Summer Blueberry Slump

Slumps, buckles, cobblers, and crisps, oh my! When summer fruits are plentiful, these simple desserts are one of our favorite parts of the season. (Though they’re delicious in spring, winter, or fall with apples and pears, just the same). As American as apple pie, these desserts have more similarities than they have differences. A crumble and a crisp are really just two names for the same thing, and a slump is sometimes known as a grunt. What they all share is the same technique: chopped and sweetened fruit topped with a crumble or batter.

Our family loves to go blueberry picking in the summer and once our fingers have turned purple and we can’t possibly eat any more of those sweet little berries raw, we turn them into this easy and delicious Blueberry Slump. A slump hails from New England and is a great simple dessert that you don’t even have to turn your oven on for. In the heat of summer, we just love a quick treat that won’t heat up our kitchen too!

A slump is cooked entirely on the stovetop. You throw fruit, sugar, lemon juice, and a few seasonings into a pot and bring it up to a splendid simmer before topping it with dumpling dough and covering it until the dumplings are steamed and cooked through. As the tender and sweet dumplings cook, they ‘slump’ down into the fruit, which is where the dessert gets its name. We just can’t get enough of this Blueberry Slump. It’s a rustic dessert, so it’s perfect alongside a cookout or BBQ and topping it with some whipped cream or ice cream is just divine. It’s so easy and so delicious, there’s no reason it shouldn’t make an appearance on your table sometime soon!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Summer Blueberry Slump is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that brings out the best in fresh blueberries. You’ll love how it combines the sweetness of summer berries with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped off with fluffy dumplings. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy evening at home, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large bowl
• Large saucepan or skillet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to over mix.
2. Cut in the butter until the mixture is fully incorporated.
3. In a large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat, stir together blueberries with sugar, water, lemon juice and zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Break off pieces of dumpling dough and drop them carefully onto the blueberry mixture.
6. Repeat until the dough covers most of the blueberries, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 27 minutes, or until biscuits are cooked through. Do not uncover the pan while cooking, as this will allow steam to escape and the dumplings won’t rise properly.
7. Uncover and serve hot with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Success

• Don’t lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking to ensure they rise properly.
• Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor, but frozen will work in a pinch.
• Adjust the sugar to your taste, depending on the sweetness of your berries.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different fruits like peaches, raspberries, or strawberries for a unique twist. You can also add a sprinkle of sliced almonds or oats to the topping for extra texture.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 220
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other fruits besides blueberries?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works well with a variety of fruits like peaches, raspberries, or strawberries.

Do I need to thaw frozen blueberries first?
No need to thaw them. You can add them directly to the pan as they will cook down nicely.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?
While traditionally a stovetop dessert, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes if you prefer.

Conclusion

This Summer Blueberry Slump is a fantastic way to enjoy the bounty of blueberries in a comforting and delicious dessert. Easy to make and sure to impress, it’s perfect for any occasion. We hope you give it a try and fall in love with this charming dish. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you create. Enjoy!