Apple blackberry crumble is the kind of dessert that always brings a smile to my face. The very first bite takes me right back to those lazy summer afternoons when the kitchen smelled like cinnamon, and I was elbow-deep in flour, making a cheerful mess. Honestly, I can’t think of a cozier way to wrap up a meal.
Sometimes, I toss this together on a whim, especially when apples and blackberries are tumbling out of the fruit bowl. Summer Lunch Recipes often get all the glory, but I say: don’t sleep on dessert! The best part? This apple blackberry crumble is as forgiving as my grandma’s old apron. If you accidentally sneak a few extra berries or your crumble goes slightly rogue, it still turns out beautifully rustic—like it was always meant to be a little wild.
Personal Anecdote
First, let me confess: my kitchen is a magnet for chaos whenever I make fruit crumble. Somehow, flour ends up on the cat, there’s always a rogue apple slice underfoot, and my hands get so buttery I can’t open the sugar jar. However, it’s all part of the fun. Last summer, my neighbor popped in just as I was mixing the filling, and within minutes, we were both laughing, fingers stained purple from sneaking blackberries. That’s the magic of an apple blackberry crumble.
Also, this dessert is my not-so-secret weapon for family gatherings. When I’m short on time (which is always), I love having a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that doesn’t require fancy skills or equipment. Sometimes, I make it alongside something savory like this Mediterranean flatbread pizza, and everyone is happy—even the picky eaters.
Why This Recipe is Special
Then, what really makes this apple blackberry crumble shine is how it straddles the line between comfort food and celebration. It’s perfect for a cozy fall evening, but honestly, I’ve served it at birthdays, Christmas, and just-because Wednesdays. The apples bring a gentle tartness, while the blackberries add a burst of color and flavor—plus, the crunchy topping is basically irresistible.
So, if you’re a fan of cobbler recipes or blueberry cobbler, you’ll adore the way this crumble recipe feels both familiar and new. Sometimes, I sneak in a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for good measure. Oh, and if you’re looking for a hearty dinner to pair with dessert, check out this easy chicken burrito bowl. Finally, don’t stress the small stuff—crumbles are meant to be a bit imperfect and a whole lot delicious.
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unbleached all-purpose flour | 1 cup (125 grams) |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Ground ginger | 1/4 teaspoon (topping), 1/2 teaspoon (filling) |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon (topping), 1/4 teaspoon (filling) |
| Unsalted butter, cold (plus extra for pan) | 8 tablespoons (113 grams) |
| Packed light brown sugar | 1/3 cup (67 grams) |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup (100 grams) plus extra as needed |
| Tapioca flour | 3 tablespoons (27 grams) |
| Ginger Gold apples, sliced | 5 cups (540 grams) |
| Fresh blackberries | 2 cups (250 grams) |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Utensils and substitutions
For this apple blackberry crumble, you won’t need a lot of fancy tools. A good sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board help you peel and slice the apples. I always reach for my trusty pastry blender, though two forks or your hands work just fine for making the topping.
If you don’t have tapioca flour, cornstarch can fill in—just use slightly less. For the apples, try other firm varieties if Ginger Gold isn’t handy. I’ve even swapped in blueberries for the blackberries when berry season is wild and bountiful. If you’re looking for more cozy family meal ideas, I’ve really enjoyed this Best Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Family Approved Dinner Recipe—it pairs well with a light dessert like this crumble.
Also, if you’re ever unsure about safe food handling, I keep this food safety resource open on my phone, especially when working with fresh fruit. Finally, for anyone wanting a main dish to serve before this treat, check out my Best Easy Mississippi Chicken Recipe For A Cozy Family Dinner. And if you’re daydreaming about Summer Lunch Recipes, this crumble fits right in for a sunny midday treat!
Step-by-step method for a apple blackberry crumble
Step 1
First, prepare the crumble topping for your apple blackberry crumble. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and return them to the fridge while you whisk flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a bowl. Next, toss the butter cubes with the dry mix and use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter in until you see pea-sized bits. Then, add brown sugar and rub it in gently until you get a crumbly texture. Refrigerate this mixture for at least an hour or freeze for 30 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter your baking dish. Peel and slice the apples for the apple blackberry crumble, aiming for thin, even slices. In a small bowl, whisk sugar, tapioca flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Afterward, place apples and blackberries in a large bowl, add lemon juice and vanilla, and sprinkle the sugar mixture over. Gently fold everything together, tasting for sweetness and adding more sugar if needed.
