Apple & Blackberry Crumble

Dessert

Cuisine British

Tags Pudding

Ingredients 9

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Story behind the dish

There's something utterly comforting about a warm fruit crumble bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with sweet, spicy aromas. This Apple & Blackberry Crumble is a perfect treat for those cosy evenings when you crave a dessert that combines the tartness of fresh blackberries with the sweetness of tender Braeburn apples. Inspired by classic British pudding traditions, this dish balances a crunchy, buttery topping with luscious, flavorful fruit beneath—an irresistible duo that’s as inviting as a hug on a chilly day.

Creating this crumble from scratch is a delightful way to bring out the best in seasonal produce while enjoying a hands-on, wholesome baking experience. The steps might seem simple, but the reward is extraordinary—a warm, comforting dessert topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups (150 g) plain flour
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) caster sugar
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, chilled
  • 10 1/2 oz (300 g) Braeburn apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 oz (30 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 oz (30 g) demerara sugar
  • 4 1/4 oz (120 g) blackberries
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Ice cream, to serve

Step-by-step

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the plain flour and caster sugar. Add the chilled butter, then rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Be careful not to overmix, as you want a light, crumbly topping. Spread the crumble mixture evenly onto a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  2. While the crumble topping is baking, prepare the fruit compote. Place the peeled, cored, and diced apples into a medium saucepan. In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the demerara sugar over medium heat until it turns into a light caramel—about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir the apples into the caramel, cooking for another 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the blackberries and cinnamon, then cook for an additional 3 minutes. Cover the pan, remove from heat, and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the fruit to finish cooking in the residual heat.
  4. Spoon the warm fruit mixture into a baking dish—preferably ovenproof—then sprinkle the crisp crumble topping evenly over the fruit. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden and crunchy.
  5. Serve promptly with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, melting softly over the warm, fruity layers.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

  • For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts over the crumble before baking.
  • This dessert pairs beautifully with a drizzle of caramel or a splash of warm custard, adding more depth to the cozy experience.

Closing thoughts

There's a magic in turning fresh fruit and simple pantry ingredients into a show-stopping dessert. With every spoonful of this Apple & Blackberry Crumble, you're embracing comforting tradition while filling your home with delightful aromas. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a special weekend treat, this dish promises warmth, sweetness, and a touch of seasonal elegance—comfort food at its finest.