Quick Cherry Crunch
A delightful cherry crumble featuring sweet cherries and a buttery oat topping, perfect for quick desserts and satisfying fruit lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix cherry juice and tapioca and let sit for 15 minutes.
- In a large pan, melt butter or margarine.
- Stir in brown sugar, flour, quick oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda.
- Place half of the mixture in the bottom of a 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Layer drained canned red cherries on top of this layer.
- Pour the cherry juice and tapioca mixture over the cherries.
- Sprinkle the remaining sugar and oatmeal mixture on top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense cherry flavor, consider using fresh cherries instead of canned. If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can replace half of the brown sugar with applesauce. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to let the cherry juice and tapioca mixture sit for the full 15 minutes to ensure it thickens properly.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Cherry Crunch is delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. For a more indulgent experience, consider drizzling it with chocolate sauce. It pairs beautifully with Cherry-O Cheese Pie for a charming dessert spread. Enjoy it as a sweet breakfast treat or an afternoon snack with coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can heat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Cherry Crunch contains roughly 218 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1168mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
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 instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before layering to avoid excess moisture. This substitution can give your Quick Cherry Crunch a fresher taste and a more vibrant color.
How can I make this dessert vegan?
To make this Quick Cherry Crunch vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a vegan brown sugar alternative. You can also replace the quick tapioca with cornstarch, which works well as a thickening agent.
What can I serve with Quick Cherry Crunch?
This dessert is stunning on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it alongside a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also complements a cup of coffee or tea nicely, making it a great addition to brunch or dessert gatherings.
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).