Delicious Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Apple and Blackberry Crumble: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert
Apple and blackberry crumble is a classic comfort dessert that you will love. It blends the tartness of blackberries with the sweetness of apples, all topped with a crispy, buttery crumble. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed on a cozy evening, this dessert never disappoints.
A Brief History of Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Crumble gained popularity during World War II when ingredients were scarce. As a result, British home cooks began creating simpler desserts that required fewer ingredients. Apple crumble became a favorite alternative to traditional pies and tarts. Over time, the combination of apples and blackberries grew in popularity, especially in the UK. Today, apple and blackberry crumble remains a beloved dessert, often served with custard or ice cream.
Why You’ll Love Apple and Blackberry Crumble
The beauty of apple and blackberry crumble lies in its simplicity. Apples provide sweetness, while blackberries add a hint of tartness. Moreover, the buttery topping made with oats gives the dessert a delightful crunch. Altogether, the flavors are perfectly balanced, making it a dessert you’ll want to make over and over again.
The Perfect Fall Dessert
As the weather cools, apple and blackberry crumble becomes the ideal dessert. It takes full advantage of the season’s best ingredients. Additionally, when served warm, it’s the perfect treat for a chilly evening. For an even better experience, you can enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a generous pour of custard.
Simple Ingredients for a Flavorful Crumble
One of the reasons apple and blackberry crumble is so popular is because it requires only a few simple ingredients. First, apples, such as Bramley, break down beautifully when baked, creating a smooth filling. Next, blackberries add a burst of flavor and color. Finally, the crumble topping, made with butter, flour, and oats, gives the dessert a rich, crumbly texture that complements the fruit filling perfectly.
Perfect for Any Occasion
An apple and blackberry crumble suits any occasion. Whether you serve it warm after a hearty meal or make it ahead for a special event, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Moreover, it pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of custard to elevate the flavors even further.
Delicious Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
- 1 baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
Apple & Blackberry Filling
- 1300 g Bramley apple or cooking apple peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- 400 g blackberries
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 1 orange zest and juice
- 100 g golden caster sugar or soft brown sugar
Crumble Topping
- 150 g plain flour
- 120 g butter cold
- 50 g caster sugar or brown sugar
Custard
- 250 ml full-fat milk
- 150 ml double cream
- 3-4 drops vanilla extract
- 3 egg yolks
- 30 g light brown sugar
- 1-2 tsp cornflour
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)
Prepare the Apple & Blackberry Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the orange and lemon zest and juice. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples, tossing them in the citrus juice as you go to prevent browning. Transfer the apples and juice into a large saucepan, adding the sugar. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes until the apples soften and collapse into a silky, golden puree. If using eating apples, they may stay chunkier. Stir in the blackberries, taste for sweetness, and add more sugar if needed. Let the mixture cool completely before assembling the crumble.
Make the Crumble Topping
- In a food processor, combine the flour, cold butter and brown sugar and until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Alternatively, you can rub the ingredients together with your fingers in a large bowl. Place the topping mixture in the fridge until ready to use.
Assemble the Crumble
- Spread the cooled apple and blackberry mixture evenly in a large baking dish. Generously crumble the topping over the fruit, making sure to create a chunky, even layer. Any leftover crumble topping can be frozen for later use. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden-brown and the fruit is bubbling underneath.
Make the Custard
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream together. Bring the mixture to just below boiling point, then remove it from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour.Gradually pour the warm milk mixture over the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine. Return the custard mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. Cook until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon—be careful not to let it simmer, as it will curdle.Once thickened, remove from heat and continue stirring for a minute to help it cool slightly. Add the vanilla extract now. Transfer the custard to a warmed jug for serving.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve the hot, bubbling crumble with a generous pour of creamy custard on top. Enjoy the comforting warmth and delicious flavors!
Notes
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Bramley or Granny Smith. These apples break down well during baking and balance the sweetness of the blackberries.
- Mix Fresh and Frozen Berries: While fresh blackberries are ideal, frozen blackberries can also be used if fresh ones are out of season. If using frozen, avoid thawing them before baking to prevent excess moisture.
- Make Sure the Topping Is Crumbly: Don’t overwork the crumble topping mixture. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture, then stop. Overworking it can make the topping dense instead of light and crisp.
- Add Oats for Extra Texture: Including oats in the crumble topping adds extra crunch and a lovely texture. It also gives the topping a rustic feel.
- Add Spices for Flavor: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit mixture for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Use a Baking Dish with High Sides: Make sure to use a baking dish with high sides to accommodate the filling and crumble topping. This ensures the fruit cooks evenly and doesn’t spill over.
- Serve with Custard or Ice Cream: Enhance the flavor by serving the crumble with custard, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm dessert paired with cool creaminess makes the perfect combination.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve without spilling.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: You can make the crumble topping ahead of time and freeze it. This saves you time when preparing the dessert for a later occasion.
