Blueberry Granola Crumble

Introduction

History

The concept of fruit crumbles dates back to World War II Britain, where due to rationing, traditional ingredients for pies were scarce. Home cooks began topping stewed fruits with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and sugar, creating what we now know as crumbles. The blueberry granola crumble is a modern twist on this classic dessert, incorporating granola for added texture and nutrition, and focusing on blueberries for their vibrant flavor and health benefits.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Blueberry Granola Crumble turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture. However, frozen blueberries can be a good alternative if fresh ones aren't available.

- Let the blueberry mixture sit after adding the sugar and vanilla extract to allow the flavors to meld together.

- To prevent the granola from burning, watch the crumble closely as it bakes and cover with foil if necessary.

- For a crunchier topping, add a bit more granola or mix in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is best served warm, with a scoop of nonfat frozen yogurt on top for added creaminess. It can also be enjoyed on its own or with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, which helps to soften the blueberries and crisp up the granola topping. Allowing the blueberry mixture to sit before baking enhances the flavors and ensures a juicy filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute coconut oil for walnut oil for a different flavor.

- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener option.

- Replace granola with a mixture of oats, nuts, and seeds for a homemade topping.

Make Ahead Tips

The blueberry mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. The assembled but unbaked crumbles can also be refrigerated for a few hours before baking, making this an easy dessert to prepare in advance.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the crumble in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover crumble can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm throughout before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calorie content of this dessert can vary depending on the ingredients used, especially the type of granola. On average, a serving of Blueberry Granola Crumble can range from 150 to 250 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie dessert option.

Carbohydrates

This dessert is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the main sources being the blueberries and brown sugar. Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber and provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars. The total carbohydrate content will vary depending on the specific granola used, so it's advisable to check the packaging for precise information.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come primarily from the walnut oil and the granola. Walnut oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. The amount of fat can be adjusted by varying the type and amount of granola used, allowing for customization based on dietary needs.

Proteins

Proteins in this dessert are relatively low, with small amounts coming from the granola. For a protein boost, consider serving the crumble with Greek yogurt instead of nonfat frozen yogurt.

Vitamins and minerals

Blueberries are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and manganese. These nutrients contribute to the overall health benefits of this dessert, making it not only delicious but also nutritious.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include nuts (from the granola and walnut oil) and gluten (from the granola). It's important to check the labels of your ingredients if you're cooking for someone with food allergies.

Summary

Overall, the Blueberry Granola Crumble is a nutritious dessert option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's relatively low in calories and can be modified to suit various dietary needs.

Summary

The Blueberry Granola Crumble is a versatile, delicious, and nutritious dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a great way to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of blueberries, enhanced by the crunch of granola. Whether served as a warm treat on a cold day or enjoyed as a light dessert during the summer months, this crumble is sure to be a hit.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor pick fresh blueberries from her garden. As a thank you, she handed me a piece of her homemade Blueberry Granola Crumble. The sweet scent wafted up to my nose as I took my first bite, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I asked my neighbor for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. She explained that the key to a good Blueberry Granola Crumble was using fresh blueberries and a crunchy granola topping. She also mentioned that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations.

Excited to try my hand at making this delicious dessert, I went home and gathered all the necessary ingredients. I washed and dried the blueberries, then mixed them with some sugar and a touch of lemon juice to bring out their natural sweetness. In a separate bowl, I combined oats, flour, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon to create the crunchy granola topping.

I poured the blueberry mixture into a baking dish and sprinkled the granola topping over it. As I slid the dish into the oven, I could hardly wait for the aroma of baked blueberries and warm granola to fill my kitchen.

After about 30 minutes, I pulled the Blueberry Granola Crumble out of the oven. The blueberries were bubbly and bursting with flavor, and the granola topping was golden brown and crispy. I couldn't resist taking a bite right away, and it was just as delicious as I remembered from my neighbor's house.

From that moment on, Blueberry Granola Crumble became a staple in my dessert repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I made it, I thought of my neighbor and her grandmother, and how grateful I was to have learned this recipe from them.

Over the years, I continued to tweak the recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients. I tried using different types of granola, adding nuts or seeds for extra crunch, and even swapping out the blueberries for other fruits like raspberries or peaches.

One summer, I entered my Blueberry Granola Crumble in the county fair baking competition. I spent hours perfecting the recipe, making sure every blueberry was perfectly sweet and every granola cluster perfectly crisp. When the judges took their first bite, their eyes lit up with delight. They awarded me first place, and I couldn't have been prouder.

As the years passed, I continued to make my Blueberry Granola Crumble for my family and friends. It became a beloved tradition, something they looked forward to whenever they came to visit. They always said it was the best dessert they had ever tasted, and I couldn't help but agree.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, mixing blueberries and granola together once again, I can't help but feel grateful for all the people who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each one has added a little bit of flavor and history to my cooking, making every dish I create a true labor of love.

So the next time you find yourself with an abundance of fresh blueberries and a craving for something sweet, I urge you to try making my Blueberry Granola Crumble. It may just become a favorite in your own kitchen, a recipe filled with memories and love that you can pass down to future generations.

Categories

| American Recipes | Blueberry Recipes | Brown Sugar Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Hazelnut Recipes | Vanilla Extract Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes | Walnut Oil Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |

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