Cherry Cream Crumble Pie Recipe

My Award-Winning Cherry Cream Crumble Pie: A Slice of Nostalgia

This isn't just a pie recipe; it's a trip down memory lane. Back in 1984, a newlywed me, brimming with youthful confidence (and maybe a little bit of naivete!), decided to enter a cherry pie contest at the San Diego County Fair. The idea was a bit daunting, a leap of faith into a world of seasoned bakers and their meticulously crafted masterpieces. But I had a secret weapon: my grandmother's old recipe box, a treasure trove of family favorites passed down through generations. I adapted one of her recipes, adding my own little twist here and there, and the result? A blue ribbon winner! That cherry cream crumble pie not only secured me a prize but also cemented a lifelong love for baking competitions. The sweet aroma of the baking pie, the anticipation of the judging, the thrill of victory – it was an experience I’ll never forget.

Since then, baking has become more than just a hobby; it's a passion, a creative outlet, a way to connect with my family and friends. I've honed my skills over the years, even becoming a six-time finalist in the prestigious Pillsbury Bake-Off. Each competition was a learning experience, a chance to refine my techniques, experiment with new flavors, and meet other passionate bakers. It’s a vibrant community, filled with friendly rivalry and a shared love for the art of creating delicious treats. But it all started with that simple cherry pie, a testament to the power of a well-loved recipe and the courage to step outside of your comfort zone. The pride I felt holding that blue ribbon is something I'll always cherish.

This recipe isn’t just about the perfect blend of sweet and tart cherries, the comforting crunch of the crumble topping, or the creamy richness of the filling. It’s about memories, about taking risks, and about the joy of sharing something delicious with the people you love. Each bite transports me back to that sunny afternoon in San Diego, a time filled with hope, excitement, and the sweet taste of success. I encourage you to try this recipe, not just for the delicious pie itself, but for the opportunity to create your own cherished memories in the kitchen.

The Ingredients: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The list of ingredients is relatively short, focusing on fresh, high-quality components that truly allow the flavors to shine. The tart cherries provide a beautiful counterpoint to the sweet brown sugar and creamy sour cream base. The oat and pecan crumble adds a delightful textural contrast. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy any dessert lover.

Baking and Beyond: Beyond the simple satisfaction of creating a delicious dessert, baking has given me so much more. It's taught me patience, precision, and the importance of paying attention to detail. It's a therapeutic process, a chance to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and focus on the task at hand. The rhythmic mixing, the gentle kneading, the aroma filling the kitchen – these are the small things that bring me joy. And sharing the finished product with friends and family, watching their faces light up as they take that first bite, is the ultimate reward.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, I hope this recipe will inspire you to get creative, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Happy baking!

Step-by-step

• In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cherries, sour cream, egg and extract.
• Spoon into the pastry shell.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
• For topping, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in pecans.
• Sprinkle over filling.
• Cover edges of crust to prevent overbrowning.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until topping is lightly browned.
• Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
• Store in the refrigerator.