Tropical Tartness: Cedar Bay Cherry & Coconut Crumble Recipe

While the phrase ‘favourable land for growth of cedar bay cherry’ might evoke images of lush orchards and fertile soil, we’ve interpreted your culinary curiosity as a desire to explore the exquisite taste of the Cedar Bay Cherry itself. This often-overlooked native Australian fruit, also known as Beach Cherry or Rainforest Cherry, boasts a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tart, with subtle earthy undertones, making it a true tropical delight.

Imagine harnessing that vibrant flavor into a comforting dessert that truly shines. Our ‘Tropical Tartness: Cedar Bay Cherry & Coconut Crumble’ recipe is designed to do just that. It’s an anti-fail guide to creating a memorable dish that celebrates this distinctive fruit, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of exotic sweetness.

Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert to impress guests, a comforting treat for a family gathering, or simply want to experiment with an exciting new ingredient, this crumble promises a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The juicy, tart cherries are beautifully complemented by a golden, crunchy coconut streusel, creating a truly irresistible experience.

Before we dive into the delicious details, here’s a quick overview of what to expect from this delightful Cedar Bay Cherry & Coconut Crumble.

Estimated Cooking Time: This recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Expect about 20 minutes for preparation and another 35-40 minutes for baking, bringing the total time to approximately one hour.

Difficulty Level: We’ve rated this recipe as Easy to Medium. While it involves a few steps, each one is straightforward and suitable for home cooks of all skill levels. The ‘anti-fail’ promise means clear instructions to guide you every step of the way.

Yields: This recipe is designed to serve a generous 6 to 8 portions, making it ideal for sharing. You might even find yourself wanting a second helping!

Now, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this crumble lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the Cedar Bay Cherry to take center stage.

For the Cedar Bay Cherry Filling:

• 4 cups (approximately 600g) fresh Cedar Bay Cherries, washed and halved (pitting is optional, as the seeds are small)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (adjust to your cherries’ sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or tapioca starch, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to brighten the flavors)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)

For the Golden Coconut Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (45g) rolled oats (not instant)
• 1/2 cup (40g) shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Optional Enhancements: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding a pinch of ground cardamom to the cherry filling, or a handful of chopped pecans or macadamia nuts to the streusel topping.

Let’s begin the culinary journey! Follow these detailed, step-by-step instructions to create your perfect Cedar Bay Cherry & Coconut Crumble.

Step 1: Prepare Your Cherries. Start by thoroughly washing your fresh Cedar Bay Cherries. While the seeds are small and often consumed, you may halve them if preferred for a smoother texture. Place the prepared cherries in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create the Filling. To the bowl with the cherries, add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. If using, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the cherries are evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld slightly.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter or grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) or similar sized oven-safe baking dish. A ceramic or glass dish works wonderfully for even baking.

Step 4: Mix Dry Streusel Ingredients. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, shredded coconut, light brown sugar, and salt for the streusel topping. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate the Butter. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry streusel mixture. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Work quickly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to a tough topping.

Step 6: Assemble the Crumble. Pour the prepared Cedar Bay Cherry filling evenly into your greased baking dish. Spread it out gently to form an even layer. Then, generously sprinkle the coconut streusel topping over the cherry layer, ensuring good coverage.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly around the edges. You should see the fruit juices thickening and peeking through the streusel.

Step 8: Cool and Serve. Once baked, carefully remove the crumble from the oven. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the filling to set properly, preventing it from being too runny.

The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible! Serve your warm Cedar Bay Cherry & Coconut Crumble as is, or with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of crème anglaise for an extra touch of indulgence.

Now for our ‘anti-fail’ secrets and pro tips to ensure your Cedar Bay Cherry & Coconut Crumble is nothing short of spectacular every single time.

Tip 1: Choose Ripe Cherries. The success of your crumble heavily relies on the quality of your fruit. Select firm, plump, and deeply colored Cedar Bay Cherries for the best flavor. Taste a cherry before mixing; if they are very tart, you might want to add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the filling.

Tip 2: Don’t Overmix the Streusel. The key to a light, crumbly topping is to handle it minimally. Overworking the butter and flour mixture can develop the gluten, resulting in a tough, dense topping instead of a light, crisp one. Coarse crumbs are what you’re aiming for.

Tip 3: The Role of Cornstarch. The cornstarch is crucial for thickening the cherry juices, preventing a watery filling. If you prefer a thicker filling, you can add an additional half tablespoon of cornstarch. Conversely, if your cherries are very juicy, you might need a little more.

Tip 4: Customizing Your Spices. While cinnamon is a classic partner for fruit crumbles, don’t hesitate to experiment. A pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or even a tiny amount of ginger can add a wonderful dimension to the cherry filling. Cardamom pairs exceptionally well with tropical fruits.

Tip 5: For Extra Crunch. If you desire an even crunchier streusel, after about 25 minutes of baking, you can gently break up any larger clumps of topping with a fork. This exposes more surface area to the heat, enhancing crispness. Just be careful not to disturb the fruit layer too much.

Tip 6: Serving Suggestions. While delicious on its own, a warm crumble truly shines when paired with a cold element. Classic vanilla ice cream is always a winner, but consider coconut ice cream for a tropical twist, or a simple, unsweetened Greek yogurt for a lighter contrast.

Tip 7: Storage and Reheating. Leftover crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm through. For best crispness, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven.

Understanding the approximate nutritional value of your homemade treat can be helpful. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings): Each delightful serving of Cedar Bay Cherry & Coconut Crumble is estimated to contain approximately 350-400 calories. This includes the natural sugars from the fruit and the added ingredients in the streusel and filling.

This estimate generally breaks down into roughly 45-55g carbohydrates (including dietary fiber and sugars), 5-7g protein, and 15-20g fat. The Cedar Bay Cherries themselves contribute vitamins and antioxidants, adding a healthy touch to this indulgent dessert.

We hope this comprehensive, anti-fail recipe inspires you to explore the wonderful world of the Cedar Bay Cherry. Its unique flavor, combined with the comforting texture of a crumble, creates a dessert that is both exotic and familiar.

Don’t be shy about experimenting with this fantastic fruit. Enjoy the process of baking and the joy of sharing this delightful ‘Tropical Tartness: Cedar Bay Cherry & Coconut Crumble’ with your loved ones. Happy baking!