Nigella Lawson’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a comforting, timeless dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of apples and the tartness of blackberries. Topped with a rich, buttery crumble, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Simple to prepare and delicious when served with cream, custard, or ice cream, it’s a must-have recipe for your dessert repertoire.
What is Nigella’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble?
Nigella’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a classic British dessert that features a juicy fruit base made from apples and blackberries, topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. The dessert is baked until the topping is golden and crisp, while the fruit beneath turns soft and bubbling. The mix of sweet, tangy fruit and crunchy topping creates a delightful contrast that makes this dish a favorite for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
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Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Apple and Blackberry Crumble
- For the Fruit Filling:
- 500g apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 300g blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- For the Crumble Topping:
- 150g plain flour
- 100g cold butter (cubed)
- 100g demerara sugar (or caster sugar)
- 50g rolled oats (optional, for added texture)
Instructions to Make Nigella Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a medium-sized baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, blackberries, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to coat the fruit evenly with the sugar and spices. Transfer the fruit mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the base.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar and oats (if using) to complete the crumble topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Crumble
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit filling, ensuring it covers the fruit completely but remains light and crumbly. Avoid pressing down on the topping to keep it airy.
Step 5: Bake the Crumble
Place the crumble in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling up around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, remove the crumble from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, served with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Nigella Apple and Blackberry Crumble
- Use a mix of apples: Combine tart apples like Bramley or Granny Smith with sweeter varieties for a well-rounded flavor.
- Don’t overwork the crumble topping: Rubbing the butter and flour together lightly keeps the topping crumbly and prevents it from becoming dense.
- Add oats for texture: Including oats in the topping adds extra crunch and texture, enhancing the overall flavor of the crumble.
- Adjust the sugar: Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, you can adjust the amount of sugar in both the filling and the topping.
How Do I Store and Reheat Nigella Apple and Blackberry Crumble?
Store any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crumble in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the topping may lose some of its crispness.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 32g
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for Nigella Apple and Blackberry Crumble?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries for this crumble. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just add them directly to the recipe. You may need to increase the baking time slightly as frozen berries release more liquid.
What type of apples are best for this crumble?
Tart apples such as Bramley or Granny Smith are ideal for this recipe, as they balance the sweetness of the crumble topping and the blackberries. You can also mix tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
How do I make my crumble topping extra crunchy?
For a crunchier topping, add rolled oats or chopped nuts to the crumble mixture. Baking the crumble at a slightly higher temperature (200°C/400°F) for the last few minutes can also help achieve a golden, crispy topping.
Can I make Nigella Apple and Blackberry Crumble in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crumble in advance. Assemble the fruit filling and the crumble topping, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, combine the two and bake as per the recipe instructions.
Final Words
This Nigella Apple and Blackberry Crumble Recipe is a beautifully simple and delicious dessert that brings together fresh, seasonal fruit and a crispy, buttery topping. Serve it at the end of a meal or enjoy it as a treat with a warm beverage on a cozy evening. Enjoy!
More By British Baking Recipes
Print
Nigella Apple and Blackberry Crumble
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Nigella’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a classic British dessert that features a juicy fruit base made from apples and blackberries, topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. The dessert is baked until the topping is golden and crisp, while the fruit beneath turns soft and bubbling. The mix of sweet, tangy fruit and crunchy topping creates a delightful contrast that makes this dish a favorite for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
For the Fruit Filling:
- 500g apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 300g blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 150g plain flour
- 100g cold butter (cubed)
- 100g demerara sugar (or caster sugar)
- 50g rolled oats (optional, for added texture)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a medium-sized baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, blackberries, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to coat the fruit evenly with the sugar and spices. Transfer the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the base.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar and oats (if using) to complete the crumble topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Crumble
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit filling, ensuring it covers the fruit completely but remains light and crumbly. Avoid pressing down on the topping to keep it airy.
Step 5: Bake the Crumble
Place the crumble in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling up around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, remove the crumble from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, served with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
