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.