Homemade Cherry Crumble Pie with Cinnamon Pecan Streusel: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

There’s an undeniable magic to a freshly baked pie. The sweet aroma filling your kitchen, the anticipation of that first forkful, and the comforting taste of homemade goodness create an experience unlike any other. For many home bakers, however, the journey to crafting the perfect pie can feel like a daunting challenge. If you’ve ever found yourself intimidated by pie making, especially perfecting the crust or ensuring a flawless filling, you are certainly not alone. In fact, for a long time, achieving pie perfection was my personal culinary quest, a goal that often felt just out of reach, particularly when it came to the filling.

Surprisingly, I found my rhythm with pie crust. While I may not always achieve a perfectly symmetrical circle or the most intricate crimped edges, I can consistently produce a tender, flaky base. My true nemesis, ironically, has always been the filling. This might seem counterintuitive to many, who often consider the filling the most straightforward part. Yet, my attempts at various pudding-based pies frequently ended in disappointment.

I’ve endured the heartbreak of a runny lemon meringue pie, a graham cracker pie where the meringue surprisingly left a puddle of egg whites, and a coconut cream pie that simply refused to stabilize. Each culinary misadventure, though a valuable learning experience, only intensified my desire to create a truly successful, blog-worthy pie. Instead of repeating past mistakes with another ambitious pudding creation, I decided to embrace a classic, comforting, and wonderfully forgiving dessert: the Homemade Cherry Crumble Pie. This particular recipe features a luscious, vibrant homemade cherry filling nestled within a perfectly flaky pie crust, all crowned with a delightful cinnamon pecan streusel topping. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, simplicity is the key to extraordinary flavor.

Conquering Pie Fears: My Journey to a Perfect Cherry Crumble

If you’ve followed my baking adventures for a while, you’re likely aware that pie has historically ranked low on my list of favorite desserts. This wasn’t due to a general dislike of fruit or sweet treats, but rather because I felt I had never truly experienced a truly exceptional slice of pie. More often than not, I would enjoy the filling and leave the crust untouched. This preference influenced many of my baking choices; I’d frequently opt for savory pot pies with puff pastry over traditional pie crust, or choose a graham cracker crust for sweet pies, and even prepare coconut cream pudding instead of attempting a full-fledged coconut cream pie.

However, every baker deserves a culinary triumph, and this Cinnamon Pecan Cherry Crumble Pie has unequivocally become mine. It’s a recipe that masterfully blends the sweet-tart intensity of fresh cherries with the warming embrace of cinnamon and the delightful crunch of pecans, all held within a perfectly baked, tender crust. The inherent beauty of a crumble or streusel topping lies in its incredible ease and forgiving nature, especially when contrasted with the more intricate demands of a double-crust or a delicately woven lattice top. This pie proved to be the perfect vehicle to finally fall in love with homemade pie.

The Heart of the Matter: Crafting the Perfect Homemade Cherry Filling

The true essence of an outstanding Homemade Cherry Pie lies almost entirely in its filling. While convenient store-bought options are readily available, they simply cannot replicate the vibrant, authentic flavor and perfect texture of a filling made from scratch. For this particular Cherry Crumble Pie recipe, I strongly recommend utilizing my dedicated Homemade Cherry Pie Filling recipe. It’s specifically formulated to achieve that exquisite balance of sweetness and tartness, along with an ideal, not-too-runny consistency. This versatile filling has also proven its worth in other delightful creations, such as my popular cherry turnovers.

Making your own filling provides unparalleled control over the quality of your ingredients, allowing you to fine-tune the sweetness to your personal preference and ensure a robust, fruit-forward taste that shines through every bite. When you opt for fresh sour cherries, the results are truly unparalleled, delivering a bright and tangy contrast to the sweet streusel. If fresh sour cherries are out of season, sweet cherries can be a delicious substitute, though you might consider slightly reducing the sugar content in the filling. Frozen cherries also perform admirably; just remember to thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before cooking to prevent a watery pie.

Beyond cherries, this pie structure is incredibly adaptable. If you’re looking to explore other fruit flavors or cater to different tastes, the base recipe works beautifully with alternative homemade fruit fillings. Imagine the comforting notes of a homemade blueberry pie filling, the juicy sweetness of a peach pie filling, or the timeless appeal of a classic apple pie filling. Each variation promises a unique and equally delightful dessert experience, making this a truly versatile recipe for any season or preference.

The Essential Foundation: Crafting a Flaky Pie Crust from Scratch

While my personal pie-making challenges historically centered around the filling, I’ve cultivated a deep appreciation for the critical importance of a impeccably made pie crust. A truly flaky, tender, and flavorful crust provides the ideal foundation, a perfect textural and flavorful counterpoint to the sweet and tart fruit filling. The idea of making pie dough from scratch can initially seem intimidating, but it is an immensely rewarding process that consistently yields results far superior to any store-bought alternative. The fundamental principles are straightforward: use very cold butter (or a combination of butter and shortening), handle the dough minimally to prevent overdeveloping the gluten, and incorporate just enough ice-cold water to bring the dough together into a cohesive mass.

For this specific Cherry Crumble Pie recipe, only a single bottom crust is required, simplifying the process considerably. I briefly toyed with the idea of adding a decorative lattice top, envisioning elegant criss-cross strips of dough. However, after a minor wrestling match with the bottom layer of pie crust while attempting to roll it out and fit it into the pie plate (a familiar struggle even for experienced bakers!), I wisely decided to embrace the inherent simplicity and utterly delicious nature of a crumb topping. This decision not only saved me time and reduced any potential baking stress but also introduced an incredible textural dimension that perfectly complements the soft, sweet-tart fruit filling. It’s a testament to choosing ease without sacrificing flavor or quality.

