Deliciously Decadent: Cherry Blueberry Crumble Recipe

Summer is the season for fresh, vibrant fruits, and what better way to celebrate than with a delectable cherry blueberry crumble? This dessert is not only incredibly easy to make but also boasts a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors, topped with a buttery, crumbly topping that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a comforting weeknight treat, or simply want to indulge in the season’s bounty, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile, customizable, and utterly irresistible.

This recipe caters to almost every dietary restrictions, and is very easy to replace regular items with gluten-free, or vegan products.

## Why You’ll Love This Cherry Blueberry Crumble

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dessert. The prep time is relatively short and the oven does most of the work.
* **Delicious Flavor Combination:** The tartness of the cherries complements the sweetness of the blueberries beautifully, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile. The buttery crumble topping adds a delightful texture and richness.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to experiment with different fruits or spices to customize the crumble to your liking. You can also easily adapt the recipe for gluten-free or vegan diets.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a summer gathering, or a holiday celebration, this cherry blueberry crumble is always a hit.
* **Uses Seasonal Ingredients:** Take advantage of fresh, seasonal cherries and blueberries during the summer months for the best flavor and quality.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

### For the Filling:

* 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or frozen cherries, thawed)
* 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen blueberries, unthawed)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the fruit)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or tapioca starch for a gluten-free option)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
* Pinch of salt

### For the Crumble Topping:

* 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend)
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for added texture)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth)
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (or vegan butter alternative)

## Equipment

* 9-inch baking dish (pie dish or square baking dish)
* Large mixing bowl
* Small mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or fork (for cutting butter into flour)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started on making this irresistible cherry blueberry crumble. Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect result every time.

### Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling

1. **Combine Fruits:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted and halved cherries and the blueberries. If using frozen fruit, make sure to thaw the cherries and leave the blueberries unthawed to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
2. **Add Sweeteners and Thickeners:** Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch (or tapioca starch), lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
3. **Let it Sit:** Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the fruits release their juices and allow the cornstarch to start thickening the mixture.

### Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend), brown sugar, rolled oats (if using), ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using).
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or a fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should have small clumps of butter throughout.
3. **Keep it Cold:** If the butter starts to get too soft, place the bowl in the freezer for a few minutes. Cold butter is essential for a crumbly topping.

### Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Crumble

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Pour Filling into Baking Dish:** Pour the fruit filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. **Sprinkle Crumble Topping:** Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit filling, making sure to cover the entire surface.
4. **Bake:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
5. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Serve Warm:** Serve the cherry blueberry crumble warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard sauce.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** You can garnish the crumble with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this cherry blueberry crumble to your liking:

* **Use Other Fruits:** Feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or apples. You can also mix and match different fruits for a unique flavor combination.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, to the crumble topping for added crunch and flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Experiment with different spices, such as ginger, cardamom, or cloves, to add warmth and depth to the crumble.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the fruit filling for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free rolled oats to make this crumble gluten-free.
* **Vegan Option:** Use a vegan butter alternative and ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly.
* **Individual Crumbles:** Divide the fruit filling and crumble topping into individual ramekins for a charming and elegant presentation.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the fruit filling and crumble topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the crumble just before serving.
* **Storage:** Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

This cherry blueberry crumble is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that never fails. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fruity crumble.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to the crumble.
* **Custard Sauce:** A rich and velvety custard sauce complements the fruit flavors and adds a luxurious element to the dessert.
* **Greek Yogurt:** For a healthier option, top the crumble with a dollop of Greek yogurt. It adds a tangy and creamy element that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a warm slice of cherry blueberry crumble with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

## Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 3-5g

## Conclusion

This cherry blueberry crumble recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer. With its easy preparation, delicious taste, and versatile nature, it’s a dessert that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe simple and satisfying. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a warm, comforting, and utterly irresistible cherry blueberry crumble. Enjoy!