Apple and Blackberry Crumble Recipe
If you are craving a comforting dessert that perfectly balances tart, sweet, and warmly spiced flavors, you are going to fall in love with this Apple and Blackberry Crumble. This delightful dish combines the tender, juicy goodness of cooking apples with the rich, slightly tart burst of blackberries, all topped with a golden, buttery crumble that adds the perfect crisp texture. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, ideal for any season when you want something simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple and Blackberry Crumble lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each item plays a vital role—whether it’s bringing sweetness, tang, texture, or that irresistible golden crust that makes every spoonful so special.
- 4 large cooking apples (Bramley apples preferably): These give a soft, tender base with just the right balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
- 2 tbsp plain flour: Helps thicken the fruit mixture for a perfect consistency.
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, cozy spice throughout the crumble.
- 4 tbsp Demerara sugar: Adds a hint of caramel notes and crunch.
- 2 cups (300g) blackberries: These juicy berries add a beautiful burst of tart flavor and color.
- 2 tbsp cold butter (or vegan alternative, cubed): Adds richness to the fruit layer.
- 10 Biscoff biscuits (or 3 tbsp Demerara sugar): Crush these for a delightful crunchy topping with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1 ¼ cups (150g) self-rising flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 cup (100g) golden caster sugar: Sweetens the crumble topping ever so slightly for balance.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds spice to the crumble, complementing the fruit filling.
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter (or vegan alternative, cubed): Essential for that light, crumbly texture.
How to Make Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s nice and ready for baking. Peel, core, and slice your apples, then toss them gently with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation. Add flour, sugar, and cinnamon to season, creating a luscious base that’s bursting with flavor. Fold in the blackberries delicately so they retain their shape and juiciness, dot the fruit mixture with cold butter for richness, then cover with foil or a lid before placing it in the oven. This 20-minute pre-bake helps the fruits soften just right before the crumbly topping gets its moment in the oven.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
While the fruit is baking, get your crumble topping ready. If you’re using Biscoff biscuits, crush them finely either in a food processor or by placing them in a bag and crushing with a rolling pin. This adds a lovely caramel crunch that sets this Apple and Blackberry Crumble apart. Then, in a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, golden caster sugar, and cinnamon. Rub in the cold butter cubes until you achieve a sandy, crumbly texture that holds in small lumps—this is what creates that iconic crumble crust. If your mixture feels dry, a little more butter will help, but too much butter makes it greasy, so adjust carefully.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Remove the softened fruit base from the oven and scatter the crumble topping evenly over it. Pinch some of the mixture into chunks to get a more rustic and inviting texture, then sprinkle over the crushed Biscoff biscuit crumbs on top. Pop the entire dish back in the oven and bake for around 30 minutes until the topping is golden beautiful and the fruit filling bubbles enticingly around the sides. Allow the crumble to cool a little before serving so the filling firms up perfectly, making it easier to dish out.
How to Serve Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Apple and Blackberry Crumble from delicious to show-stopping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm crumble is classic for a reason—it adds creamy contrast. Alternatively, a dollop of custard or freshly whipped cream works beautifully. For a fresh touch, sprinkle a few extra blackberries on top or scatter chopped toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for a lovely crunch.
Side Dishes
This crumble is hearty enough to be a dessert star, but you can also pair it with light, fresh accompaniments if serving alongside a meal. A crisp green salad or a simple plate of roast meat with seasonal vegetables balances the sweetness wonderfully. For a more indulgent touch, serve with a hot espresso or spiced chai tea to highlight the warm cinnamon in the crumble.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at a dinner party? Serve the Apple and Blackberry Crumble in individual ramekins for charming personal portions. Try layering warmed crumble with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a parfait twist. Or, to wow the kids, turn the crumble filling into delicious hand pies by wrapping it in pastry—perfect as on-the-go treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple and Blackberry Crumble keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days when covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as tasty. For best texture, reheat briefly to warm through rather than leaving it out at room temperature.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this crumble another day, you can freeze it either before baking or after it has cooled. Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until piping hot and crisp again. Freezing does not drastically impact flavor, though the texture may soften slightly.
