There is something about a fruit crumble that instantly makes me feel cozy and nostalgic, and Mary Berry’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is no exception. I first made this crumble on a crisp autumn afternoon when the air smelled like woodsmoke and the trees were starting to turn golden. I had just picked up a punnet of fresh blackberries from the market, and a few tart apples were sitting in my fruit bowl, waiting to be used. It felt like the perfect time to try one of Mary Berry’s classic recipes.
What drew me to this particular crumble was how simple yet elegant it was. The combination of sweet-tart apples and juicy blackberries beneath a buttery, golden crumble topping was everything I wanted from a comforting dessert. And true to Mary Berry’s style, the method was straightforward, making it easy even for a beginner to follow.
As the crumble baked, the kitchen filled with the most heavenly aroma of warm fruit and buttery goodness. I remember pulling it out of the oven, bubbling at the edges, the crumble topping just the right shade of golden brown. One spoonful and I was hooked. The tartness of the fruit against the sweet, crunchy topping was absolute perfection.
Over time, this recipe has become one of my go-to desserts, especially when I want to impress guests or just treat myself to a little old-fashioned comfort. It is a dish that never goes out of style, and every time I make it, it feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Let me take you through exactly how I make Mary Berry’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble, along with some personal tips and little variations that I have discovered along the way.
What is Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble?
Mary Berry’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a classic British dessert featuring tender, lightly spiced apples and juicy blackberries baked under a crisp, buttery crumble topping. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with a satisfying contrast between the soft fruit and the crunchy topping. It is a simple, rustic dessert that is loved by all ages.
Why you should try this recipe?
You should try this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It uses everyday ingredients, comes together quickly, and fills your home with the most irresistible scent as it bakes. Plus, it is the perfect way to enjoy seasonal fruits like apples and blackberries in a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like home.
Ingredients needed to make Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble
For the fruit filling:
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500g cooking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
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300g blackberries
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100g caster sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the crumble topping:
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200g plain flour
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100g cold unsalted butter, diced
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100g demerara sugar
Instruction to make Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and toss them with the lemon juice and caster sugar. Gently fold in the blackberries, being careful not to crush them. Transfer the fruit mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- To make the crumble topping, sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the demerara sugar.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit, making sure to cover it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling up around the edges.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot straight from the oven.
Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Ingredients
For the fruit filling:
- 500 g cooking apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 300 g blackberries
- 100 g caster sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the crumble topping:
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 g cold unsalted butter diced
- 100 g demerara sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and toss them with the lemon juice and caster sugar. Gently fold in the blackberries, being careful not to crush them. Transfer the fruit mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- To make the crumble topping, sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the demerara sugar.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit, making sure to cover it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling up around the edges.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot straight from the oven.
Notes
- One tip I always follow is to use a mix of slightly tart cooking apples along with sweeter blackberries.
- This balance keeps the filling from being overly sweet. Also, do not overwork the crumble topping; keeping it a little bit chunky gives you that lovely texture contrast.
- Finally, make sure to bake it long enough so the fruit is fully tender and the topping crisps up beautifully.
Nutritional value
A serving of Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble approximately provides:- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 30g
What goes well with Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble
This crumble is divine served warm with a generous pour of custard. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream. Sometimes, when I am feeling indulgent, I drizzle over a little pouring cream right before serving for extra richness.
My tips to make the best Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble
One tip I always follow is to use a mix of slightly tart cooking apples along with sweeter blackberries. This balance keeps the filling from being overly sweet. Also, do not overwork the crumble topping; keeping it a little bit chunky gives you that lovely texture contrast. Finally, make sure to bake it long enough so the fruit is fully tender and the topping crisps up beautifully.
Easy variations of Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble
You can easily switch up the fruits depending on the season. Pears work wonderfully in place of apples, and raspberries can be used instead of blackberries for a slightly tangier crumble. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit filling gives it a lovely spiced flavor, especially in the colder months.
Best way to store Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble
If you have leftovers, let the crumble cool completely before covering it and storing it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the oven at 160°C until heated through, which helps to crisp the topping back up nicely.
Nutritional value
A serving of Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble approximately provides:
-
Calories: 320 kcal
-
Protein: 2g
-
Fat: 12g
-
Carbohydrates: 52g
-
Fiber: 5g
-
Sugar: 30g
Nutritional values can vary slightly based on the size of the portion and any toppings you add.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy crumble.
Do I need to peel the apples?
For the best texture, peeling the apples is recommended.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can assemble the crumble and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the plain flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend.
How do I know when the crumble is done?
The topping should be golden and the fruit bubbling up around the edges.
Conclusion
Every time I make Mary Berry’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble, it feels like stepping into a little bubble of comfort and tradition. There is something so timeless and heartwarming about this simple dessert. From the moment the fruit begins to bubble and the crumble turns golden in the oven, to that first spoonful where the tart juices mix with the buttery topping, it is pure joy in every bite.
I especially love how this crumble brings people together. Whether it is served at the end of a family dinner, shared during a cozy gathering of friends, or simply enjoyed on a quiet evening with a good book, it always feels like a special treat. It reminds me that some of the best things in life really are the simplest.
Over the years, I have played around with little variations, but the classic combination of apples and blackberries remains my favorite. There is something about the sweet-tart contrast and the rustic, unfussy crumble that just works so perfectly together. And it never fails to bring a smile to my face when I see people going back for seconds.
If you are looking for a dessert that is easy to make, deeply comforting, and absolutely delicious, I cannot recommend Mary Berry’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble enough. It is a recipe that feels like home, and once you try it, I am sure it will become a treasured part of your kitchen too. Happy baking!
