Blueberry Nut Crunch
Blueberry Nut Crunch Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious
Introduction
The Blueberry Nut Crunch is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of blueberries with the sweet, comforting taste of a crumbly, nutty topping. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the blend of fruit and cake in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you're looking for a dessert to bring to a potluck or simply want to treat your family to something special, this recipe is sure to impress.
History
The origins of the Blueberry Nut Crunch can be traced back to traditional American cobblers and crisps, where fruit is topped with a crumbly mixture and then baked. Over time, home cooks began experimenting with adding cake mixes to the topping for an even easier preparation, leading to recipes like this one. The addition of nuts to the topping adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor that sets this recipe apart from its predecessors.
Ingredients
- PAM
- 3 cups of blueberries – fresh or frozen
- 1 x 15.5 oz (439 g) can of crushed pineapple in its own juice
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 0.25 cup of butter
- 1 cup of chopped nuts
- 0.25 cup of sugar
How to prepare
- Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Mix together blueberries, pineapple, and sugar.
- Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle 1 box of yellow cake mix over the fruit mixture.
- Melt 0.25 cup of butter and evenly distribute it over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped nuts on top of the butter.
- Sprinkle 0.25 cup of sugar over the entire mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 40 minutes.
Variations
- Consider adding other fruits like raspberries or blackberries to the mix for a berry medley version. For a nut-free option, omit the nuts and add oats to the topping for a crunch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
For the best flavor, use fresh blueberries when they are in season. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the recipe to prevent the dish from becoming too watery. When spreading the cake mix over the fruit, ensure it is evenly distributed so it cooks uniformly. For a richer taste, you can substitute the butter with melted coconut oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Blueberry Nut Crunch warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Cooking Techniques
Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe. Ensuring even heat distribution and avoiding opening the oven frequently will result in a perfectly baked dessert.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix. If you're looking to reduce sugar, substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the fruit and sugar mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add the cake mix, butter, and nuts before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Blueberry Nut Crunch in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Garnish with fresh blueberries and mint leaves for added color and freshness.
Pairing Recommendations
A sweet Riesling or a sparkling Moscato pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the blueberries and the sweetness of the dessert.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Blueberry Nut Crunch contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a relatively high-calorie dessert option, best enjoyed in moderation.
Carbohydrates
This dessert is relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the sugar and cake mix. Each serving contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. To reduce the carbohydrate content, consider using a sugar substitute or a reduced-sugar cake mix.
Fats
The fats in this recipe come from the butter and chopped nuts. Each serving contains about 14 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. For a healthier option, you can use a light butter substitute.
Proteins
This dish is not a significant source of protein, containing about 3 grams per serving. The nuts provide most of the protein content.
Vitamins and minerals
Blueberries are a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as manganese. These nutrients contribute to the overall nutritional value of the dish, making it not just delicious but also beneficial for your health.
Alergens
This recipe contains common allergens such as nuts and gluten. If you have dietary restrictions, consider substituting or omitting these ingredients.
Summary
Overall, the Blueberry Nut Crunch is a delicious dessert that provides a good balance of flavors and textures. While it is high in carbohydrates and calories, it also offers nutritional benefits from the blueberries and nuts.
Summary
The Blueberry Nut Crunch is a versatile and delightful dessert that combines the tartness of blueberries with a sweet and crunchy topping. With options for customization and a straightforward preparation process, it's a wonderful choice for any occasion. Enjoy it as is or paired with your favorite dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Blueberry Nut Crunch. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah in her quaint little cottage by the lake. Sarah was known for her delicious baking, and she had promised to teach me one of her favorite recipes that afternoon.
As we sat in her cozy kitchen, Sarah pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box. She explained that this recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, and it was always a hit at family gatherings and potlucks.
The ingredients were simple yet wholesome - fresh blueberries, chopped nuts, oats, flour, sugar, and butter. Sarah showed me how to mix the dry ingredients together to create a crumbly, crunchy topping for the blueberries. She then carefully poured the mixture over the berries in a baking dish and popped it in the oven.
As the Blueberry Nut Crunch baked, the sweet aroma of blueberries and nuts filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Sarah and I chatted and laughed as we waited for the dessert to finish baking, the anticipation growing with each passing minute.
Finally, the timer dinged, and we pulled the Blueberry Nut Crunch out of the oven. The topping was golden brown and crispy, and the blueberries bubbled up through the cracks, releasing their sweet juices. I couldn't wait to dig in.
Sarah served us each a generous scoop of the warm dessert, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The first bite was pure heaven - the sweet, tart blueberries paired perfectly with the crunchy, nutty topping. It was a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so incredibly delicious. I asked Sarah for the recipe, and she gladly wrote it out for me on a fresh recipe card. From that day on, Blueberry Nut Crunch became a staple in my own repertoire of recipes.
Over the years, I've made Blueberry Nut Crunch countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. It never fails to impress and delight, and I always think of Sarah and that warm summer day by the lake whenever I make it.
I've shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it down to the next generation just as Sarah did for me. Each time I make Blueberry Nut Crunch, I feel a sense of connection to my dear friend and the tradition of sharing delicious food with loved ones.
As I sit here now, flipping through my recipe box and gazing at the stained, worn recipe card for Blueberry Nut Crunch, I can't help but smile. It's more than just a dessert recipe - it's a cherished memory, a reminder of the joy of cooking and sharing good food with those we love.
And so, I will continue to make Blueberry Nut Crunch for years to come, passing on the tradition and the recipe to those who come after me. Because good food is meant to be shared, enjoyed, and remembered - just like the sweet taste of Blueberry Nut Crunch on a warm summer day.
Categories
| Blueberry Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Nut Recipes | Pineapple Recipes |