Introduction
Grandma always said the best things in life are simple, and this Cherry Delight proves her right! This recipe takes everyday ingredients and transforms them into a delightful dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Get ready to impress everyone with this easy-to-make, unbelievably delicious treat!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of sweet and tart. The juicy cherries provide a delightful contrast to the buttery, crumbly topping, making each bite a little burst of flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – even beginner bakers can master this one!
Key Ingredients
- 🍒 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted dark sweet cherries
- 🍪 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 🧈 ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 🥛 ½ cup milk
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🍯 ½ cup granulated sugar
- 🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 🤏 ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cold butter, and granulated sugar. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3️⃣ Combine Cherry Filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss the cherries with the milk and egg.
4️⃣ Assemble: Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cherries.
5️⃣ Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6️⃣ Cool & Serve: Let the Cherry Delight cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Handy Tips
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of dark and light sweet cherries.
- If using frozen cherries, don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter.
- If your crumble topping seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together easily.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the topping gets beautifully golden brown without burning, while the filling cooks through evenly. Overbaking can lead to a dry crumble and a tough crust, so keep a close eye on it during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Crunch Factor
The delightful crunch comes from the buttery crumble topping. The cold butter is key to creating that perfect texture. Make sure to cut the butter into the flour until you have a coarse, crumbly consistency—don’t overmix!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an even easier crumble, use a food processor to combine the flour, butter, and sugar. Pulse until you reach the desired crumb consistency.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the crumble topping for an extra layer of flavor.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the crumble adds a warm and inviting spice note.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Cherry Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s also delicious served cold!
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dessert is perfect for gifting! Cut it into squares and package them in pretty cellophane bags tied with ribbon. You can also present it in a decorative tin or a pretty baking dish covered with plastic wrap.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon Cherry Delight: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the cherry mixture for a zesty twist.
🌟 Chocolate Cherry Delight: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the crumble topping.
🌟 Spiced Cherry Delight: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the crumble topping for a warm, autumnal flavor.
🌟 Streusel Cherry Delight: Use a streusel topping instead of the basic crumble – this adds a more coarse and slightly more crunchy topping.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy Topping: If your topping is soggy, it might be because the cherries released too much moisture. Try using less milk next time or let the cherries drain for 15 minutes before using them.
- Dry Filling: This could mean the cherries were too dry or you didn’t add enough milk. Add a splash of milk next time for a more moist filling.
- Burnt Topping: If the topping burns before the filling is cooked, lower the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C) and check it more frequently.
FAQ
- Can I use canned cherries? Yes, but be sure to drain them well before using.
- Can I freeze this dessert? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it thaw completely before serving.
- What kind of milk should I use? Whole milk is best, but you can use 2% or skim milk if you prefer.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the dessert ahead of time and bake it just before serving. The crumble topping can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Cherry Delight is a simple recipe with big flavor. We hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this delicious dessert as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your creations with us – we’d love to see your photos! Happy baking!
Grandma's Secret Cherry Bomb Dessert
A delightful cherry dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries with a rich, buttery base, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Add the eggs to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the pitted cherries gently until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the batter.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.