Easy Blackberry Crumble

This easy Blackberry Crumble is a comforting, rustic dessert made with juicy berries and a buttery, crunchy topping. It’s baked in a skillet for extra flavor and easy serving. Whether you’re entertaining or just craving something sweet, this recipe is the perfect quick dessert to whip up any night of the week.

Blackberry Crumble is made with simple pantry ingredients and fresh blackberries. No need for a pie crust—just mix, layer, bake, and serve. The sweet-tart berries paired with the crisp topping and a scoop of vanilla ice cream create the ultimate homemade dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 4 cups fresh blackberries, washed and dried
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly butter a cast-iron skillet or baking dish and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and egg. Mix until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture.
4. Melt the butter and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Add the blackberries to the prepared skillet and evenly drizzle them with lemon juice.
6. Spread the flour-sugar-egg crumble mixture evenly over the blackberries.
7. Drizzle the melted butter over the crumble topping.
8. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon and brown sugar.
9. Bake for 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the berries are bubbling.
10. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh, ripe blackberries for the best texture and flavor.
• If using frozen berries, thaw and pat them dry before using.
• Don’t overmix the crumble topping—it should remain coarse for a crumbly texture.
• Let the dessert rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets slightly.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Serve Warm: Blackberry Crumble is best served warm right out of the oven when the berries are bubbling and the topping is crisp.
• Add Ice Cream: For a classic touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cold ice cream with the warm crumble is irresistible.
• Whipped Cream Option: A dollop of freshly whipped cream makes a lovely, airy alternative to ice cream.
• Yogurt for Breakfast: Leftovers can be served cold with Greek yogurt for a quick and fruity breakfast.
• Add a Sprinkle of Nuts: For extra texture, top each serving with chopped toasted almonds or pecans.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the crumble to cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Microwave: Heat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until warm.
  • Oven: Reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to crisp up the topping.
• Avoid Soggy Topping: If reheating in the microwave, note that the topping may become slightly softer. The oven is best for restoring the crisp texture.

variations

1. Mixed Berry Crumble – Use a combination of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries while keeping the total fruit to 4 cups. This blend offers a sweet and tart flavor profile. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the depth of the berries.

2. Blackberry Peach Crumble – Replace 2 cups of blackberries with 2 cups of sliced fresh or canned peaches. The sweetness of the peaches balances perfectly with the tart blackberries. Drain canned peaches well to prevent excess liquid.

3. Blackberry Apple Crumble – Combine 2 cups of blackberries with 2 cups of diced apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. The apples provide a firmer texture and a sweet-tart flavor. Toss the apples with a little cinnamon and sugar before adding.

4. Oat Crumble Topping – Mix ½ cup rolled oats and ¼ cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) into the flour mixture for added crunch and a rustic touch. You may need an extra tablespoon or two of butter to keep the topping moist.

5. Gluten-Free Blackberry Crumble – Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure all ingredients, including oats if used, are certified gluten-free. Add a pinch of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

6. Blackberry Lemon Crumble – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest along with the juice to boost the citrus flavor and brightness of the dessert. For a sweeter citrus note, use Meyer lemons.

7. Blackberry Crumble Bars – Turn this into bars by pressing half of the flour mixture into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan, adding the blackberry filling, then topping with the rest of the crumble. Bake as directed, cool completely, then slice into bars—perfect for serving at parties or picnics.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid, which could make the crumble soggy.

2. How do I keep the crumble topping crispy?
Make sure to drizzle the melted butter evenly and avoid overmixing the crumble. Baking uncovered and letting it rest for a few minutes after baking also helps maintain the crisp texture.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the crumble topping and berry mixture separately, then assemble and bake just before serving. Or bake it in advance and reheat in the oven to crisp it up.

4. What type of skillet should I use?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it heats evenly and adds a rustic flavor, but you can also use any oven-safe 9-inch skillet or baking dish.

5. Can I make this crumble dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter or coconut oil. Make sure it’s melted and cooled before drizzling over the crumble.

6. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can slightly reduce the sugar in the topping if your berries are very sweet, but keep in mind it may affect the crispness and flavor of the topping.

7. How do I know when the crumble is done baking?
The crumble is done when the top is golden brown and the berries are bubbling around the edges, usually after 35 minutes at 375°F.

8. Can I add spices to the crumble?
Absolutely. Cinnamon is already included, but you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for added warmth and depth.

9. How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Leftover blackberry crumble will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

10. Can I freeze Blackberry Crumble?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

This Blackberry Crumble is a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. With just 10 minutes of prep time and one skillet, you can enjoy a homemade dessert that feels comforting, fresh, and utterly satisfying.

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