No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Dessert

Are you looking for a healthy dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings without the guilt? Look no further! This No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble is a perfect treat that combines the natural sweetness of cherries with a deliciously crunchy topping. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and no added sugar, this cherry crumble is a great way to enjoy a guilt-free dessert while keeping your taste buds satisfied. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for any occasion.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire recipe, from the origins of cherry crumble to step-by-step instructions for making this delightful dessert. Let’s dive in and explore how you can whip up this irresistible cherry crumble in no time!

What is the No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble?

The No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble is a dessert that’s naturally sweetened by the fruit itself, eliminating the need for refined sugars. This recipe includes two key components: a juicy cherry filling and a crunchy crumble topping. The filling is made with fresh or frozen cherries, and the topping is created with rolled oats, almond flour, and healthy fats from coconut oil or unsalted butter. The absence of sugar doesn’t take away from the flavor – it enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries, giving you a dessert that’s both delicious and nutritious.

The best part? You can enjoy this dessert knowing that it’s low in sugar and free from processed ingredients, making it an ideal choice for those following a healthy lifestyle or managing sugar intake.

The Origin of the Cherry Crumble

The concept of crumble desserts originated in the UK during World War II, when traditional pie-making ingredients were scarce. People began making simpler desserts by combining fruit with a flour and butter topping, which was then baked into a crispy, golden crust. This humble dessert has evolved over the years and become a beloved treat worldwide, with variations that include different fruits, spices, and topping options.

Crumble desserts, including cherry crumble, have become synonymous with comfort food. Their simple yet satisfying nature makes them the perfect way to end a meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special gathering. The cherry crumble, in particular, highlights the vibrant flavor of cherries and can be enjoyed warm or cold, offering a delicious way to incorporate more fruit into your diet.

Ingredients for the No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble

 

 

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need. This No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble is made with wholesome, natural ingredients that will leave you feeling good about indulging in this treat.

For the Cherry Filling:

• 4 cups (about 600g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted – Cherries are the star of this recipe, providing both flavor and natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – This adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the cherries.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the flavor of the fruit.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) – If you prefer a thicker filling, cornstarch helps achieve that consistency.

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup (100g) rolled oats – These provide a hearty, chewy texture that forms the base of the crumble.
• ½ cup (60g) almond flour or whole wheat flour – Almond flour is a great gluten-free option, while whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a warm, cozy spice to the topping.
• ¼ cup (60ml) coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted – This binds the crumble topping together and adds richness.
• ¼ cup (60ml) unsweetened applesauce – Helps keep the topping moist without adding any sugar.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the crumble and balances the sweetness.
• ¼ cup (30g) chopped nuts (optional) – Adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans gives the crumble extra crunch and a boost of healthy fats.

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

Now that we have everything in place, let’s go through the preparation process step-by-step so you can easily recreate this delicious No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking the crumble, so the topping gets perfectly golden and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch (if you’re using it). Gently toss the ingredients together to coat the cherries evenly. If you’re using fresh cherries, be sure to pit them carefully. Once combined, pour the cherry mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized dish). The cherries will create a deliciously juicy base for the crumble topping.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, almond flour (or whole wheat flour), cinnamon, and salt. Then, add the melted coconut oil and unsweetened applesauce to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture turns crumbly. If you’re adding chopped nuts, fold them into the crumble mixture at this stage. The crumble topping should have a texture similar to coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Assemble the Crumble

Evenly spread the crumble topping over the cherry filling in the baking dish. Make sure the topping covers the cherries entirely, creating a nice, even layer. This topping will form the crispy, golden crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherries are bubbling. The crumble should look beautifully golden on top, and you should be able to smell the sweet aroma of the cherries and cinnamon filling the kitchen.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the crumble is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The cherry crumble can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of whipped cream for added creaminess.

Variations of the No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble

While this No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble is absolutely delicious as is, you can make a few tweaks to suit your preferences or to experiment with different flavors. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Berry Crumble Variation

In addition to cherries, you can mix in other berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a delightful mixed berry crumble. The combination of different berries adds a burst of color and complexity to the flavor.

2. Gluten-Free Crumble

To make the crumble fully gluten-free, simply use gluten-free oats and substitute the almond flour for a gluten-free flour blend. This ensures that everyone can enjoy this dessert, regardless of dietary restrictions.

3. Nut-Free Option

If you’re allergic to nuts or simply don’t want to include them, you can leave out the chopped nuts in the topping. The crumble will still be delicious and crunchy without them.

4. Spiced Cherry Crumble

For a more flavorful twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cherry filling. These spices complement the cherries beautifully and give the dessert a warm, festive taste.

FAQs About the No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling. This will prevent the crumble from becoming too watery.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cherry filling and crumble topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the crumble and bake as instructed.

3. Can I substitute the coconut oil?
Yes, if you don’t have coconut oil, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or margarine for a similar result. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still taste great.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cherry crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving for the best results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble is a healthy, flavorful dessert that is perfect for anyone looking to indulge without the added sugar. Made with fresh or frozen cherries and a crunchy crumble topping, it’s a dessert that is naturally sweet, satisfying, and simple to make. Whether you enjoy it warm or at room temperature, with or without whipped cream or Greek yogurt, this cherry crumble is sure to become a favorite in your household.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful and healthy cherry crumble today!

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