Apple and Blackberry Crumble Recipe

There is something truly magical about an Apple and Blackberry Crumble that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The tender, tart apples paired with juicy blackberries create a luscious filling beneath a golden, crunchy topping that’s packed with cinnamon spice and a touch of caramel sweetness from the Biscoff crumbs. It’s the kind of dessert that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and maybe even sneak a second helping. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or the grand finale at a family gathering, this crumble bursts with flavor and comfort all rolled into one delightful dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this crumble sing. Each component plays a huge part—from the tartness of Bramley apples balancing the sweetness of blackberries, to the crisp, buttery topping offering that perfect contrast in texture. These simple staples come together beautifully to deliver a dessert that’s both homey and special.

• 4 large cooking apples (Bramley apples preferably): Their firm texture holds up well during baking and their tartness cuts through the sweetness.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and keeps the apples from browning.
• 2 tbsp plain flour: Helps thicken the fruit juices for a luscious filling.
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, cozy spice that complements both fruits.
• 4 tbsp Demerara sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor and a subtle crunch.
• 2 cups (300g) blackberries: Juicy and slightly tart, they bring vibrant color and balance.
• 2 tbsp (30g) cold butter (or vegan alternative, cubed): Enriches the fruit layer with richness.
• 10 Biscoff biscuits (or 3 tbsp Demerara sugar): Crushed crumbs add a unique caramel spice crunch to the topping.
• 1 ¼ cups (150g) self-rising flour (or all-purpose + ½ tsp baking powder): The base for the crumble’s tender yet crisp texture.
• 1 cup (100g) golden caster sugar (or light brown sugar): Sweetens and caramelizes the topping as it bakes.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: A sprinkle here echoes the spice in the fruit layer for harmony.
• ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter (or vegan alternative, cubed): Key to creating that glorious crumbly topping.

How to Make Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure everything cooks evenly from the start. Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces so they cook uniformly. Toss them gently with lemon juice to keep their fresh color, then add in the Demerara sugar, cinnamon, and plain flour. This combination thickens the fruit juices while layering in sweetness and warming spice. Fold in those vibrant blackberries carefully so they don’t get crushed, and dot the whole mixture with the buttery cubes, adding richness that will melt into the fruit as it bakes.

Step 2: Part-Bake the Fruit

Cover your pie dish with foil or a large oven-safe lid, which helps retain moisture and lets the fruit soften perfectly without drying out. Pop it into the oven for 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it jumpstarts the cooking process, melding the flavors and ensuring a juicy but not watery base before the crumble topping goes on.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

While the fruit is baking, crush the Biscoff biscuits into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries—place them in a bag and gently pound with a rolling pin. They add a lovely caramelized crunch that elevates the topping to something quite special. Next, combine the self-rising flour, caster sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key is to stop once small lumps form to maintain a crumbly texture after baking. If it feels dry, add a smidge more butter; too greasy, sprinkle in some extra flour to balance.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Crumble

Carefully remove the fruit filling from the oven—use oven mitts because it will be hot. Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture on top, pinching some into bigger clumps for an appealing texture contrast. Then, scatter the crushed Biscoff crumbs over the top for that sweet, spiced crunch. Bake uncovered for another 30 minutes until the topping is gloriously golden and the fruit beneath bubbles at the edges. Let it cool slightly to thicken the filling before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the warm Apple and Blackberry Crumble into bowls, preparing yourself for a comforting bite of spiced fruit and buttery crumble. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh and warm, inviting you to savor every spoonful alongside a creamy, chilly accompaniment.

How to Serve Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Garnishes

A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic partner, melting beautifully into the warm crumble. For a more indulgent touch, hot custard or softly whipped cream adds lusciousness and complements the spiced fruit flavors perfectly. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of extra cinnamon on top give a pretty, aromatic finish that’s sure to impress at the table.

Side Dishes

This crumble works wonderfully as a dessert after a cozy autumn meal but can also be part of a casual brunch spread, paired with yogurt or crème fraîche. To keep things balanced, serve it alongside a simple green salad or roasted nuts during mealtime for a contrast in flavors and textures that keep the palate refreshed.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in mini ramekins for an elegant touch, perfect for dinner parties. Another fun idea is to layer the crumble with yogurt and fresh blackberries in clear glasses for a visually stunning parfait style dessert. For gatherings, bake it in a large shallow dish allowing everyone to dive in family-style—the ultimate comfort food experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any crumble left (which is rare!), cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, and you can enjoy it cold or warmed up again with ease.

Freezing

Apple and Blackberry Crumble freezes beautifully. Bake the crumble fully, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it well with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat using the oven to restore that crisp topping.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your crumble in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crispy again. Microwaving can soften the crumble topping, so avoid that if you want to keep the delicious crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries for this crumble?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to reduce excess moisture, which helps keep your crumble from becoming too soggy.

What if I don’t have Biscoff biscuits?

No problem at all. You can substitute with extra Demerara sugar or even crushed digestive biscuits to maintain that lovely crunchy topping texture.

Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just keep it covered so it doesn’t dry out.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Use vegan butter alternatives and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, making this dessert a treat for everyone.

How do I prevent the fruit filling from being watery?

The plain flour mixed with the fruit helps thicken the juices during baking. Make sure to toss the fruit well before baking and avoid adding extra liquids. Baking uncovered for the final 30 minutes also helps evaporate excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both heartwarming and bursting with flavors, this Apple and Blackberry Crumble is your perfect recipe. It’s easy to make, wonderfully comforting, and offers that nostalgic charm we all love. Give it a go and prepare to fall in love with every tender, crunchy, spiced bite—you might just find your new favorite crumble to share with friends and family!

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