Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Apple and Blackberry Crumble is the ultimate Autumn dessert! This delightful dish combines seasonal apples and blackberries, topped with a crunchy and buttery crumble. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting family treat. Serve it warm with ice cream, custard, or vegan alternatives for a truly indulgent experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Flavors: Enjoy the rich taste of autumn with fresh apples and blackberries that highlight this dessert.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure you can whip this up without stress, even on busy days.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a dessert or snack, serve it warm or cold based on your preference.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, everyone will love this comforting treat.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust sweetness or add nuts for extra crunch!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Apple and Blackberry Crumble, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Food processor (optional)
• Rolling pin
• Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A sturdy pie dish holds all the ingredients together while baking evenly for the perfect crumble texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
• Food processor: Makes crushing biscuits easier. If you don’t have one, a rolling pin works just as well!

Ingredients

Apple and Blackberry Crumble is the ultimate Autumn dessert! Seasonal apples and blackberries topped with a crunchy and buttery crumble topping. Delicious served warm with ice cream, custard, pouring cream or vegan alternatives.

For the Filling

• 4 large cooking apples (Bramley apples preferably)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp flour (plain / all purpose)
• 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)

For the Crumble Topping

• 10 Biscoff biscuits (or use 3 tbsp Demerara sugar)
• 1 ¼ cups (150g) self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with 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)

How to Make Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a 10 ½ inch (26cm) pie dish. Toss with lemon juice, Demerara sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour.

Step 2: Add Blackberries

Add the blackberries to the apple mixture. Use a spoon to gently combine. Dot with cold butter. Cover the pie dish with foil or an oven-safe lid and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

Crush the Biscoff cookies in a food processor or place them in a bag and gently crush using a rolling pin. In a bowl, combine self-rising flour, golden caster sugar, and ground cinnamon.

Step 4: Mix in Butter

Rub in cold butter until you achieve a crumbly texture that holds small lumps together. Adjust by adding more butter if too dry or more flour if too greasy.

Step 5: Assemble Before Baking

Remove the pie dish from the oven using mitts. Top with crumble mixture, pinching some into small clumps. Sprinkle Biscoff crumbs on top if using.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown on top and filling bubbles at edges. Allow cooling slightly before serving to help filling firm up.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Spoon into bowls and serve warm alongside ice cream, custard, or cream for an irresistible finish!

How to Serve Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

With Cream

• Heavy Cream – Drizzle thick heavy cream on top for a rich and decadent touch.
• Whipped Cream – Light, fluffy whipped cream adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the fruit.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic choice, vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm crumble.
• Dairy-Free Ice Cream – Choose coconut or almond-based options for a vegan-friendly dessert.

With Custard

• Warm Custard – Pouring warm custard over your crumble enhances its comforting qualities.
• Vegan Custard – Use plant-based milk and cornstarch for a creamy vegan alternative.

With Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt – A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a hint of tang.
• Plant-Based Yogurt – Opt for almond or soy yogurt for a delicious dairy-free option.

How to Perfect Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Creating the perfect Apple and Blackberry Crumble requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your dessert turns out wonderfully.

• Choose the Right Apples – Select tart cooking apples like Bramley for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Topping – Mix just until crumbly; overworking it can lead to a dense topping.
• Use Cold Ingredients – Ensure butter is cold when making the crumble for a flaky texture.
• Let It Cool Slightly – Allow your crumble to cool before serving; this helps the filling set up nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Apple and Blackberry Crumble

When it comes to pairing side dishes with Apple and Blackberry Crumble, there are several delicious options. Here are some great accompaniments that complement this sweet treat.

1. Scones – Serve freshly baked scones for a delightful afternoon tea experience.
2. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, such as brie or cheddar, balances the sweetness of the crumble.
3. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides freshness and contrast to the warm dessert.
4. Chocolate Mousse – Rich chocolate mousse offers an indulgent pairing that chocolate lovers will adore.
5. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – This cake brings tropical flavors that contrast nicely with apple and blackberry.
6. Coffee or Tea – A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the dessert perfectly while enhancing its flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple and Blackberry Crumble, even seasoned bakers can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Using the wrong apples: Not all apples are suitable for baking. Choose tart varieties like Bramley for the best results.
• Skipping the lemon juice: Lemon juice adds necessary acidity and enhances the flavor of both apples and blackberries. Don’t skip this step!
• Not preparing the crumble properly: Overworking the crumble can lead to a dense topping. Mix gently until you achieve a crumbly texture.
• Underbaking the crumble: If you don’t bake long enough, the filling may be too runny. Ensure it bubbles and the topping is golden brown.
• Serving too soon: Allow your crumble to cool slightly after baking. This helps the filling thicken up and makes serving easier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Apple and Blackberry Crumble

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple and Blackberry Crumble

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and reheat for about 20 minutes until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan with a splash of water over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple and Blackberry Crumble.

Can I use frozen blackberries in Apple and Blackberry Crumble?

Yes, frozen blackberries can be used! Just add them directly without thawing, but be aware that it may take longer to bake.

How do I customize my Apple and Blackberry Crumble?

You can add nuts, oats, or spices like nutmeg for different flavors and textures. Experiment with ingredients based on your preferences!

What should I serve with Apple and Blackberry Crumble?

This dessert pairs wonderfully with ice cream, custard, or even vegan alternatives like coconut cream.

Why is my crumble topping not crunchy?

If your crumble is soggy, it may need more flour or butter adjustments. Ensure you rub in the butter until crumbly before baking.

How long does it take to prepare Apple and Blackberry Crumble?

The total prep time is about 20 minutes, followed by 50 minutes of baking time, making it an easy dessert option!

Final Thoughts

Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a delightful dessert perfect for autumn gatherings or family dinners. Its warm fruit filling combined with a crunchy topping makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or spices according to your taste!