Blackberry Crumble Recipe: A Delight for All Occasions

Blackberry Crumble is a classic dessert that pairs tart, juicy blackberries with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping. This recipe is simple to make yet delivers an incredible burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a casual dinner party, or indulging in a quiet evening treat, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s a dessert that hits all the right notes—sweet, tart, buttery, and crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor: Juicy blackberries combined with cinnamon and a hint of lemon create a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
2. Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is approachable for both beginner and experienced bakers.
3. Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with ice cream, whipped cream, or custard for an elevated experience.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Its irresistible texture and flavors make it a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy winter night, this crumble fits every season.

Ingredients for Incredible Blackberry Crumble

For the Filling:

• 24 ounces fresh or frozen blackberries
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 dash salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

For the Crumble:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 dashes salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

How to Make Incredible Blackberry Crumble

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Blackberry Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blackberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the berries evenly. The flour helps thicken the juices as the crumble bakes, while the lemon juice enhances the natural tartness of the blackberries.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the prepared blackberry mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, ensuring the berries are distributed evenly for consistent baking.

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix using a fork or your hands until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. The crumble topping should hold its shape when squeezed but still remain crumbly.

Step 5: Assemble the Crumble

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the blackberry mixture, ensuring all the berries are covered.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The topping should be golden brown, and the blackberry filling should be bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm, tart blackberries and buttery crumble perfectly.
2. With Whipped Cream: Add a light and fluffy topping for an extra indulgence.
3. With Custard: For a British twist, serve with creamy custard.
4. As Breakfast: Pair leftovers with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a decadent morning treat.
5. Add Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans on top for a nutty crunch.

Tips for Success

1. Fresh vs. Frozen Blackberries: Both work well, but if using frozen berries, let them thaw slightly and drain excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
2. Perfect Crumble Texture: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for a perfectly crumbly texture.
3. Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the crumble topping for a warm, spicy note.
4. Prevent Over-Browning: If the crumble starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
5. Test for Doneness: The crumble is ready when the topping is golden and the filling bubbles.

Variations

1. Mixed Berry Crumble: Replace half of the blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a mixed berry treat.
2. Gluten-Free Version: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the topping.
3. Vegan Blackberry Crumble: Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
4. Spiced Crumble: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Nutty Crumble: Stir in chopped pecans or almonds into the crumble topping for added crunch.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Blackberry crumble can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Warm the crumble in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to maintain its crispy topping.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fiber: 6 g

FAQs

Q: Can I use other fruits in place of blackberries?
A: Absolutely! Try apples, peaches, cherries, or a mix of your favorite fruits.

Q: How can I make the crumble less sweet?
A: Reduce the sugar in the topping to ¾ cup for a less sweet version.

Q: What type of baking dish is best?
A: A 9-inch round or square glass or ceramic baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.

Q: Can I prepare the crumble ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the crumble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Q: Can I use brown sugar in the topping?
A: Yes, brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor to the crumble.

Conclusion

Incredible Blackberry Crumble is a timeless dessert that combines the natural tartness of blackberries with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced topping. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or cold from the fridge as a snack, this dessert never fails to delight. Customize it with your favorite berries or spices to make it uniquely yours. Try this recipe today and savor the irresistible flavors of homemade comfort food at its finest!

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