Blueberry Lemon Fruit Crumble

Name: Blueberry Lemon Fruit Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh blueberries; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore this Blueberry Lemon Fruit Crumble! The vibrant flavors of juicy blueberries and tangy lemon come together beautifully in this dessert. It's a recipe that's always a hit at gatherings, and I love how the buttery crumble topping adds a delightful crunch. Making this crumble is straightforward, and it’s a fantastic way to showcase fresh summer fruits. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served chilled, this dish never fails to impress. It's a delicious blend of simplicity and flavor that I’m excited to share!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T19:10:28.666Z

When I first tried my hand at this Blueberry Lemon Fruit Crumble, it was a revelation! I experimented with the ratio of blueberries to lemon zest and found the perfect balance. The zesty brightness from the lemon elevates the sweetness of the blueberries, making the crumble taste both refreshing and indulgent. I realized that adding a little lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps to brighten the color of the fruit.

What truly stood out to me was the texture of the crumble topping. I learned that using cold butter and incorporating it quickly ensures a flaky, tender topping that contrasts wonderfully with the juicy filling underneath. This tip has since become a staple in my crumble-making technique!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful balance of sweet blueberries and tart lemon.
A buttery crumble topping that adds the perfect crunch.
Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Blueberry Lemon Fruit Crumble is undoubtedly the fresh blueberries. Choosing ripe, in-season berries will ensure a burst of flavor in every bite. Look for plump, juicy blueberries that are deep purple-blue in color. If fresh blueberries aren’t available, you can substitute them with frozen blueberries, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time to allow them to fully cook through. Just remember not to thaw them beforehand, as this helps prevent a soggy filling.

The addition of lemon juice and zest not only brightens the dish but balances the natural sweetness of the blueberries. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended since bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh. When zesting, be careful to only remove the yellow part of the lemon's skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath, which can affect the overall taste.

Perfecting the Crumble Topping

Achieving the ideal crumble topping is all about the texture. When mixing the butter into the flour, oats, and sugar, aim for a coarse crumb consistency. This means some larger clumps are okay; they will bake into delightful crispy bits. If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water, but be cautious not to over-moisten it—it should retain its crumbly texture.

If you want to add a unique twist to your crumble topping, consider incorporating nuts or spices. Chopped pecans or walnuts can add an additional layer of flavor, while a pinch of nutmeg can complement the sweetness of the fruit beautifully. Just remember to adjust the sugar slightly if you add more sweet ingredients, balancing the flavors.

Serving and Storing Tips

Enjoy this crumble warm out of the oven, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Alternatively, it can be served chilled for a refreshing summer dessert. If you do have leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container; they can be stored in the fridge for up to three days—though I doubt they’ll last that long!

For longer storage, this crumble can be frozen before baking. Prepare the filling and topping separately, then assemble in a freezer-safe dish. Cover with foil and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Ingredients

Gather the following fresh ingredients for this delicious crumble:

For the Filling

4 cups fresh blueberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Crumble Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Make sure to use ripe seasonal blueberries for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Blueberry Lemon Fruit Crumble:

Prepare the Fruit Filling

In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch. Gently fold the ingredients together until the blueberries are well coated. Pour this mixture into a greased baking dish.

Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the blueberry filling in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Cool and Serve

Allow the crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s wonderful on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Serve warm or cooled, and enjoy this delicious dessert!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a few tablespoons of chopped nuts to the crumble topping.

Scale It Up or Down

This recipe is easily scalable depending on your needs. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9x13 inch dish for a pan-sized crumble that can feed a crowd. Conversely, if you’re just making it for yourself or a small family, you can easily halve the recipe and use a smaller baking dish, such as an 8-inch square pan, which will still achieve that golden topping and bubbly filling you desire.

When adjusting quantities, be mindful of cooking time. A larger dish may take a little longer to bake, while a smaller one might cook a bit faster. Always check for doneness by looking for a bubbly filling and a crispy, golden-brown topping.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find that your filling is too watery after baking, this could be due to overripe fruit or not enough cornstarch to thicken the juices. Adjust for next time by using a tablespoon more of cornstarch, or even tried-and-true arrowroot powder as an alternative thickener. It's crucial to mix the cornstarch evenly with the other filling ingredients before baking to ensure it does its job effectively.

In some cases, the crumble topping may not brown adequately. If you encounter this issue, try placing the crumble under the broiler for the last couple of minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. For a richness boost, brushing the topping with a melted butter glaze just before the baking can encourage a delightful golden finish.

Flavor Variations

While this blueberry and lemon combination is a classic, consider experimenting with other fruits in your crumble for a different twist. Cherries, raspberries, or even chopped peaches can offer delightful variations. If using fruit that has a higher water content, such as peaches, consider increasing the cornstarch slightly to maintain the perfect filling consistency.

Adding herbs like basil or mint can provide an unexpected yet refreshing flavor profile. Just finely chop a few leaves and mix them into the filling; start with a teaspoon, tasting as you go to find your favorite balance. You could even swap in different types of citrus zest, such as lime or orange, to create new flavor experiences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but don't thaw them before baking to prevent sogginess.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add other fruits to the crumble?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in raspberries or strawberries for added flavor.

→ What is the best way to reheat the crumble?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.