Description
This Apple and Blueberry Crumble is a delightful dessert featuring juicy apples and blueberries covered with a buttery, crunchy topping made of oats, walnuts, and warm spices. Perfectly balanced with maple sugar and cinnamon, this crumble is a comforting treat that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 medium apples, cut into chunks
- 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 tbsp arrowroot flour (or other starchy flour)
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp maple sugar (or your favorite sweetener)
Crumble Topping
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup flour (for gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup crushed walnuts (or seeds if allergic to nuts)
- 6 tbsp cold butter (for dairy-free, use plant-based butter)
- 1/3 cup maple sugar (or your preferred granulated sugar)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (or cardamom)
Instructions
- Prepare Butter: Place 6 tablespoons of butter in the freezer for at least 1 hour before starting. This ensures the butter is cold for making the crumble topping.
- Prepare the Filling: Chop the apples into chunks. Rinse and pat dry the blueberries. In a pie dish (a 9-inch square pan with ceramic coating works well), combine the maple sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, cinnamon, and arrowroot flour. Add the apples and blueberries, toss gently to coat evenly, and spread them in an even layer.
- Make the Crumble Topping: If using a food processor, add the cold butter and 1/3 cup of flour into the bowl, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer to a mixing bowl if desired. To this mixture, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, maple sugar, crushed walnuts, and rolled oats. Mix thoroughly by hand or with a spatula until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 360°F (182°C). Evenly scatter the crumble topping over the apple and blueberry filling. Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly. This dessert can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or cold according to preference. Serve as is or with your favorite accompaniment like vanilla ice cream or cream.
Notes
- For a gluten-free crumble topping, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with a plant-based or vegan butter alternative.
- You can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling.
- Maple sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or coconut sugar depending on availability and taste preference.
- Using a ceramic-coated baking pan negates the need for greasing, but if using a different pan, consider greasing to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