The Crowning Glory: An Irresistible Cinnamon Pecan Streusel

The streusel topping is truly what elevates this dessert from a delightful cherry pie to a truly decadent Cherry Crumble Pie with Pecans. It serves as a fantastic, flavorful alternative to a traditional top crust, offering a delightful crunch and a burst of warm, aromatic spices. My chosen combination of finely chopped pecans, fragrant ground cinnamon, and a subtle hint of ground clove creates a warm, inviting, and deeply aromatic profile that harmonizes exquisitely with the tangy sweetness of the cherries.

The true charm of a streusel lies in its incredible versatility, allowing for easy customization to suit your taste or what you have on hand. If pecans aren’t available, or you simply prefer another nut, walnuts or almonds would make superb substitutes, each contributing their own distinct nutty character and texture. For those who love to experiment with spices, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, a whisper of cardamom, a touch of allspice, or even a hint of ginger for an extra layer of warmth and complexity, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your liking. You can also incorporate a tablespoon or two of brown sugar into the streusel mixture for a deeper, more molasses-like sweetness, or stir in some rolled oats for additional texture and a wholesome chewiness. The key to achieving those lovely, distinct crumbly clusters is to ensure your butter remains very cold when you cut it into the flour and sugar mixture. This prevents it from melting too quickly and helps create that desirable crumbly texture.

A Resounding Success: My Personal Seal of Approval

So, after all the pie-making trials and tribulations, did I finally give my own creation my seal of approval? A resounding and enthusiastic yes! This Homemade Cherry Crumble Pie not only met but truly exceeded all my expectations. The vibrant, perfectly balanced sweet-tart cherry filling, the tender and buttery flaky crust, and the gloriously spiced pecan streusel came together in perfect harmony, creating a dessert that was simply irresistible. The ultimate test, of course, came from my toughest critics: my coworkers and family. They didn’t just enjoy it; they devoured every single slice! In fact, the only “problem” I now face is the pleasant predicament of needing to bake it again soon – a delightful challenge to have, I must admit.

If you’re seeking a smaller-scale baking project, perhaps for a cozy evening in or a special dinner for two, I highly recommend exploring my Mini Cherry Pie For Two recipe. It offers all the deliciousness and charm of this larger pie but in a more intimate and manageable portion. This recipe is more than just a pie; it’s a testament to perseverance in the kitchen and the sheer joy of creating something truly delicious from scratch. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned pie baker or you’ve faced your fair share of pie-making challenges, this Cinnamon Pecan Cherry Crumble Pie is undoubtedly poised to become a cherished and frequently requested recipe in your culinary repertoire. It’s approachable, deeply satisfying, and utterly delicious – everything a perfect homemade pie should aspire to be.

Cherry Crumble Pie

Yield:
8-10 servings

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Chill Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
2 hours 15 minutes

This Cherry Crumble Pie with a spiced cinnamon pecan streusel topping features a luscious homemade cherry pie filling nestled in a tender, flaky pie crust. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, promising a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with satisfying textures.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into 8 tablespoons pieces
• 3 tablespoons cold water (may need a little more or less)

For the Cherry Pie Filling:

• 5 cups homemade cherry pie filling (get the full recipe here)

For the Cinnamon Pecan Streusel:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground clove
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into 4 tablespoons pieces
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans

For Serving:

• Homemade Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the very cold, cubed butter and pulse in short bursts until the butter is cut into the flour, resembling coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces. Gradually add the cold water, pulsing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Alternatively, use a large bowl and a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients, then stir in the water until a dough forms.
2. Shape the dough into a cohesive ball, then flatten it into an even round disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly chilled. This chilling period is crucial for a tender, flaky crust.
3. Make the Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and salt. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the very cold butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Stir in the chopped pecans. Refrigerate the streusel mixture until you are ready to assemble the pie to keep it crumbly.
4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Assemble the Pie: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess pastry, leaving about a ½-inch overhang, then fold it under and crimp the edges decoratively.
6. Pour the prepared 5 cups of cherry pie filling evenly into the pie crust. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping generously over the cherry filling. To prevent the crust edges from browning too quickly, gently cover the crimped edges of the pie with strips of aluminum foil.
7. Bake the Pie: Bake for 25 minutes with the foil-covered edges. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is essential for the filling to set properly. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream or a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream.

Notes

• Smaller Pie Option: If you’re craving a smaller dessert, consider making my Mini Cherry Pie For Two.
• Freezing Instructions: You can bake the pie and then freeze it once completely cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven before serving.
• Fruit Variations: As mentioned, feel free to swap the cherry filling for blueberry, peach, or apple filling for different flavor profiles.

Did you make this recipe?

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Source: Adapted from Cherry Marketing Institute

More Delicious Cherry Desserts to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed making and tasting this delightful Cinnamon Pecan Cherry Crumble Pie recipe, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic cherry-inspired desserts:

• One Serving Cherry Pie Ice Cream Sundae: A perfect, indulgent individual treat for cherry lovers, combining the best of pie and ice cream.
• Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake: Indulge in the rich, luxurious combination of deep chocolate and vibrant cherries in this decadent cheesecake.

For an even wider array of recipes that creatively utilize and celebrate this delightful fruit, be sure to explore my comprehensive post on 10 Cherry Pie Filling Desserts. Happy baking, and enjoy every cherry-filled bite!