How to Make a Delicious Apple and Blackberry Crumble at Home

Is there a more iconic early autumn dessert than a homemade Apple and Blackberry Crumble? It’s a seasonal favourite for good reason – the hedgerows come alive in late August and early September, heavy with ripe, juicy blackberries just waiting to be picked.

At THE PIG, we grow our own in fruit cages to keep the harvest going that little bit longer, freezing the berries at their peak to lock in all that vibrant flavour. And thanks to a warm spring, our orchards have provided a bumper crop of crisp Somerset apples – the perfect balance of tart and sweet, ideal for crumbles, cakes, and chutneys.

This time of year is all about celebrating what’s grown close to home. Somerset is famous for its apple orchards and traditional cider-making, so it felt only right to head to the kitchen at THE PIG-near Bath and share one of our favourite ways to showcase local produce. This simple Apple and Blackberry Crumble recipe is everything an autumn pudding should be – warming, nostalgic, and bursting with the flavours of the season.

Whether you’re looking for an easy autumn dessert, a countryside baking project, or just a way to use up a glut of apples and blackberries, this crumble recipe is a proper seasonal crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Apple and Blackberry Crumble

To craft this delightful dessert, you'll need a selection of fresh ingredients that harmonise beautifully. The stars of the show here are apples and blackberries, which provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

For the apples, choose varieties that hold their shape during baking - we've used Bramley apples, but Granny Smith or Braeburn would work. When foraging for blackberries, seek out plump, juicy ones for the fullest flavour.

You'll also need demerara sugar, which adds a rich sweetness that complements the fruit. The crumble topping is a simple mix of plain flour and unsalted butter, rubbed together until it resembles breadcrumbs. This mixture, combined with brown sugar and rolled oats, creates the irresistible crumbly texture we all love.

Serves 6–8

For the fruit mixture

• 600g (1lb 5 oz) Bramley apples, peeled, cored and each cut into 8 chunks

• 2 tablespoons golden caster sugar

• 2 tablespoons water or apple juice

• juice of 1 lemon

• 2 punnets of blackberries

For the crumble topping

• 175g (6oz) unsalted butter, diced

• 120g (4¼oz) demerara sugar

• 300g (10½oz) plain flour

• 70g (2½oz) jumbo oats

Step-by-Step Method for Making Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Put the apples, sugar, liquid and lemon juice in a pan and heat until the mixture starts to bubble and the sugar dissolves.

Turn the heat down low and cook until the apples start to get soft but not mushy. Remember, it’ll be going in the oven, so you don’t need to cook them all the way through. Add the blackberries and mix in, allowing them to just warm through – you want them to keep their shape.

Preheat the oven to 200ºC, 180ºC fan (400°F), Gas Mark 6. Line a baking tray with baking parchment. To make the crumble topping, rub together the butter, sugar and flour with your fingers until the mixture has a breadcrumb consistency. Stir in the oats and spread over a lined baking tray. Bake for 8 minutes.

When you’re ready to serve, place the fruit in an ovenproof dish, draining off any excess liquid as you don’t want the topping to be soggy. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit, making a layer at least 1cm deep. Bake it in the oven for 25 minutes until golden brown, bubbling and delicious.

Why We Love This Apple and Blackberry Crumble Recipe

This apple and blackberry crumble recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. You don't need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to create something delicious. With just a few staple ingredients, you can whip up this classic dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the tartness of blackberries.

The preparation is straightforward. Once you've prepared your fruits and mixed your crumble topping, the oven does the rest of the work. The whole process takes around 40 minutes, during which your kitchen will be filled with the tantalising fragrance of baked fruits and spices!

Once out of the oven, the crumble should have a golden-brown topping, with hints of bubbling fruit at the edges. Serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that will slowly melt into the crumble, enhancing its warm, fruity flavours. It's a dessert that delivers joy in every bite.

Ingredient Notes for Apple and Blackberry Crumble

Choosing the right ingredients for your apple and blackberry crumble ensures a dessert that's both delicious and satisfying. For the apples, Granny Smiths are a fantastic choice. These cooking apples maintain their shape and tartness during baking, providing a lovely contrast to the sweet crumble topping.

Blackberries are versatile in this recipe. Whether you have fresh or frozen blackberries, both work well and add that necessary tartness to balance the dessert. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them before baking as they will cook beautifully with the apples.

Using unsalted butter in your crumble mix allows you to control the saltiness of the topping, but we find a pinch of salt in the crumble topping enhances the overall flavours!

Serving Suggestions for Apple and Blackberry Crumble

For a truly luxurious finish, serve your apple and blackberry crumble with a dollop of clotted cream. This rich accompaniment adds a creamy contrast to the warm fruit and crunchy topping. Alternatively, vanilla custard pairs beautifully, complementing the fruity flavours with its smooth texture.

Freshly whipped cream is another option, offering a light, airy contrast to the dense crumble. Serving the dessert warm enhances its comforting elements, making it the ultimate cosy treat.

Pairing your crumble with a cup of tea creates a quintessentially British experience, perfect for any afternoon gathering. Whether served in the garden or by the fireplace, this dessert is sure to please and impress.

In summary, making a delicious apple and blackberry crumble at home is not only achievable but also immensely rewarding. By following this guide, you'll create a dessert that's both comforting and satisfying. So, why not give it a try and share your creation with family and friends? What's your favourite way to enjoy this classic dessert?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits in the crumble?

Yes, you can customise your apple and blackberry crumble by adding other fruits such as pears, raspberries, or strawberries. Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations to suit your taste preferences.

How can I make the crumble topping more crunchy?

For a crispier crumble topping, you can add a handful of oats or chopped nuts to the flour, sugar, and butter mixture. This will give your apple and blackberry crumble a delicious crunch that complements the soft fruit filling.

Can I make a vegan or gluten-free version of this crumble?

Yes, you can easily make a vegan or gluten-free apple and blackberry crumble by using plant-based butter or margarine and gluten-free flour in the crumble topping. Make sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are suitable for your dietary preferences.

How should I serve the apple and blackberry crumble?

You can serve the apple and blackberry crumble warm or cold, on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, fruity filling with the crispy crumble topping and creamy accompaniment makes for a delightful dessert that is sure to impress your guests.