Crumb Topped Cherry Pie
A classic cherry pie with a flaky crust topped with a sweet crumb topping, featuring tart cherries and a hint of lemon for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain cherries, reserving 1 1/4 cups liquid.
- Combine 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan.
- Add the reserved liquid to the mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Stir in cherries, grated lemon peel, and lemon juice.
- Pour the cherry filling into the unbaked pie shell.
- Add crumb topping if desired and bake until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker filling, you can adjust the cornstarch to 4 tablespoons. If tart cherries are unavailable, sweet cherries can be used, but reduce the sugar to avoid excessive sweetness. Also, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice contrast. Make sure to drain the cherries well to prevent a soggy crust. Pairing this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances its flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie warm or at room temperature, and consider topping each slice with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve alongside a cheese platter featuring the Klemm Family Favorite Cheeseball to create a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm the whole pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the crispness of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crumb Topped Cherry Pie contains roughly 597 calories, with 14g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used. Just thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the filling. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly to account for the extra moisture from the thawed cherries.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Keep in mind that flour may result in a slightly cloudier filling, while arrowroot will work similarly to cornstarch.
How can I make the crumb topping?
To create a crumb topping, mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of mace in a bowl. Cut in 1/3 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then sprinkle it over the cherry filling before baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).