Blackberry Crumble

Looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth? The Blackberry Crumble is the perfect treat! This dessert brings together the sweet and tart flavors of fresh blackberries, topped with a golden, buttery crumble. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting dessert, this recipe is easy to prepare, and the result is a delightful dish that will please everyone.

In this article, we will guide you through the preparation of Blackberry Crumble, providing detailed instructions, helpful tips, and insights into its many benefits. The Blackberry Crumble recipe is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional perks. Packed with antioxidants from the blackberries and rich in fiber from the oats, this dessert can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Get ready to make your kitchen smell amazing as we dive into this step-by-step guide.

Ingredients for Blackberry Crumble

For the Blackberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh blackberries: Sweet, juicy, and full of flavor. Blackberries are the star of the crumble.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps balance the tartness of the blackberries and adds sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: The acidity from the lemon juice enhances the flavor of the blackberries and prevents them from being too sweet.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to make the blackberry filling nicely cohesive.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, warm flavor that complements the blackberries.

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: These provide the crunch and heartiness that makes a crumble topping so delicious.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the base for the crumble texture.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramelized sweetness to the topping.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth of flavor to the crumble.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The key ingredient for making the crumble topping rich and buttery. It helps form the perfect crumbly texture.

Directions for Making Blackberry Crumble

Step 1: Prepare the Blackberry Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the fresh blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
3. Gently toss the ingredients together until the blackberries are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the juice released by the blackberries as they cook.
4. Pour the blackberry mixture into the prepared baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the crumble topping.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

1. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This process will ensure that the crumble has a nice, buttery texture when baked.
3. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the blackberry filling in the baking dish.

Step 3: Bake the Blackberry Crumble

1. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The crumble topping should turn golden brown, and the blackberry filling should be bubbling.
2. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the Blackberry Crumble from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
2. For an extra touch, serve the crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creamy texture complements the warm, fruity crumble beautifully!

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 6

Nutrition Information for Blackberry Crumble

• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 kcal (depending on serving size and specific ingredients)

This dessert is a great balance of indulgence and nutrients. The blackberries provide antioxidants, and the oats in the crumble topping add fiber to help keep you satisfied longer.

Tips for Making the Perfect Blackberry Crumble

• Use fresh blackberries: Fresh blackberries will provide the best flavor and texture. However, you can use frozen blackberries in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
• Customize your topping: Feel free to experiment with the crumble topping by adding nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch. You can also substitute some of the brown sugar for coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
• Make ahead: This dessert can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the crumble, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bake it fresh before serving.
• Adjust sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your blackberries, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe. Taste the filling before adding the cornstarch and adjust if necessary.
• Serve with extras: Top your crumble with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, a drizzle of heavy cream, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.

Benefits of Blackberry Crumble

The Blackberry Crumble is not only delicious but also provides several health benefits due to its key ingredients:

• Blackberries: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, blackberries help support your immune system, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
• Oats: Oats are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins.
• Butter: While butter is high in fat, it adds richness and flavor to the crumble. In moderation, it can be part of a healthy diet, especially when paired with nutrient-dense ingredients like blackberries and oats.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contains trace amounts of minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, although it should still be used in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! To make a gluten-free version of Blackberry Crumble, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free if you are sensitive to gluten.

2. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?

Absolutely! While blackberries are the traditional choice for this crumble, you can swap them out for other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. You can even mix several types of berries for a colorful and flavorful twist.

3. Can I make the crumble topping without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the topping, but it will still be delicious!

4. Can I store leftover crumble?

Yes, you can store leftover Blackberry Crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Blackberry Crumble recipe is vegetarian as it does not contain any meat or animal-derived ingredients other than butter. You can easily make it vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based option.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Crumble Recipe

The Blackberry Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of blackberries with a rich, buttery crumble topping. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to choice for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or on its own, this crumble will quickly become a family favorite. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences, making it a great option for a variety of guests.

So, the next time you find yourself with a craving for something sweet, or if you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress, look no further than this Blackberry Crumble recipe! With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, it’s the perfect way to enjoy fresh seasonal fruit while indulging in a warm, comforting treat.