Cherry Crumble Cake

Cherry Crumble Cake is a delightful dessert combining soft, moist cake with juicy cherries and a crunchy crumble topping. Each bite balances sweetness, tartness, and texture, making it a perfect treat for any occasion, from brunch to dessert.

Behind the Recipe

This cake is inspired by the simple joy of summer cherries baked into a soft cake. The crumble topping adds texture and a slightly nutty crunch, making it irresistible. Baking this cake instantly fills the kitchen with a sweet, fruity aroma that brings comfort and delight.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Fruit crumble cakes have roots in European baking, often made with berries or apples. This cherry version combines the classic crumble topping with a moist cake base, making it a modern take on a traditional favorite.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Crumble Cake

Versatile: Great as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients with fresh or frozen cherries.

Quick and Easy: Simple preparation with minimal steps.

Customizable: Swap cherries for other berries or stone fruits.

Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be baked ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Great for Leftovers: Retains moisture and flavor when stored for 2-3 days.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use fresh or frozen cherries, but drain excess liquid from frozen.
• Chill crumble topping before sprinkling to maintain texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light.
• Bake until a toothpick comes out clean to avoid underbaking.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Loaf or Round Pan: 9-inch round pan or standard loaf pan.
Mixing Bowls: For batter and crumble preparation.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Ensures smooth, even batter.
Spatula: For folding ingredients and spreading batter.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.

Ingredients in Cherry Crumble Cake

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups – provides structure for the cake.
2. Sugar: 1 1/2 cups – sweetens and tenderizes the cake.
3. Butter: 1/2 cup, softened – adds richness and moistness.
4. Eggs: 3 large – bind ingredients and create light crumb.
5. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – ensures proper rise.
6. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – balances sweetness.
7. Milk: 1/2 cup – keeps batter moist.
8. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – enhances flavor.
9. Cherries: 1 1/2 cups, pitted – provide juicy fruitiness.
10. Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup – for the crumble topping.
11. All-Purpose Flour (Topping): 1/2 cup – part of the crumble mixture.
12. Butter (Topping): 1/4 cup, cold – creates crumbly texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter: Use plant-based butter for dairy-free option.
Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk works as a substitute.
Cherries: Blueberries or raspberries can be used instead.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cherries: Provide natural sweetness, tartness, and color.
Crumble Topping: Adds crunchy texture and visual appeal.

Instructions for Making Cherry Crumble Cake

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your pan.
2. Combine Ingredients: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet alternately with milk.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Ensure pan is greased or lined for easy release.
4. Assemble the Dish: Pour batter into the pan. Gently fold in cherries, then sprinkle crumble topping evenly on top.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. Finishing Touches: Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Soft, moist cake with pockets of juicy cherries contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, buttery crumble topping. Sweet, tart, and textured in every bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use fresh cherries for best flavor.
• Chill crumble topping for better texture.
• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense cake.

What to Avoid

• Using overly wet cherries without draining.
• Overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
• Skipping crumble topping, which gives signature texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12

Calories per serving: 290

Note: Approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

How to Serve Cherry Crumble Cake

Serve slices as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Perfect with coffee or tea.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Use slices to create trifles with custard and additional fruit, or toast slices lightly for breakfast.

Additional Tips

Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. Gently fold cherries into batter to prevent breaking them. Toast crumble topping lightly for extra aroma.

Make It a Showstopper

Top with extra fresh cherries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Variations to Try

1. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble topping.
2. Substitute cherries with raspberries or blueberries.
3. Fold in white chocolate chunks for added indulgence.
4. Drizzle with a light lemon glaze for extra zing.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
   Yes, thaw and drain excess juice before using.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. How long should it cool before slicing?
   At least 20 minutes for clean slices.
4. Can I omit the crumble topping?
   Yes, but the texture will be less crunchy.
5. Can I make it vegan?
   Use plant-based butter, milk, and egg substitutes.
6. Why is my cake dense?
   Overmixing or insufficient leavening can cause this.
7. Can I freeze the cake?
   Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
8. Can I add other fruits?
   Yes, blueberries or diced peaches work well.
9. How do I keep cherries from sinking?
   Lightly coat cherries with flour before folding into batter.
10. Can I use a different pan?
    Yes, adjust baking time for different pan sizes.

Conclusion

Cherry Crumble Cake is a moist, flavorful cake bursting with cherries and topped with a crunchy crumble. It’s easy to bake, visually appealing, and perfect for any occasion. Let me tell you, the combination of sweet cake, tart cherries, and buttery crumble makes it irresistible.

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