Reheating
To bring the crumble back to life, reheating in a moderate oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes works best. This ensures the topping stays crisp rather than soggy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crumble’s signature crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries in Apple and Blackberry Crumble?
Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work well and can be used straight from the freezer; just keep in mind they will release more juice, so you might want to add a little extra flour to thicken the filling.
Is it possible to make this crumble vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the butter for a vegan alternative and choose vegan-friendly sugar to keep the crumble entirely plant-based without sacrificing taste or texture.
What can I use if I don’t have Biscoff biscuits?
If Biscoff biscuits aren’t handy, you can either omit them or replace with crushed digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or simply sprinkle extra Demerara sugar for that caramel crunch.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Ensuring the butter in the crumble topping is cold and rubbing it in quickly creates the best crumbly texture that crisps up beautifully. Also, baking uncovered for the full last 30 minutes rounds out a perfectly crisp surface.
Can I make the crumble ahead and bake later?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit filling and topping separately in advance and store in the fridge. When ready, assemble and bake as directed for fresh, warm crumble any day.
Final Thoughts
This Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a brilliant way to bring classic, comforting flavors to your table with just a few ingredients and simple steps. Whether for a casual family gathering or a cozy night in, it always delivers that perfect balance of fruitiness and crunch. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your go-to—once you’ve tasted it, it’s sure to become a favorite you return to time after time.
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Apple and Blackberry Crumble Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a delightful dessert blending tart cooking apples and juicy blackberries with a crunchy, buttery crumble topping. Enhanced by warm cinnamon and a hint of lemon, this comforting dish is perfect served warm with ice cream, custard, or cream.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 4 large cooking apples (preferably Bramley)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp Demerara sugar
- 2 cups (300g) blackberries (wild or cultivated)
- 2 tbsp (30g) cold butter or vegan alternative, cubed
Crumble Topping
- 10 Biscoff biscuits (or 3 tbsp Demerara sugar as alternative)
- 1 ¼ cups (150g) self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour plus ½ tsp baking powder)
- 1 cup (100g) golden caster sugar (or light brown sugar)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter or vegan alternative, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples, then place them in a 10 ½ inch (26cm) pie dish. Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, Demerara sugar, cinnamon, and plain flour to coat evenly.
- Add blackberries and start baking: Gently fold in the blackberries with the apple mixture. Dot the fruit mixture with the cold butter cubes. Cover the pie dish with foil or an oven-safe lid and bake for 20 minutes to soften the fruit.
- Prepare crumble topping: If using, crush the Biscoff biscuits in a food processor or place in a sealed bag and gently crush with a rolling pin. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, golden caster sugar, and cinnamon. Rub in the cold butter with your fingers until a crumbly texture forms that holds together in small lumps. Adjust with extra butter or flour if necessary to get the right texture.
- Top and bake again: Remove the pie dish from the oven safely using oven mitts. Evenly spread the crumble mixture over the fruit, pinching some into small clumps for added texture. Sprinkle the crushed Biscoff biscuits on top for extra crunch and flavor.
- Final baking: Return the pie dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 30 minutes or until the topping turns golden and the filling bubbles at the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly so the filling can set.
- Serve: Spoon the crumble into serving bowls and enjoy warm, ideally accompanied by ice cream, custard, or cream for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Bramley apples are preferred for their tartness and texture, but other cooking apples can be used.
- If you want a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- The crumble topping can be adjusted by adding more or less sugar to suit your sweetness preference.
- Using Biscoff biscuits adds a unique spiced caramel flavor and crispy texture, but you can skip or substitute with extra sugar.
- Make sure the crumble topping is crumbly yet holds small clumps before baking to ensure a perfect texture.
- This crumble is best served warm and fresh but can be reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: apple crumble, blackberry crumble, fruit dessert, British dessert, baked crumble, autumn dessert, easy crumble recipe
