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Home » baking, desserts & puddings » classic apple & blackberry crumble

classic apple & blackberry crumble

7 September, 2021 Last Modified: August 30, 2021

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A pinterest graphic for apple and blackberry crumble.

Classic apple & blackberry crumble, a simple dessert with a layer of soft fruit, topped with sweet crumble and the perfect pudding when served with a side of custard.

Our classic apple and blackberry crumble is comfort food perfection in pudding form. This classic dessert comprises a soft layer of sweet and slightly tart fruits, covered with a sweet crumble topping.

When it comes to desserts that are quick to prepare you can’t beat our easy apple and blackberry crumble. This classic pudding is made with simple ingredients that most of us will have in our store cupboards, fridge and fruit bowl.

I like to forage for blackberries in the hedgerows close to my home, although we call them brambles. Freely available every Autumn these dark and juicy berries are a joy to pick, even if you do have to take care and avoid the thorns!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • The perfect balance of flavours, the combination of sweet, slightly tart apples with glorious ripe and juicy blackberries. Autumn fruits at their seasonal best!
  • Make ahead ready to pop into the oven just before dinner, so it’s ready to enjoy warm, straight from the oven.
  • Feed a crowd, this recipe is easily doubled up if you are feeding larger numbers.

What is crumble topping made of?

Our traditional crumble topping is made by rubbing butter through plain flour and caster sugar to form a breadcrumb like consistency. You can also add in rolled oats if you want added crunch and some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if you prefer. However, we like it served simply as it is, allowing the flavour of the apple and blackberry to really shine through.

Can I use eating apples for crumble?

The joy of any apple crumble is balancing the sweet crumble topping with the sharp, tart apples. I like to use a Granny Smith apple when I’m cooking, which is an eating apple, just one that’s on the sour side. Granny Smiths have the right balance of sour and tart and also hold their shape when cooked.

You can also use a Bramley cooking apple. However, if you are using other cooking apples like Gala or Pink Lady, then I recommend adding in a little lemon juice to counteract the sweetness.

How to make apple & blackberry crumble:

Ingredients to make apple and blackberry crumble laid out on a tiled surface.
  • Look out all the ingredients.
  • Prepare the apples by peeling and removing the core. Then cut the apple into quarters or large slices. Don’t cut the apple too small otherwise it will not hold its shape once baked.
Apples and blackberries in a dish before added crumble topping.
  • Place the apples and blackberries into an oven-proof dish. Spoon over the caster sugar and mix well to combine then set aside.
Step by step of making rhubarb crumble rubbing together flour, sugar and butter.
  • Place the crumble ingredients into a large mixing bowl
Step by step of making rhubarb crumble rubbing together flour, sugar and butter between your fingers.
  • Rub together the flour, butter and sugar until you have a mix the texture of fine breadcrumbs.
  • Spoon the crumble mix over the apples and blackberries and place the dish in a hot oven at 200C/180CFan for 40 minutes until the top is golden.

Recipe substitutions and variations:

  • Apples add a lovely sharpness to this wonderful baked dessert. I like to use a tart tasting apple to balance out the sweetness of the crumble topping. Granny Smiths are ideal as they are tart, have a great firmness and retain their shape once cooked. You could also use a Bramley cooking apple. If using sweet dessert apples like gala or pink lady then add a squeeze of lemon juice to bring down the sweetness.
  • Blackberries pair beautifully with apples, even better if you can forage for them for free in the hedgerows. You could also substitute with raspberries.
  • Caster sugar is used to sweeten the fruit layer and the crumble.
  • Plain flour forms the base of the crumble topping. For gluten free apple and blackberry crumble, substitute regular plain flour for gluten free plain flour to make a gluten free crumble topping.
  • Salted butter is rubbed through the flour and sugar to form the crumble. If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative you can replace the butter with a dairy free spread instead.
  • Rolled oats can be added to the crumble mix for added crunch.
  • Ground cinnamon can be added to the apples and blackberries if you want a little warm spicing. 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon would be enough.
A portion of apple and blackberry crumble topped with custard and the rest of the dish in the back.

Alternative fruit crumble flavour combinations:

Fruit crumble is a versatile dish. Here are some other ideas for fruit combinations that work really well with this crumble topping:

  • apple with raspberry or strawberry
  • pear and raspberry
  • rhubarb and ginger
  • peach, apricot or nectarine with cinnamon
  • plums with cinnamon and nutmeg

How to serve classic apple & blackberry crumble?

When it comes to serving any fruit crumble I really don’t think you can beat custard, its such a classic pudding combination.

However, you could also serve this sweet pudding with double cream, some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla or dairy ice-cream. I don’t tend to add flavoured ice-cream as it detracts from the flavour of the fruits.

How to make a gluten free apple & blackberry crumble?

It is very simple to adapt this recipe if serving this crumble to Coeliacs or anyone following a gluten free diet. Simply replace the regular flour with a gluten free plain flour alternative. We like to use Doves Farms Gluten Free Flours. You can also add some gluten free rolled oats to the crumble mix for added crunch.

A blackberry and apple crumble freshly out of the oven.

Can I make crumble ahead of time?

  • FRIDGE: This simple crumble is a great make ahead dish. Prepare the pudding earlier in the day and pop into the fridge. Then place in the oven when you are ready to enjoy.
  • FREEZER: you can freeze crumble either before or after baking it. Just ensure all the ingredients are completely cool then place cover the dish and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy I like to defrost overnight in the fridge and bake next day when I’m ready to serve.

Useful hints and tips:

  1. Feeding a crowd: double or treble up this recipe to feed a larger group of people.
  2. Make extra to freeze: double the recipe and enjoy one crumble now and freeze the second for another day.
  3. Leftovers: can either be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  4. Dairy free alternative: if serving to anyone with a dairy allergy or vegan diners, replace the butter in the crumble with a suitable dairy free alternative.
  5. Allergy advice: egg free, soya free and nut free. For comprehensive and detailed allergy advice go to Allergy UK.

