Blackberry and Apple Crumble: A Delicious Autumnal Treat

The crisp autumn air calls for comforting desserts, and nothing says fall quite like a warm blackberry and apple crumble. This recipe combines the tartness of blackberries with the sweetness of apples, all topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble topping. It's a perfect dessert for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or a special occasion. Let's get baking!

Ingredients:

This recipe makes enough crumble for a generous 8-inch square baking dish.

For the Filling:

• 4 medium apples (such as Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

Preparing the Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. Combine the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced apples, blackberries, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the apples to become mushy.
3. Pour the filling into the prepared baking dish.

Making the Crumble Topping:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing; some small pea-sized pieces of butter are okay. This will create a flaky crumble.

Assembling and Baking the Crumble:

1. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit filling.
2. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
3. Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. It's delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Blackberry and Apple Crumble:

• Use a mix of apple varieties: Combining different apple types adds depth of flavor and texture.
• Don't overmix the filling: Gently toss the ingredients to prevent the apples from becoming mushy.
• Use cold butter for the crumble: Cold butter is key to a flaky crumble topping.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter crumble, add a little more sugar to both the filling and the topping.
• Add a touch of spice: Experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the crumble ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing for warm crumble.
• Whipped cream: Adds a light and airy touch.
• Custard: A creamy complement to the fruity filling.
• Crème fraîche: A tangy alternative to whipped cream.

This blackberry and apple crumble recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Enjoy the delicious aroma and comforting warmth of this autumnal delight!