Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or a 9-inch pie dish. This ensures easy cleanup for your cherry dessert recipe.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Stir gently until the cherries are evenly coated. Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish. This forms the delicious base of our cherry dessert recipes.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumble topping.
Step 4: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry crumble ingredients. Use your fingertips, a pastry blender, or a fork to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the cherry mixture in the baking dish. Ensure good coverage for optimal texture in this cherry dessert recipe.
Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly and thickened. If the topping browns too quickly, you can lightly tent it with aluminum foil.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set properly. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an ultimate cherry dessert experience!