Lemon Blueberry Crumble

Name: Lemon Blueberry Crumble
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh blueberries; ⅓ cup maple syrup; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; ¼ teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; 1 cup vanilla almond granola; ½ cup lightly packed brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons butter (melted); 4 tablespoons butter (sliced); vanilla ice cream (optional)

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of our Lemon Blueberry Crumble. Bursting with juicy blueberries, zesty lemon, and a crunchy oat topping, it’s a heavenly treat that will leave you wanting more. Sweetened with brown sugar and full of cinnamon and a bright burst of lemon, this recipe is the perfect combination of flavors. Plus, this recipe includes a fresh, homemade granola topping that anyone – even a novice home chef – can make in their kitchen.

blueberry crumble shown on a plate with ice cream

If you enjoy this recipe, I’m certain you would love my Vegan Edible Cookie Dough or Chocolate Ganache Mini Cherry Cheesecakes. YUM!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Fresh blueberries – buy fresh juicy berries for the best result in this recipe
Maple syrup – this adds a natural sweetness and caramel flavor
Cornstarch
Lemon zest
Lemon juice – freshly squeezed juice is best
Cinnamon
Old-fashioned oats – the oatmeal on top of the crumble adds a crunch and texture we all love, like an oatmeal cookie
Vanilla almond granola – you can buy this in the granola section of your grocery store, or substitute for another granola of your choice
Brown sugar
Salt
Butter
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

How to Make

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

STEP TWO: Blend the blueberry mixture. In a 9 by 13-inch baking dish mix the blueberries, maple syrup, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cinnamon.

blueberry vanilla almond granola crumble photo collage

STEP THREE: Mix the crumble. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, vanilla almond granola, brown sugar, and salt. Mix in the melted butter.

ingredients for a lemon blueberry crumble on a counter

STEP FOUR: Add the crumble on top of the blueberries. Pour the oat mixture over the blueberries and place the butter slices on top.

STEP FIVE: Bake. Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and crisp. Cover with foil if the topping starts to get overly brown.

STEP SIX: Serve. Serve hot with vanilla ice cream.

blueberry cumble being made with butter squares on top

Tips and Recipe Notes

When combining the oats, granola, brown sugar, and salt for the crumble topping, make sure they’re evenly mixed. This helps distribute the flavors and creates a uniform texture that bakes more evenly.
When melting the butter for the crumble topping, make sure it’s completely melted and not partially solid. Melt it slowly so it doesn’t burn or become rancid.
If you notice the crumble topping getting overly brown during baking, loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent it from burning. This will allow the blueberry filling to continue cooking while protecting the topping.
If you want your crumble topping to be softer, lightly press it down into the blueberries. For a crispier texture, leave it loosely scattered over the filling.

Substitutions and Additions

You can easily adjust this recipe to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs or just to use ingredients you have on hand. Keep in mind; they may slightly alter the taste and texture of the recipe. Adjustments may be necessary, so use them at your own discretion:

Blueberries – If fresh blueberries aren’t available, you can use frozen blueberries instead. Make sure they’re thawed, drained, and dried (as well as possible) before you make the recipe. You can also experiment with other berries, like raspberries, blackberries, or a combination of berries for a mixed berry crumble.

Maple Syrup – Swap maple syrup with honey for a slightly different flavor. Keep in mind that honey is sweeter than maple syrup, so you might want to reduce the amount slightly. You can also use agave syrup as a vegan alternative.

Cornstarch – If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of tapioca starch or arrowroot powder. These work as thickening agents and will help achieve a similar consistency in the blueberry filling.

Cinnamon – While cinnamon adds warmth to the crumble, you can experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of ginger for flavor variations. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Oats and Granola – Get creative with the crumble topping by incorporating different types of granola or swapping the vanilla almond granola with your favorite flavor. You can also add chopped nuts, like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, for more crunch and a rich flavor.

Brown Sugar – Light brown sugar can be substituted with dark brown sugar to intensify the caramel notes in the crumble.

Butter – For a dairy-free or vegan option, substitute the butter with melted coconut oil or a non-dairy butter alternative. Keep in mind that swapping out the butter will change the flavor and texture, so consider your personal preference and dietary needs.

Vanilla Ice Cream – For a dairy-free topping to serve with your crumble, try coconut milk-based or almond milk-based ice cream. You can also use whipped cream instead.

How to Store Leftovers

In the fridge: Store any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days.

In the freezer: Allow the crumble to fully cool, then place the leftovers in an airtight container. Press plastic wrap down over the crumble if there is a lot of air in the container. They will store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or use the microwave to heat up individual servings in 30-second bursts.

How to Make Gluten-Free Blueberry Crumble

The Lemon Blueberry Crumble recipe, as provided, is not gluten-free. It contains ingredients like oats and granola, which may contain gluten unless they’re labeled gluten-free.

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by making a few substitutions:

Oats: Look for certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats can be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing, so choosing gluten-free options is important.
Granola: Look for gluten-free granola varieties available in the market, or you can make your own gluten-free granola at home using gluten-free oats and other gluten-free ingredients.
Other Ingredients: Double-check the labels of any other ingredients you use, such as maple syrup, butter, and vanilla ice cream, to ensure they are gluten-free or labeled as suitable for a gluten-free diet.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

The recipe contains butter, but you can easily make it vegan by substituting the butter with melted coconut oil or a non-dairy butter alternative.

Is it necessary to use both lemon zest and lemon juice?

Using both lemon zest and lemon juice adds a bright citrus flavor to the blueberry filling. However, if you prefer a milder lemon flavor, you can reduce the amount of zest or juice according to your taste.

Can I make the crumble ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply sprinkle the prepared crumble over the blueberries and proceed with the recipe.