Calling all dessert dreamers, crumble connoisseurs, and cherry enthusiasts! Buckle up for a delicious dive into the world of Cherry Crumble Cake, a sweet symphony of buttery crumble topping and juicy, jammy cherries nestled in a tender cake base.
It’s a dessert that’s as cozy as a crackling fireplace on a frosty night, as comforting as a warm hug, and as irresistible as a freshly picked berry on a summer’s day.
But where did this delectable crumbly masterpiece come from?
Historians whisper tales of its humble beginnings in 16th-century England, where resourceful cooks transformed leftover bread dough and seasonal fruits into comforting crumbles, stretching precious ingredients and satisfying sweet cravings.
Fast forward a few centuries and Cherry Crumble Cake emerged as a star player in kitchens across the globe, capturing hearts (and stomachs) with its simple yet soul-stirring charm.
So, what makes this cake so darn special?
It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The buttery crumble topping, with its coarse, crumble-in-your-mouth texture, dances delightfully with the soft, pillowy cake base. And then, there are the cherries.
Oh, the cherries! Whether you prefer them sweet and blushing fresh, or tart and vibrant from the freezer, they burst onto the scene with every bite, painting the cake with their juicy, sun-kissed essence.
But wait, there’s more!
Cherry Crumble Cake isn’t just a one-trick pony. It’s a canvas for culinary creativity. Craving a touch of cinnamon warmth? Sprinkle it over the crumble. Feeling fancy? Drizzle on a vanilla glaze. In the mood for a nutty twist?
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans. The possibilities are endless, like sprinkles on a cupcake (speaking of, sprinkles are great on crumbles too!).
How do I make this magical masterpiece?
Fear not, baking buddies! Cherry Crumble Cake is surprisingly easy to whip up, even for kitchen novices. The key ingredients are simple: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and of course, cherries. You don’t need fancy equipment or culinary degrees. Just a bit of love, a good whisk, and an oven that dreams of golden-brown crusts.
And guess what? I’ve got the perfect recipe just for you!
No need to scour dusty cookbooks or decipher cryptic online instructions. I’ve got a tried-and-true Cherry Crumble Cake recipe that’s as clear as a summer sky and as foolproof as a good pair of mittens (those are essential for all that buttery goodness, trust me!).
Cherry Crumble Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup 180g light brown sugar (packed)
- ¾ cup 150g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ¾ cups 210g all-purpose flour
For the Cake Bottom:
- 2 ¼ cups 250g frozen sweet cherries, no need to thaw
- ½ cup 85g sour cream
- 1 ½ cups 175g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- ¾ cup 175g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups minus 1 teaspoon 170g self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour + 2 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make the crumble topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir in the flour until you have a coarse, crumbly mixture. Set it aside.
- Prep the cherries: Spread the frozen cherries in an even layer over the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Dollop spoonfuls of sour cream over the cherries, leaving gaps.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Pour and top: Pour the batter over the cherries and sour cream in the baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the batter.
- Bake and cool: Bake the cake for 1 hour and 5 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade cherry crumble cake!
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter.
- If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by whisking 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt into 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour.
- Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Some FAQs about the Cherry Crumble Cake
Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries are a great option, as they’re often pre-pitted and retain their vibrant flavor. Just thaw them slightly before adding them to the batter.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
No worries! Almond extract or even a splash of rum can add a similar warm flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Of course! Simply swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free blend and use dairy-free butter for a fully inclusive crumble experience.
Help! My crumble topping isn’t crumbly!
Don’t fret! If your crumble seems more like a dough, simply chill it for a bit. The cold butter will solidify, creating those perfect crumbly bits.
Conclusion
Attention, bakers! With your queries resolved and ovens prepped, it’s time to dive into the world of crumble goodness! Follow this recipe, infuse it with your unique touch, and brace yourself for the delightful journey of crafting your very own Cherry Crumble Cake.
Whether you choose to share it with dear ones, relish it in solitude, or sneakily tuck it away for those midnight cherry-filled fantasies, the joy of baking awaits. Cherish the adventure that baking brings, for the Cherry Crumble Cake is the delightful treasure awaiting your creation. Grab those whisks, embrace the crumbly sensation, and kickstart the symphony of cherry sweetness!
P.S. Share your baking victories and snapshots of your Cherry Crumble Cake escapades in the comments below! I’m eager to hear all about it. Until our next encounter, may your baking endeavors be filled with merriment and crumble-induced happiness!
And if this recipe sparked your taste buds, give our chocolate mocha cake recipe a whirl!
