INGREDIENTS:

Filling:

• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 cups blackberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Topping:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. MAKE THE FILLING: In a medium bowl, combine the blueberries, blackberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, honey, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the berries are coated evenly with the mixture.
3. Spoon the berry filling into two 5-inch ramekins, distributing it evenly between them.
4. MAKE THE TOPPING: In another medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cloves, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cubed cold butter.
5. Use your hands to blend the butter with the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal and the butter is well distributed.
6. Cover the berry filling in each ramekin with the crumble topping, spreading it evenly over the berries.
7. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the berry filling is bubbling.
8. Remove from the oven and let the berry crumbles cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Here are a few variations of the berry crumble recipe:

1. Mixed Berry Crumble:

• Use a combination of your favorite berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. You can adjust the quantities to your preference.
• Consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist in the filling.

2. Nutty Topping:

• Add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Consider adding a touch of almond or vanilla extract to the filling for a unique aroma.

3. Gluten-Free Option:

• Use gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free flour blend (such as almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix) in the topping to make it gluten-free.
• Ensure the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free, or select gluten-free alternatives (like a gluten-free cornstarch).

4. Spiced Berry Crumble:

• Enhance the warm flavors by adding a pinch of ground ginger or a touch of allspice to the crumble topping.
• Add a small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg to the berry filling for a cozy, spiced flavor.

5. Individual Mini Crumbles:

• Instead of using large ramekins, prepare individual mini crumbles by using small oven-safe dishes or even muffin tins.
• Adjust the baking time accordingly, as mini crumbles will likely bake faster than larger ones.

6. Coconut and Macadamia Crumble:

• Add shredded coconut to the crumble topping for a tropical twist.
• Include chopped macadamia nuts for a delightful texture and flavor.

7. Vegan Berry Crumble:

• Substitute the butter in the crumble topping with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Use a vegan sweetener such as agave nectar or maple syrup in place of honey.

8. Chai-Spiced Berry Crumble:

• Add chai spice mix (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper) to the crumble topping for a unique chai flavor.
• You can also use chai tea concentrate as part of the liquid in the berry filling for an extra hint of chai.