A traditional British dessert that never fails to satisfy, Delia Smith’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble combines the sweet-tart flavor of apples and blackberries with a crunchy, buttery topping. This easy-to-make dessert is a perfect way to enjoy the bounty of autumn fruits and serves as a comforting finish to any meal. With just 15 minutes of preparation and a short bake time, you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress.
What is Delia Smith’s Apple And Blackberry Crumble?
Delia Smith’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a classic British dessert featuring a soft, tangy fruit base made with fresh apples and blackberries, topped with a golden, crisp crumble. The contrast between the warm, juicy fruit and the crunchy topping creates a delightful texture, and it pairs wonderfully with cream or custard. This dish is a timeless family favorite, especially during the colder months.
Other Popular Recipes
- Mary Berry Condensed Milk Ice Cream
- Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
- Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and minimal preparation time make it perfect for a quick dessert.
- Classic British flavor: The combination of tart apples and juicy blackberries is a quintessential autumn treat.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add spices like cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Perfect for gatherings: Ideal for serving at dinner parties or family get-togethers.
- Budget-friendly: Uses seasonal fruits that are affordable and readily available.
- Pairs well with many sides: Serve with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
- Cooking apples (450g / 1 lb): Peeled, cored, and sliced to form the base. Granny Smith or Bramley apples work well for their tartness.
- Blackberries (225g / 8 oz): Fresh or frozen blackberries add a burst of juiciness and color.
- Granulated sugar (100g / ½ cup): Used to sweeten the fruit filling and balance the tartness.
- Plain flour (175g / 1½ cups): Forms the base for the crumble topping.
- Butter (75g / 5 tbsp): Cold and cubed, butter gives the crumble its rich, golden texture.
- Brown sugar (75g / ⅓ cup): Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the crumble topping.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a touch of warmth and spice to the crumble.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Ovenproof dish (8-inch square or similar)
- Pastry blender or fork (to mix the crumble topping)
- Peeler and knife (for preparing the apples)
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Prepare the fruit: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them in the ovenproof dish along with the blackberries.
- Add sugar to the fruit: Sprinkle granulated sugar over the fruit mixture to balance the tartness.
- Make the crumble topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Rub the butter into the mixture using your fingertips or a pastry blender until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add cinnamon (optional): If you’re using cinnamon, sprinkle it into the crumble mixture for added flavor.
- Top the fruit: Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit in the dish, ensuring the fruit is fully covered.
- Bake the crumble: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. It pairs beautifully with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy coldness of ice cream perfectly balances the warm crumble.
- Custard: Traditional English custard adds a creamy and luxurious texture to the dish.
- Whipped cream: Light and airy, it enhances the richness of the dessert without overpowering it.
- Caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the crumble adds a sweet and indulgent touch.
- Fresh mint: Garnish with mint leaves for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Toasted almonds: Sprinkle some toasted almonds on top for added crunch.
- Cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving can add extra warmth.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
- Use a mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet apple varieties creates a more complex flavor.
- Keep the butter cold: Ensure your butter is cold before mixing to create a light, crumbly topping.
- Cut the fruit evenly: Slicing the apples evenly ensures they cook uniformly in the oven.
- Add oats for extra crunch: For a heartier topping, mix some rolled oats into the crumble mixture.
- Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on the crumble to ensure the topping turns golden but doesn’t burn.
- Let it rest: Allow the crumble to sit for 10 minutes after baking for the flavors to meld.
- Balance the sweetness: Adjust the sugar based on the tartness of your fruit to get the perfect balance.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
- Swap the blackberries: Try using raspberries or blueberries instead of blackberries for a different flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and oats to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Add nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the crumble mixture for more warmth.
- Lower-sugar version: Reduce the sugar content by using sweet apples and adding a sugar substitute if desired.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven: Reheat the crumble in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Freeze for later: Freeze the unbaked crumble in the dish, then bake it straight from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Avoid microwaving: To maintain the crispness of the topping, reheat it in the oven rather than the microwave.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
- Oven reheating: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 10-15 minutes until the crumble is heated through and the top is crisp.
- Stovetop method: If you prefer, reheat individual portions in a non-stick pan over low heat, covering the pan with a lid.
- Serve cold: This crumble also tastes delicious cold, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.
How Can I Make Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble Healthier?
- Reduce the sugar: Use less sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia to lower the sweetness.
- Add oats: Swap some of the flour for oats to add fiber and a heartier texture.
- Increase the fruit ratio: Add more apples and blackberries for a higher fruit-to-crumble ratio.
- Choose whole wheat flour: For a healthier topping, use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.
- Use less butter: Reduce the amount of butter by substituting it with a mix of butter and coconut oil for a lighter option.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Its combination of soft, juicy fruit and a golden, crunchy topping makes it a perfect choice for a family dessert.
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Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a classic British dessert featuring a soft, tangy fruit base made with fresh apples and blackberries, topped with a golden, crisp crumble. The contrast between the warm, juicy fruit and the crunchy topping creates a delightful texture, and it pairs wonderfully with cream or custard. This dish is a timeless family favorite, especially during the colder months.
Ingredients
- Cooking apples (450g / 1 lb): Peeled, cored, and sliced to form the base. Granny Smith or Bramley apples work well for their tartness.
- Blackberries (225g / 8 oz): Fresh or frozen blackberries add a burst of juiciness and color.
- Granulated sugar (100g / ½ cup): Used to sweeten the fruit filling and balance the tartness.
- Plain flour (175g / 1½ cups): Forms the base for the crumble topping.
- Butter (75g / 5 tbsp): Cold and cubed, butter gives the crumble its rich, golden texture.
- Brown sugar (75g / ⅓ cup): Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the crumble topping.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a touch of warmth and spice to the crumble.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Prepare the fruit: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them in the ovenproof dish along with the blackberries.
- Add sugar to the fruit: Sprinkle granulated sugar over the fruit mixture to balance the tartness.
- Make the crumble topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Rub the butter into the mixture using your fingertips or a pastry blender until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add cinnamon (optional): If you’re using cinnamon, sprinkle it into the crumble mixture for added flavor.
- Top the fruit: Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit in the dish, ensuring the fruit is fully covered.
- Bake the crumble: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. It pairs beautifully with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream.
