This Apple Cherry Crumble is the kind of dessert that feels both comforting and nourishing. Packed with tender apples, juicy sweet cherries, and a hearty oat topping, it’s lightly spiced with ground coriander and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup.
WHAT’S NEW?
Here in Michigan, we didn’t think we’d ever see the end of snow. January gifted us with 16 straight days of snowy fun. Snow days and horrific commutes – its been FUN…said by someone who actually enjoys snow! February, thus far, has been a welcome change. Per usual, we’re in full gear with the girls’ sports and new to us this year is Piper emerging as a little basketball boss and Shea slaying it in volleyball. While we miss our Harlie girl and not having a dog to love on at home, the freedom and lack of mom guilt on that front has been a blessing in so many ways. I think we’re all on board with the timeline of my nursing school completion.
Speaking of which, I’m 4 weeks in to the hardest 7 weeks of nursing school. Or so they say. I sure hope they’re right. I’m hanging in there…barely. My priority right now is passing psychology and it is quite the time suck. But, we’re doing it! My dinner table is litered with every drug, lab, care planning, and psych book available. Flash cards, too. I don’t leave home without them! Needless to say, my cases of the “Sunday Scaries” are all the more heightened by the realities of this season. Sundays have been spent in full-on production of dinners, breakfasts, laundry, and all else I can accomplish for the week ahead. Recently, that even included an Apple Cherry Crumble and my crew thought they’d hit the jackpot. 😉
ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE
- Fiber Fiends: I’m always looking for ways to add fiber to my diet. Adding in over 8 grams from this recipe? #winning
- Make-Ahead Types: This cherry apple crumble is perfect for family dinners and hosting alike – it can all be made ahead of time!
- Flavor Finders: Sweet fruit and a lightly spiced crumb mixture – it’s perfection!
KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart cooking apples (such as granny smith apples) for best flavor. You do not NEED to peel the apples, however I prefer the texture in doing so.
- Cherries: Use sweet fresh cherries or frozen cherries, however I do not recomment tart cherries. You may also use blueberries, peaches, or additional apples in the fruit mixture
- Cornstarch: Soaking up moisutre from the fruit, a bit of cornstarch can be swapped for arrowroot powder or tapioca starch
- Sugar: A bit of sugar in the fruit filling helps balance the flavors and creates a syrupy richness from the natural juices released from the fruit during baking
- Lemon Juice: Used to balance excessive sweetness, brighten flavors, and prevent fruit from browning
- Butter: As an alternative to unsalted butter, coconut oil works great in making a crumbly texture
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave can be used as alternatives to pure maple syrup.
- Vanilla Extract: A pure vanilla extract is my favorite dessert ingredient!
- Oats: Quick oats can work in a pinch, but the texture will be softer than when using old fashioned oats
- Flour: Whole wheat flour is a sneaky way to add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, however you can swap in all-purpose flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend
- Coriander: Cinnamon or cardamom make great substitutes. If you find this spiced touch isn’t your thing, just omit
NUTRITIONAL MERITS
- High Fiber: with over 8 grams of fiber per serving, this easy dessert is high in fiber
- Low Sodium: under 175 milligrams per serving
- Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup
- Dairy-free when made with coconut oil
- Nut-free
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries?
Sure can! Thaw them fully and drain excess liquid before mixing with the apples.
Does this crumble need to be refrigerated?
Yes! Store covered in the refrigerator after cooling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake day of or bake up to one day ahead and reheat in the oven before serving.
Is this sweet enough for dessert?
Yes, but it’s lightly sweetened. If you prefer a sweeter crumble, add an extra 2–3 tablespoons of sugar to the filling.
VARIATIONS, STORAGE, and TIPS
- Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch
- Storage: Store covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions
- Tip: Let the crumble rest for 10–15 minutes after baking to help the filling
- Serving: Top warm fruit crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or yogurt) to satisfy your sweet tooth best!
Apple Cherry Crumble
This Apple Cherry Crumble is the kind of dessert that feels both comforting and nourishing. Packed with tender apples, juicy sweet cherries, and a hearty oat topping, it’s lightly spiced with ground coriander and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling:
- 9 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 4 cups sweet cherries, pitted
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
Crumble Topping:
- 6 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Prepare fruit and place in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with cornstatch, sugar, and lemon juice; toss to coat until cornstarch is fully absorbed. Arrange fruit in an even layer at the bottom of the dish. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, melt the butter and whisk in the syrup and vanilla extract. To the butter mixture, add the oats, flour, coriander, and salt. Using your hands, mix until well-combined into a sticky crumble.
- Break up the oat mixture into a crumble over the top of the fruit in an even layer.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until bubbly and hot and fruit is tender. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: approx 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 327Total Fat: 7.9gSaturated Fat: 5gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 167mgCarbohydrates: 64.1gFiber: 8.7gSugar: 35.2gProtein: 3.7g
Love fruit-y desserts? So many to choose from!
Be well,
