Apple and Bramble Crumble Recipe

Apple and Bramble Crumble is a comforting and delicious dessert that combines the tartness of bramble (blackberry) berries with the sweetness of apples, all topped with a golden, buttery crumble topping. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and it’s easy to make!

Apple and Bramble Crumble Recipe

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 4-5 medium apples (such as Bramley or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups bramble (blackberries) or any mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the fruit)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour (to thicken the filling)

For the crumble topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar size).
2. Prepare the filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, bramble (blackberries), sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon (if using), and cornstarch (or flour). Gently toss the ingredients to coat the fruit evenly.
   • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
3. Make the crumble topping:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
   • Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
   • Alternatively, you can pulse the ingredients together in a food processor for a quicker method.
4. Assemble and bake:
   • Evenly spread the crumble topping over the fruit filling in the baking dish.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling and tender.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream.

Tips:

• Apple variety: Use a tart variety of apple (like Bramley, Granny Smith, or Winesap) for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the blackberries. You can also mix in other fruits like pears for extra flavor.
• Crumble texture: For a crunchier topping, add some chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) to the crumble mixture.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the crumble ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. If baking from cold, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Frozen berries: If using frozen brambles or blackberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand, but you may need to add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the filling.

This Apple and Bramble Crumble is a warm, fruity, and comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall or winter, but can be enjoyed year-round with fresh or frozen fruit. It’s simple to make, and the combination of tender fruit and crunchy topping is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!