If you’re craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and wholesome, you need to try this Clean Blueberry Almond Crumble. Bursting with vibrant blueberries and the subtle elegance of almond extract, this crumble is perfectly balanced with a warm, cinnamon-speckled oat topping that adds a delightful crunch. It’s one of those dishes that’s so simple yet so satisfying, the kind you’ll find yourself sneaking for breakfast the next day. Whether you’re serving it for a family treat or a friendly get-together, this Clean Blueberry Almond Crumble is sure to disappear fast and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Clean Blueberry Almond Crumble Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each plays a starring role in creating the signature texture and flavor of this crumble. From the hearty oats to the fragrant almond extract, every component combines to form a cozy, clean dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.

Old-fashioned oats (¾ cup / 75g): Provides the chewy, rustic texture essential for the streusel topping.
Whole wheat or millet flour (¼ cup / 30g): Adds wholesome body and a subtle nuttiness to the crumble crust.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Lends warm spice that perfectly complements the blueberries.
Pure maple syrup (2 tbsp / 30mL): Sweetens naturally and helps bind the topping ingredients beautifully.
Unsalted butter (1 ½ tbsp / 21g), melted: Brings richness and helps create that irresistible crumbly texture.
Frozen blueberries (6 cups / 840g): The juicy fruit base that bursts with vibrant flavor and color.
Cornstarch (3 tbsp / 24g): Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly luscious without being runny.
Almond extract (2 tsp): Adds that elegant, nutty brightness that elevates the blueberry filling to something truly special.

How to Make Clean Blueberry Almond Crumble

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F and lightly coating an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray. This simple step ensures your crumble will release easily after baking and sets the stage for a perfect bake.

Step 2: Make the Oat Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. Then stir in the maple syrup and melted butter until the mixture is fully combined and crumbly. This streusel topping will create a beautifully spiced and crunchy layer to crown your blueberry filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Blueberry Filling

Grab a large bowl and gently toss the frozen blueberries with cornstarch and almond extract until every berry is coated. The cornstarch is the secret to thickening the juices as they bake, while the almond extract infuses a subtle, elegant flavor that makes this blueberry crumble stand out.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the blueberry filling evenly into your prepared baking pan, then scatter the oat streusel topping over it in a beautiful, even layer. Bake at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes, until the blueberry juices are bubbling along the edges and the topping turns golden with a lovely crunch.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Once out of the oven, allow the crumble to cool completely to room temperature. Then cover and chill it in the refrigerator for at least three hours to let those flavors meld wonderfully and make slicing easier. Patience here pays off big time.

How to Serve Clean Blueberry Almond Crumble

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream elevates this crumble into a dessert experience you won’t forget. A sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds adds crunch and a boost of nutty flavor that works beautifully with the almond extract.

Side Dishes

This Clean Blueberry Almond Crumble pairs deliciously with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant herbal tea for a cozy snack. If you want to get fancy, a light drizzle of honey over the serving plate adds a lovely sweet note without overpowering the fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing this crumble to a party, consider serving individual portions in small mason jars or ramekins. Add a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered cinnamon on top for an inviting look that’s almost too pretty to dig into. It’s the perfect gift of comfort in a jar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, cover any remaining Clean Blueberry Almond Crumble tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to six days, making it an easy dessert to enjoy throughout the week without losing any charm.

Freezing

You can freeze the crumble after baking and cooling completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or store it in an airtight container. When frozen, it keeps well for up to two months, allowing you to prepare ahead and have dessert ready whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy the crumble warm, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a 350°F oven until just warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This way, you keep the topping crisp and the filling bubbling with fruity goodness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh blueberries, just add 3 tablespoons of water to the filling before stirring in the cornstarch so the consistency stays perfect. No need to thaw frozen berries — toss them straight into the mixture cold for best results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it can be! Simply use gluten-free oats and choose a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat or millet flour. Just make sure to avoid coconut flour as it affects the texture noticeably.

How do I make this crumble vegan?

Swap out the unsalted butter for your favorite vegan butter or coconut oil. Vegan butter is preferred for best texture and flavor, but coconut oil works if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I substitute maple syrup with other sweeteners?

Definitely! Honey or agave syrup work well as natural sweetener substitutes. For a sugar-free option, replace maple syrup with milk and stevia equivalent to desired sweetness, which keeps the crumble clean and suitable for special diets.

Will the crumble topping stay crunchy after refrigeration?

The topping will soften slightly after chilling but retains enough texture to provide a pleasant contrast to the soft fruit filling. For extra crunch when serving, briefly warm the crumble in the oven.

Final Thoughts

The Clean Blueberry Almond Crumble is a treasure of a dessert that proves clean eating can be utterly delicious and crowd-pleasing. Its perfect harmony of flavors and textures creates a warm, inviting dish that your whole family and friends will adore. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this recipe in your go-to collection and make it again and again.

Clean Blueberry Almond Crumble Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 9 square slices 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

This Clean Blueberry Almond Crumble is a delicious and wholesome dessert featuring a sweet blueberry filling infused with almond extract and topped with a cinnamon-spiced oat streusel. Baked until bubbly and golden, it makes an excellent treat for dessert or a delightful breakfast option. Perfect for gluten-free and vegan diets, this crumble is made with clean ingredients and natural sweeteners, delivering a comforting yet healthy indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Oat Streusel Topping

¾ cup (75g) old-fashioned oats (gluten-free if necessary and measured like this)
¼ cup (30g) whole wheat or millet flour (measured like this)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp (30mL) pure maple syrup*
1 ½ tbsp (21g) unsalted butter,* melted and cooled slightly

Blueberry Filling

6 cups (840g) frozen blueberries
3 tbsp (24g) cornstarch
2 tsp almond extract

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
Make Oat Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the oats, whole wheat or millet flour, and ground cinnamon. Add the maple syrup and melted butter, stirring thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.
Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a large bowl, combine the frozen blueberries, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir well to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed and the almonds impart their fragrance to the fruit.
Assemble the Crumble: Transfer the blueberry filling into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the oat streusel mixture evenly over the top of the blueberries to cover the filling.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the blueberry juices bubble around the edges and the streusel topping is golden and crisp.
Cool and Chill: Remove the crumble from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set before serving.

Notes

Instant oats (gluten-free if necessary) can replace old-fashioned oats, but do not use steel-cut oats.
White whole wheat, whole wheat pastry, or all-purpose flour can be used instead of whole wheat flour.
Use any gluten-free flour except coconut flour in place of millet flour; avoid coconut flour.
Honey or agave syrup can substitute maple syrup for different sweetness options.
For a sugar-free topping, replace maple syrup with 2 tablespoons of milk and the stevia equivalent of 2 tablespoons of sugar (approx. 3 stevia packets).
Fresh blueberries may be used instead of frozen; add 3 tablespoons of water when using fresh berries just before adding cornstarch. Do not thaw frozen berries before mixing.
For vegan and dairy-free, substitute the butter with stick-style vegan butter or coconut oil (vegan butter preferred for better taste and texture).
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; the crumble keeps well for up to 6 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square slice (approximately 1/9 of recipe)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 35mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 7mg

Keywords: blueberry crumble, almond extract dessert, oat streusel, gluten-free dessert, vegan crumble, healthy blueberry dessert, clean eating dessert, low fat dessert, sugar-free option