Keys Tropical Berry Crumble (Large-Group Recipe)

This berry crumble is the perfect dessert for a warm summer evening. With the right balance of sweet and tart berries, and a crispy, buttery topping, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. This scaled-up recipe serves 12-14 people, making it the perfect treat for parties, potlucks, and family dinners. 

Ingredients: 

1. 4 cups all-purpose flour 

2. 1 ½ cups white sugar 

3. 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 

4. ½ teaspoon fine salt 

5. 1 ½ cups frozen unsalted butter 

6. 4 large egg yolks 

7. 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 

8. 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, or as needed 

9. 2 ½ cups blueberries 

10. 2 ½ cups raspberries 

11. 2 ½ cups blackberries 

12. ⅔ cup white sugar 

13. 4 teaspoons cornstarch 

14. 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 

15. 2 teaspoons lemon zest 

16. 2 pinches cayenne pepper 

    
    

Directions: 

1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 

2. Make the crumble: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Grate frozen butter, tossing it into the flour mixture until it's coated. 

3. Stir in egg yolks and vanilla with a fork until mostly absorbed. Add apple cider vinegar and mix briefly. Use your hands to squeeze the mixture into clumps. Add more vinegar if needed. Set crumble aside. 

4. Make the filling: In another large bowl, combine blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Add sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well combined and the sugar dissolves. 

5. Place about half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of a large 3-quart baking dish. Press the mixture down to compact. Spread the berry filling on top. 

6. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the fruit, squeezing some of the crumble into clumps. Spread evenly. 

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and the berry filling bubbles. Let cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Suggestions for Customization and Variations: 

Use a mix of other summer fruits like peaches, cherries, or nectarines to change the flavor profile. 

For a nuttier topping, add some toasted chopped almonds or walnuts to the crumble mixture. 

For a healthier option, try using a blend of honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for a more natural sweetness. 

For a more indulgent topping, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. 

If you prefer a thicker filling, increase the cornstarch or use arrowroot powder as a thickener. 

For a tropical twist, add coconut flakes to the topping or a squeeze of lime juice to the filling. 

This berry crumble is the perfect summer dessert, balancing the tartness of fresh fruit with the richness of the buttery crumble. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat that pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!