Step 3
Now, spoon the fruit filling into your dish and scatter the chilled crumble topping evenly, leaving a few edges of fruit visible. Bake the apple blackberry crumble for 40-45 minutes. The fruit juices should bubble up thickly around the edges and through the topping. Finally, let your fruit crumble cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This makes a perfect dessert after lunch or dinner, especially during summer.
Tips and tricks to make this Dessert recipe shine
For a rustic, homey touch, don’t stress if your apple slices aren’t perfect—it’s all about flavor over looks. Also, using Ginger Gold or similar apples keeps the filling nicely balanced. If you love berry desserts, try swapping blackberries for blueberries to create a blueberry cobbler twist. For more cozy meal inspiration, check out Best Cozy Merry Me Chicken Pasta For A Hearty Family Dinner or discover easy family favorites like Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken Best 5 Star Dinner Recipe. Remember, this crumble recipe is best served warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you have leftovers, store them covered in the fridge and reheat for a comforting snack or breakfast.
What to serve with this Dessert recipe
First, let’s talk about the dreamy companions for your apple blackberry crumble. Vanilla ice cream is a classic, melting into the warm fruit and crumbly topping. Next, you might enjoy a dollop of thick Greek yogurt or a splash of light custard for a cozy twist. Also, if you’re thinking about a weekend brunch, pair it with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad for a lighter touch. Need more inspiration? Check out these comforting mains: Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Dinner Easy Kid Friendly Family Approved and Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata For A Healthy Dinner Tonight. Both make a lovely dinner before serving up this sweet treat. Finally, for a picnic or potluck, serve the crumble chilled with a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade.
How to store and reheat
After enjoying your fruit crumble, let any leftovers cool completely. Next, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Also, a quick zap in the microwave works if you’re in a hurry, but the oven keeps that topping crisp. Want to save it for later? Freeze individual servings for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
FAQ
Can I use frozen berries in this crumble recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Just toss them in straight from the freezer—no need to thaw first.
What apples work best?
Granny Smith apples are a popular choice, but any firm, tart apple will do nicely.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can swap out the flour for a gluten-free blend to make it work for your needs.
Can I make this crumble ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the crumble and keep it in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the difference between a crumble and a cobbler?
A crumble features a streusel-like topping, while a cobbler uses a biscuit or cake-like topping. Both are delicious!
Print
Apple Blackberry Crumble – Full recipes (ingredients + preparation)
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting apple blackberry crumble with a spiced, buttery topping. Perfect for a satisfying dessert or sweet treat.
Ingredients
Crumble Topping Ingredients: unbleached all-purpose flour 125 grams, ground cinnamon 1.5 teaspoons, ground ginger 0.25 teaspoon, kosher salt 0.5 teaspoon, unsalted butter cold 113 grams plus extra for pan, light brown sugar packed 67 grams; Apple Blackberry Filling Ingredients: granulated sugar 100 grams plus extra for sweetness, tapioca flour 27 grams, ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon, ground ginger 0.5 teaspoon, kosher salt 0.25 teaspoon, Ginger Gold apples sliced 540 grams, fresh blackberries 250 grams, lemon juice 2 tablespoons, pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter the baking dish. 2. Prepare the crumble topping by combining flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Toss cold butter cubes in mixture and cut in until pea-sized. Add brown sugar and rub into crumbs; chill in fridge 60 minutes or freeze 30 minutes. 3. Peel and slice apples about 1/8-inch thick. 4. In a bowl, whisk sugar, tapioca flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. 5. In a large bowl, combine apples and blackberries, add lemon juice and vanilla, sprinkle in the tapioca-sugar mix, fold gently. Add extra sugar if needed. 6. Spoon fruit mixture evenly into dish, spread crumble topping over, leaving some edges uncovered. 7. Bake 40-45 minutes until juices bubble and topping is golden. 8. Cool 20 minutes before serving. Serve plain, with fresh berries, or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Refrigerate or freeze crumble topping before baking for best texture. Adjust sugar to taste based on berry sweetness. Store leftover crumble covered at room temperature up to a day or refrigerated up to three days. Reheat uncovered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28 grams
- Sodium: 180 milligrams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 11 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 45 milligrams
There’s just something special about gathering around the table with a warm apple blackberry crumble. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to linger a little longer, sharing stories and scooping out seconds. If you’re craving more comforting ideas, take a peek at our family-friendly ranch chicken dinner or try a zesty twist with our Mediterranean chicken piccata. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for even more sweet and savory inspiration. Whether you’re browsing our Meal Type board for breakfast, dinner, or a quick snack, there’s always something cozy waiting for you. Thanks for baking along with us—can’t wait to see what you’ll try next!