What to do with lots of blackberries? Make Blackberry Crumble! This delightful dessert features sweet blackberries nestled under a cake-like crumble topping, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at a summer picnic or served warm with ice cream during the winter months, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of textures and flavors creates a comforting treat that stands out in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making blackberry crumble is a breeze, even for beginner bakers.
- Delicious Flavor – The natural sweetness of blackberries mixed with the buttery crumble results in an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dessert – Serve it warm or cold, as-is or with a scoop of ice cream. This dessert adapts to your preferences and occasions!
- Perfect for Any Season – Whether using fresh summer blackberries or frozen ones in the winter, this recipe works year-round.
- Family-Friendly – This blackberry crumble is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing your kitchen with the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry cutter or two forks
- Baking dish (2-quart)
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls – These are essential for combining dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
- Pastry cutter – Using this tool makes cutting butter into flour much easier, helping achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
- Baking dish – A 2-quart baking dish ensures even cooking while providing ample space for the blackberry filling.
Ingredients
To make your delicious Blackberry Crumble, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Crust and Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cut in small cubes)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For the Filling
- 4 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a medium lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
How to Make Blackberry Crumble
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place an oven rack in the center so that heat circulates evenly around your crumble.
Step 2: Make the Topping Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
flour
sugar
baking powder
salt
Next, cut the butter into this mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers for this step.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add in:
vanilla
egg
apple cider vinegar
Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and form a cohesive dough.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take half of the dough and press it into a greased 2-quart baking dish or deep-dish pie pan. Ensure it’s evenly spread across the bottom.
Step 5: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
In another bowl, combine:
blackberries
sugar
cornstarch
Gently toss to mix these ingredients. Then stir in:
lemon juice
lemon zest
Spread this delicious blackberry mixture evenly over your dough layer in the baking dish.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Dough
Crumble the remaining topping over the blackberries. Use your fingers to create clumps of dough for added texture.
Step 7: Bake
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 40–45 minutes until the top turns light brown and crisp.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream for an unforgettable treat!
Enjoy this delightful Blackberry Crumble, perfect for any gathering!
How to Serve Blackberry Crumble
Blackberry crumble is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in several delightful ways. Whether you prefer it warm or cold, there are many options to elevate your serving experience.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds a creamy contrast to the tartness of the blackberries.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this rich flavor complements the sweet blackberry topping perfectly.
With Whipped Cream
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream can add a touch of sweetness to your crumble.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
As a Breakfast Treat
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer blackberry crumble with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a delicious breakfast option.
- Oatmeal Topping: Add a scoop of crumble on top of your morning oatmeal for a sweet twist.
With Coffee or Tea
- Espresso: The bold flavors of espresso provide a great contrast to the sweet blackberry crumble.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can complement the dessert’s sweetness and enhance its flavors.
How to Perfect Blackberry Crumble
Creating the perfect blackberry crumble requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out amazing every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh blackberries will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure they are thawed and drained.
- Don’t Overmix: When making the crumble topping, mix until just combined. This keeps it light and crumbly rather than dense.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the tartness of your blackberries, feel free to adjust the sugar in both the filling and topping.
- Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the topping can add warmth and depth to your blackberry crumble.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding nuts or oats to the crumble mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve Warm: Allowing your blackberry crumble to cool slightly before serving enhances its flavors, but serve it warm for a comforting experience.
Best Side Dishes for Blackberry Crumble
Pairing side dishes with blackberry crumble can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture balances well with the fruity sweetness of blackberry crumble.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light salad featuring seasonal fruits can refresh your palate after enjoying dessert.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese provides a savory counterpoint to the sweet dessert.
- Coffee Cake: Another sweet option that works well as a brunch companion alongside blackberry crumble.
- Pecan Pie: This rich dessert offers contrasting textures and flavors that pair interestingly with blackberry crumble.
- Chocolate Tart: For chocolate lovers, this decadent dessert makes an indulgent pairing with fruit-based desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Blackberry Crumble can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your dessert.
- Using too much butter: Adding more butter than the recipe calls for can make the crumble greasy. Stick to the exact amount for the best texture.
- Overmixing the topping: Mixing the crumble too much can lead to a dense topping. Combine ingredients just until they clump together for a light and airy crumble.
- Forgetting to adjust for frozen berries: When using frozen blackberries, you may need to add extra baking time. Keep an eye on it as it bakes.
- Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into your crumble immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Let it cool for about 30 minutes for better slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Blackberry Crumble in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Blackberry Crumble
- Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy later.
Reheating Blackberry Crumble
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Blackberry Crumble, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes! You can substitute blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a delicious twist.
Is Blackberry Crumble gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Blackberry Crumble, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I enhance the flavor of Blackberry Crumble?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble topping or mixing in some chopped nuts for extra texture.
Can I prepare Blackberry Crumble ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Blackberry Crumble is not only comforting but also versatile. Whether you stick with traditional blackberries or explore other fruits, this dessert is sure to impress. Customize it with different spices or toppings, and enjoy a cozy treat anytime!
Blackberry Crumble
Indulge in the warmth of homemade Blackberry Crumble, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. With juicy blackberries enveloped in a buttery, cake-like crumble, this dish is ideal for any occasion—enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream during chilly nights or as a refreshing treat at summer picnics. Not only is this recipe simple to prepare, but it also invites customization with various fruits and toppings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Blackberry Crumble will impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, combine flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Mix in egg, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar until combined.
- Press half the dough into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine blackberries, remaining sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest. Spread over the dough.
- Crumble remaining dough on top of the berries.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Allow to cool for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (130g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
