David’s Berry Crumbles

David’s Berry Crumbles

It’s funny, I always associate crumbles with apple or rhubarb and had never played around with other fruit. But when I made these berry crumbles for one of my ‘Jules & David Project‘ meals, they instantly became my favourite Summer dessert. I know my mum would have adored them which is why I chose to share the recipe today.

2 cups berries
100g (2/3 cup) plain (all purpose) flour
50g (1/3 cup) sugar
50g (1/3 cup) grated butter
60g (2/3 cup) almond flakes (optional)

1. Preheat your oven to 180C (350F). Divide berries between 2 x 1 cup baking dishes or ramekins.

2. Combine flour and sugar in a bowl. Toss in the grated butter and use a fork or your fingers to smash the butter into the flour mixture.

3. When the butter and flour looks like lumpy bread crumbs stir in the almonds (if using). Scatter the mixture to cover the berries leaving it fairly loose.

4. Bake for 30 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown.

5. Serve warm with cream or ice cream or both.

Variations

gluten-free – replace flour with 50g (1/3 cup) each rice flour and chickpea flour or use your favourite GF flour combo.

budget – replace some or all of the berries with finely diced apple.

not berry season – use frozen berries or play around with whatever fruit you have on hand. Stone fruit are lovely – just chop small enough so they will cook at in same time as the topping.

sugar-free – replace sugar with granulated stevia to taste… A few tablespoons should do the trick.

dairy-free / vegan – replace butter with 3-4 tablespoons neutral flavoured oil. Macadamia oil would be perfect.

nut-free – just skip the almonds.

paleo – skip the crumble topping and just scatter almonds over the berries and roast until almonds are golden. Serve with coconut cream or coconut yoghurt.

short on time – serve fresh berries with cream instead.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

berries – use for another meal or freeze them.

flour / sugar / almond flakes – keep them in the pantry.

butter – keeps in the fridge for months.