Pin the recipe:

A pinterest graphic for apple and blackberry crumble.

Additional recipe suggestions:

If you like this recipe then try some of our other great tasting desserts:

  • Classic Apple Crumble
  • Rhubarb Frangipane Tart
  • Rhubarb & Ginger Clafoutis
  • Eve’s Pudding
  • Baked Nectarines with Hazelnuts & Yogurt
  • Rhubarb & Custard Layered Dessert
  • Rhubarb & Vanilla Sorbet
  • Panettone Bread & Butter Pudding

Classic Apple & Blackberry Crumble

Apple & blackberry crumble is an all time favourite traditional dessert. Sweet and tart apples and blackberries with sweet crumble topping that's heaven when served with warm custard.
5 from 8 votes
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Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550kcal
Author: Lesley Garden

Ingredients

  • 600 g Granny Smith apples (approx 5 apples – peeled, cored and quartered)
  • 250 g blackberries
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar

Crumble Topping

  • 200 g plain flour
  • 100 g cold salted butter (cut into cubes)
  • 75 g caster sugar

Instructions

  • Prepare the apples by peeling and removing the core. Then cut the apple into quarters or large slices. Don't cut the apple too small otherwise it will not hold its shape once baked.
  • Place the apples and blackberries into an oven-proof dish. Spoon over the caster sugar and mix well to combine then set aside.
  • Make the crumble topping by first placing the flour, sugar and cold cubes of butter into a large mixing bowl. Rub together gently to form a breadcrumb like consistency.
  • Spoon the crumble over the fruit ensuring an even layer. Place in a pre-heated oven at 200C/180CFan and bake for 40 minutes until the top is golden brown.
  • Serve with custard, or a scoop of ice cream.

Notes

This is a simple traditional apple & blackberry crumble, however if you wish you can add 1tsp of ground cinnamon to the apple. 
Fruit crumble is a versatile dish. Here are some other ideas for fruit crumbles the all work really well with a crumble topping:
  • apple and raspberry or strawberry
  • pear and raspberry
  • rhubarb and ginger
  • peach, apricot or nectarine
Nutrition Facts
Classic Apple & Blackberry Crumble
Amount Per Serving
Calories 550 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 13g81%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 54mg18%
Sodium 182mg8%
Potassium 322mg9%
Carbohydrates 87g29%
Fiber 8g33%
Sugar 41g46%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 840IU17%
Vitamin C 20mg24%
Calcium 41mg4%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

• Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only •

Course : Dessert, Pudding
Cuisine : British
Keyword : classic apple & blackberry crumble, Easy, easy apple & blackberry crumble, how to make apple & blackberry crumble, Seasonal, Simple
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Tagged With: apples, blackberries, quick dessert, simple dessert 16 Comments

Previous Post: « homemade blackberry jelly (bramble jelly)
Next Post: savoury egg muffins with Parma ham »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kat (The Baking Explorer)

    24 September, 2021 at 08:20

    5 stars
    Such a yummy classic! Can;t beat it during the colder months

    Reply
    • Lesley

      24 September, 2021 at 08:24

      Thank you Kat, its the perfect comfort dessert.

      Reply
  2. Helen at Casa Costello

    22 September, 2021 at 09:17

    Whoa! This is one of the most autumny recipes going. Apples and Blackberries have to be the most wonderful combination. Love that you use a tarty apple like Granny Smith too. Got to be a huge blob of vanilla ice cream on top for me too!

    Reply
    • Lesley

      22 September, 2021 at 10:22

      Thank you Helen, it really is flavours of autumn in pudding form. Vanilla ice cream works for me too!

      Reply
  3. Marita

    21 September, 2021 at 07:01

    5 stars
    What a nice combination. The pictures look mouth-watering, A great autumn dish.

    Reply
    • Lesley

      21 September, 2021 at 11:00

      Thank you Marita, this is such a lovely autumn dessert.

      Reply
  4. Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie

    20 September, 2021 at 17:00

    5 stars
    YUM! Love, love, LOVE apple and blackberry crumble – autumnal comfort food at its finest! Eb 🙂

    Reply
    • Lesley

      21 September, 2021 at 10:59

      Thank you Eb, I couldn’t agree more. Autumn puddings really are comfort food perfection.

      Reply
  5. Cat

    17 September, 2021 at 21:20

    5 stars
    You really can’t beat a crumble and I love these flavours. So comforting and delicious.

    Reply
    • Lesley

      21 September, 2021 at 10:59

      Thank you Cat, I couldn’t agree more. Fruit crumble is one of my favourite puddings.

      Reply
  6. Chloe

    17 September, 2021 at 20:06

    5 stars
    Looks delicious – another few days and I’ll have enough blackberries off my bush to actually make something with them!

    Reply
    • Lesley

      21 September, 2021 at 10:57

      Thank you Chloe, love blackberry season, so much to cook/bake!

      Reply
  7. Corina Blum

    14 September, 2021 at 20:33

    5 stars
    This looks delicious and is such a classic! I love the combination of apple and blackberries in crumbles, pies and sponge puddings at this time of year.

    Reply
    • Lesley

      16 September, 2021 at 08:18

      Thank you Corina, it’s a favourite flavour combination of mine too and so versatile in many puddings.

      Reply
  8. Janice

    14 September, 2021 at 18:39

    5 stars
    One of my favourite desserts, we had a crumble at the weekend. Lovely simple recipe.

    Reply
    • Lesley

      16 September, 2021 at 08:17

      Thank you Janice, mine too. I love the simplicity of a fruit crumble.

      Reply

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