Homemade Blackberry Crumble Recipe 

As the warm rays of the summer sun touch our skin and the bountiful season of berries arrives, there's no better way to celebrate nature's gift than by creating a delectable blackberry crumble. Bursting with a juicy symphony of flavors, this classic dessert combines the vibrant tang of blackberries with a golden, buttery crumb topping, resulting in a heavenly treat that will tantalize your taste buds.

In this blog post, we'll explore the steps and secrets to creating a blackberry crumble that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Easy Blackberry Crumble Recipe

Ingredients

For the filling:

For the crumble topping:

Directions

1. To prepare, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the blackberries, coconut sugar, oat flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if preferred). Toss the ingredients together until the blackberries are evenly coated, then let the mixture sit for approximately 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend harmoniously.

3. In a different bowl, assemble the crumble mixture by combining oat flour, rolled oats, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until they are thoroughly mixed and reach a crumbly consistency.

4. Pour the blackberry mixture into the prepared greased baking dish, ensuring it is evenly spread out.

5. Sprinkle the crumbled flour mixture over the blackberry filling, covering it completely.

6. Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown hue and the blackberry filling starts to bubble.

7. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The blackberry crumble is best enjoyed warmly.

8. Serve the vegan and gluten-free blackberry crumble as is, and pair it with dairy-free cinnamon vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for indulgence.

What is blackberry crumble?

Blackberry crumble is a delicious dessert made with fresh or frozen blackberries baked with a sweet, crumbly topping. It is a popular dessert that combines blackberries' natural sweetness and tartness with a buttery and crunchy topping. It is very similar to blackberry pie.

Blackberry crumble is typically tossed with sugar and sometimes other flavorings like lemon juice or spices and then topped with a mixture of flour, sugar, unsalted butter, and sometimes oats or nuts. The crumble topping bakes to a golden brown, contrasting with the soft, juicy blackberries underneath. Blackberry crumble is often served warm and can be enjoyed independently or with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of sauce for added indulgence.

What Ingredients You Will Need To Make Blackberry Crumble

Blackberries

Blackberries are petite, deep-purple berries renowned for their delightful sweetness and gentle tartness. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins (such as C and K), and dietary fiber, offering various health benefits. Blackberries provide the vibrant and juicy filling that makes the crumble so delightful. You have the option to utilize either fresh or frozen blackberries. If you are going frozen, let it thaw first. Avoid using any pieces that are too soft or syrupy. I highly recommend purchasing organic options because they contain less pesticide residue.

Lemon Juice

The addition of lemon juice brings a tangy and acidic component to the blackberry filling, effectively balancing the natural sweetness of the berries and amplifying their flavor. Additionally, the natural acidity in lemon juice helps prevent the blackberries from oxidizing and browning.

Lemon Zest (optional)

Lemon zest refers to the vibrant outer layer of the lemon peel, containing aromatic oils that contribute a fragrant and citrusy essence to dishes. Adding lemon zest to the blackberry filling can intensify the citrus notes, imparting a refreshing taste to the dessert. While optional, it adds an extra layer of complexity.

Traditional blackberry crumble recipes use all-purpose flour. Oat flour or other types of gluten-free flour are the perfect swaps because they typically contain more protein and fiber than regular flour. This way, you can enjoy your blackberry crumble with a clear conscience.

Oat flour is created by finely grinding rolled oats into a powder, resulting in a slightly nutty flavor and a soft, tender texture. It serves as a superb gluten-free substitute for conventional wheat flour, making it an ideal choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those who prefer gluten-free options. It contributes to the crumble topping's structure and taste.

To achieve a syrupy consistency, I incorporated a small amount of oat flour into my blackberry filling, effectively thickening the juices.

Rolled Oats

Rolled oats are whole oats that undergo steaming and flattening processes, transforming them into flattened flakes. They add a chewy texture and wholesome taste to the crumble topping. Rolled oats are a good source of fiber, providing additional nutritional value to the dessert.

If you have the option, avoid steel-cut oats since they don't absorb as much liquid as rolled oats. Rolled oats have a quicker cooking time and retain shape while efficiently absorbing liquid. For a gluten-free option, I substituted regular oats with gluten-free oats, as regular oats contain gluten. If you don't have any dietary limitations, you are welcome to use regular rolled oats as an alternative.

Coconut Sugar

Depending on your sweet tooth level, you can go sugar-free with this recipe. It all depends on the sweetness level of your blackberry and your personal preference. If you add a sweetness boost, I recommend using coconut sugar or other healthier sugar options like maple syrup or date syrup.

Coconut sugar is extracted from the sap of coconut palm trees and exhibits a delightful caramel-like taste, resembling brown sugar in its appearance. It is a widely embraced substitute for refined white sugar, thanks to its lower glycemic index and the presence of trace minerals. It adds a rich and distinct taste to the crumble topping, enhancing its complexity.

Coconut Oil

Traditional blackberry crumbles use butter in the recipes. But if you are going with a vegan option, swap melted butter with coconut oil, vegan butter or another vegan margarine.

Coconut oil is a plant-based oil derived from coconuts. When melted, it transforms into a liquid, offering a gentle tropical flavor. Within the crumble topping, coconut oil is a vegan alternative to butter or margarine. Combined with the dry ingredients, it adds moisture, richness, and a desirable buttery texture to the crumble.

Ground Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon is a fragrant and comforting spice obtained from the bark of cinnamon trees. It's warm and aromatic qualities add depth to various dishes. It provides a distinctive sweet and slightly spicy flavor. Cinnamon adds depth and warmth to the crumble topping, complementing the fruity sweetness of the blackberry filling.

Salt is a crucial ingredient in baking as it enhances and balances flavors. It helps bring out the natural sweetness of the blackberries and adds depth to the overall taste of the dessert. A pinch of salt in the blackberry filling and the crumble topping helps achieve a well-rounded flavor profile.

How To Elevate This Recipe

Experiment with spices

To enhance the flavors, you may contemplate incorporating spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the blackberry filling or the crumble topping. These aromatic and warm spices will beautifully complement the blackberries' natural sweetness, adding depth to the overall dish.

Incorporate a crunchy element

Consider incorporating chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans into the crumble topping for an irresistible crunch and an additional flavor. This delightful addition will bring a textural contrast and an extra layer of deliciousness to the dessert.

Drizzle with a sauce

Create a homemade sauce to drizzle over the crumble. For example, you could make a simple caramel sauce, berry coulis, or a vanilla-infused sauce to add an extra layer of richness and sweetness.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Present the blackberry crumble with a generous vanilla ice cream scoop or your favorite flavor. For a delightful touch, you can experiment with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy and cold components will perfectly contrast with the warm and fruity crumble.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh ones?

Certainly! Frozen blackberries can be used to create a scrumptious blackberry crumble. It's important to note that frozen berries tend to release more liquid while baking, so you may need to adjust the amount of thickener or baking time as needed.

How do I know when the blackberry crumble is done?

The crumble is generally considered ready when the fruit filling bubbles and the topping becomes golden brown. You can also verify the fruit's softness and tenderness by inserting a toothpick or fork.

Can I make individual servings instead of a large baking dish?

You can create individual servings by using ramekins or small baking dishes. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller portions may cook faster than a larger dish.

How do I store leftover blackberry crumble?

If there are any leftovers, ensure the crumble cools down entirely before refrigerating it in an airtight container. Typically, it can be stored for 2-3 days. Before serving individual portions, reheat them in the microwave or oven.