the Crunchy Topping:**
* In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Whisk them together to ensure they are evenly distributed. This prevents clumps of flour in your topping.
* Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or a fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key is to keep the butter cold. Cold butter creates pockets of air that will result in a flaky and crunchy topping. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
* If you’re using nuts, add them to the topping mixture and stir to combine. Pecans or walnuts add a delightful nutty flavor and extra crunch to the dessert. Feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts.
**4. Assemble and Bake:**
* Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cherry pie filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the filling for maximum crunch in every bite.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the dessert during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the topping from burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
**5. Cool and Serve:**
* Remove the cherry crunch from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Allowing it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes will prevent the filling from being too runny. The topping will also crisp up as it cools.
* Serve warm, plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warmth of the cherry crunch combined with the coolness of the ice cream or whipped cream is a truly decadent experience.
## Tips for the Perfect Cherry Crunch
* **Use Cold Butter:** As mentioned earlier, cold butter is essential for a crispy topping. If your butter gets too soft, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
* **Don’t Overmix the Topping:** Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough topping. Mix just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* **Use Quality Cherry Pie Filling:** The quality of the cherry pie filling will directly impact the flavor of your dessert. Choose a filling with a good balance of sweet and tart cherries.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the topping.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt:** A small pinch of salt to the topping will enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
* **Prevent Burning:** If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the cherry crunch to cool slightly before serving allows the filling to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
## Variations and Additions
* **Other Fruits:** Substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like apple, blueberry, peach, or mixed berry. Adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Different Nuts:** Experiment with different types of nuts in the topping, such as almonds, macadamia nuts, or walnuts.
* **Oats:** Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the topping for a chewier texture and nutty flavor.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the topping for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the topping to brighten the flavor and add a citrusy note.
* **Coconut:** Add shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical twist.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cherry filling before adding the topping for a decadent treat.
* **Gingerbread Spice:** In the fall, consider adding gingerbread spices to the topping for a seasonal variation.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Warm with Ice Cream:** The classic way to enjoy cherry crunch is warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures is heavenly.
* **With Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to the dessert.
* **With Custard Sauce:** A creamy custard sauce complements the cherry flavor and adds richness to the dessert.
* **As Part of a Dessert Bar:** Include cherry crunch as part of a dessert bar with other treats like cookies, brownies, and pies.
* **For Breakfast:** Serve a small portion of cherry crunch with yogurt for a sweet and satisfying breakfast.
* **Alongside Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a slice of cherry crunch with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store leftover cherry crunch at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
* **Refrigerator:** Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the cherry crunch for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 12 servings)
* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?**
A: While you *could*, it’s not a direct substitution. Frozen cherries will require you to create your own filling, which involves adding sugar, cornstarch, and other ingredients to achieve the right consistency. It’s more time-consuming than using canned pie filling.
**Q: Can I make this ahead of time?**
A: Yes! You can assemble the cherry crunch ahead of time and store it, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
**Q: My topping is browning too quickly. What should I do?**
A: Tent the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning. This will slow down the browning process while allowing the filling to cook through.
**Q: Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?**
A: While granulated sugar is the most common choice, you can experiment with brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor. Keep in mind that brown sugar will also make the topping slightly softer.
**Q: What if I don’t have a pastry blender?**
A: No problem! You can use two knives or a fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture. Just make sure to work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help hold the topping together.
**Q: How do I know when the cherry crunch is done?**
A: The topping should be golden brown and the cherry filling should be bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the topping; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
**Q: Can I add a streusel topping instead of a crunchy topping?**
A: Absolutely! A streusel topping, made with flour, butter, sugar, and oats, would be a delicious alternative. Just adjust the proportions to your liking.
**Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover cherry crunch?**
A: You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.
**Q: Can I add different extracts besides almond?**
A: Certainly! Vanilla extract is a classic choice, or you could experiment with cherry extract for an even stronger cherry flavor. A touch of lemon extract could also add a bright, citrusy note.
## Conclusion
This cherry crunch dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, combined with its delightful flavors and textures, makes it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and delicious cherry crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy baking, and more importantly, enjoy eating! This dessert is best shared with loved ones.