Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead of fresh or frozen cherries?

While canned filling is convenient, it typically contains added sweeteners and thickeners, which can result in an overly sweet pie. For the best flavor and texture, stick with fresh or frozen cherries so you can control the sugar and consistency. If you do use canned filling, reduce the added sugar in the recipe and skip the stovetop filling prep.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from burning?

To keep the crumble golden and not overly browned, loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil after 25–30 minutes of baking — just as the topping starts to brown. This ensures the filling has time to bubble and set while preserving the texture of the crumb topping.

What’s the best way to pit fresh cherries for this pie?

The quickest way is with a cherry pitter, which removes the pit cleanly without damaging the fruit. If you don’t have one, a sturdy straw, chopstick, or even a paperclip can be used to push out the pit. Just make sure all pits are removed to avoid surprises in your slices!

Cherry Crumb Pie – Best Easy Recipe with Crumble Topping

Name: Cherry Crumb Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb sweet cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted): main fruit base providing sweetness and tartness; 2 tbsp chopped crystallized ginger: adds warmth and spice; 1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the cherry filling; 1 tsp vanilla extract: enhances flavor depth; 1/2 tsp almond extract: adds nutty aroma and flavor; 2 tbsp instant tapioca: thickens the filling; 1 pinch salt: balances sweetness; 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade): flaky base for the pie; 3/4 cup rolled oats: provides crunchy texture to topping; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: adds warmth to crumble; 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter: binds and crisps the crumble topping; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: binds the crumble topping; 1/4 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the crumble topping

Description

This cherry crumb pie is a sweet, comforting dessert with a flaky crust, juicy cherry filling, and a golden oat crumble topping. Made with fresh or frozen cherries and flavored with almond and ginger, it’s a delicious, seasonal treat perfect for summer gatherings or cozy winter desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb sweet cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted): main fruit base providing sweetness and tartness
2 tbsp chopped crystallized ginger: adds warmth and spice
1/2 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the cherry filling
1 tsp vanilla extract: enhances flavor depth
1/2 tsp almond extract: adds nutty aroma and flavor
2 tbsp instant tapioca: thickens the filling
1 pinch salt: balances sweetness
1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade): flaky base for the pie
3/4 cup rolled oats: provides crunchy texture to topping
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: adds warmth to crumble
3 tbsp cold unsalted butter: binds and crisps the crumble topping
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: binds the crumble topping
1/4 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the crumble topping

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them thoroughly. Pat dry if using fresh.
In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, tapioca, and a pinch of salt. Cook over low heat until thickened. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts and let cool slightly.
Roll out your pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.
In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, cinnamon, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the crumble topping over the filling in small clumps.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the topping is golden and filling is bubbly. Cover with foil if topping browns too quickly.
Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Notes

Use Bing or Rainier cherries for best flavor.
Frozen cherries work well, just ensure they’re drained.
Blind baking the crust helps avoid sogginess.
Let the pie cool completely for clean slices.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 175
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 30mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg