Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble is made with fresh or frozen fruits, topped with a crunchy and buttery oat crumble, and baked until golden and bubbly. It is best served warm with custard, cream, or ice cream.
In this article, I will show you how to make Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe, step by step, with tips and tricks along the way. You will learn how to prepare the fruits, how to make the crumble topping, how to assemble and bake the crumble, and how to serve and store it. By the end of this article, you will be able to make this scrumptious dessert with confidence and ease.
What is Delia Smith’s Apple And Blackberry Crumble?
Delia Smith apple and blackberry crumble is a traditional British dessert that consists of a layer of cooked apples and blackberries, topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, oats, and sugar. It is baked in the oven until the topping is golden and crisp, and the fruit is soft and juicy. It is usually served with custard, cream, or ice cream, for a warm and comforting treat.
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Why You Love this Recipe
Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble is a favorite for many reasons:
- Simple Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- Flexible Ingredients: Whether you choose fresh or frozen fruits, you have the freedom to tailor the sweetness and spices according to your taste preferences.
- Delightful Flavors and Textures: The recipe strikes a perfect balance between the sweet and tart notes of the fruit, complemented by the crunchy texture of the oat topping.
- Comfort Food: It’s the ideal warm dessert for chilly days, providing a comforting and satisfying experience.
- Nostalgic Appeal: Many find this dessert reminiscent of cherished memories, evoking the warmth of family gatherings and childhood treats.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
To make Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 450 g (1 lb) cooking apples, such as Bramley or Granny Smith
- 225 g (8 oz) blackberries, fresh or frozen
- 75 g (3 oz) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 175 g (6 oz) plain flour
- 110 g (4 oz) cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 25 g (1 oz) rolled oats
- 25 g (1 oz) demerara sugar
Useful Equipment
You need the following equipment to make this recipe:
- A sharp knife and a chopping board
- A large bowl
- A small bowl
- A fork or a pastry blender
- A 1.1 litre (2 pint) ovenproof dish
- A baking sheet
- An oven
- A measuring scale and spoons
- A serving spoon
- A serving dish and plates
- A saucepan and a whisk (optional, for making custard)
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
To make Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble, follow these simple steps:
Preparation
Before you start making Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe, you need to do some preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4).
- Wash and dry the apples and blackberries, if using fresh ones.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. You should have about 4 cups of sliced apples.
- If using frozen blackberries, thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid.
- Grease your ovenproof dish lightly with some butter or cooking spray.
Step 1: Make the fruit filling
The first step to making Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe is to make the fruit filling. Here is how to do it:
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the granulated sugar and the cinnamon. Make sure the apple slices are well coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
- Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
- Scatter the blackberries over the apple layer, distributing them evenly.
- Set aside the fruit filling while you make the crumble topping.
Step 2: Make the crumble topping
The second step to make Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe is to make the crumble topping. Here is how to do it:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt.
- Add the butter pieces to the flour mixture, and use a fork or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour, until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. You can also use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour but be careful not to overwork the dough or it will become greasy.
- Stir in the rolled oats and the demerara sugar, and mix well.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit filling, covering it completely and evenly.
Step 3: Bake the crumble
The third step to making Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe is to bake the crumble. Here is how to do it:
- Place the ovenproof dish on a baking sheet, to catch any juices that may bubble over.
- Bake the crumble in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp, and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the crumble from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve the crumble
The final step to make Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe is to serve the crumble. Here is how to do it:
- Spoon the crumble into a serving dish or individual plates, and enjoy it while it is still warm.
- You can serve the crumble with custard, cream, or ice cream, according to your preference. To make custard, you can follow Delia Smith’s recipe here: https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/sweet/proper-custard
- Alternatively, you can serve the crumble with some whipped cream and fresh mint leaves, for a refreshing touch.
What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble?
Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble is versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance its flavors:
- Custard: A classic choice, custard adds a creamy and rich texture that beautifully complements the fruit. You can opt for homemade or store-bought versions, depending on your convenience.
- Cream: Cream, in its various forms like whipped, double, or clotted, lends a luxurious and velvety feel to the dessert. It provides a delightful contrast to the fruit’s natural sweetness and acidity.
- Ice Cream: Serving this dessert with ice cream introduces a refreshing element. The creaminess and varying flavors of ice cream, be it vanilla, chocolate, or caramel, enhance the overall taste experience of the crumble.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
To elevate your experience with Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe, consider these practical tips:
- Selecting Apples: Opt for cooking apples like Bramley or Granny Smith for their tartness and firmness, which complement the sweet blackberries and maintain their texture during baking. Avoid softer, sweeter apples like Gala or Fuji as they may become too mushy when cooked.
- Apple Preparation: For uniform cooking and optimal flavor release, slice the apples into thin, even wedges. A sharp knife or mandoline slicer works well for this task, ensuring consistency in size and cooking.
- Butter Consistency: Use cold butter cut into small pieces for the crumble topping. This helps achieve a desirable sandy texture and prevents the topping from becoming greasy or overly dense.
- Mixing the Topping: Be careful not to overwork the crumble topping. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture due to gluten development. Aim for a coarse breadcrumb consistency before incorporating the oats and sugar.
- Baking Strategy: Bake the crumble on a baking sheet to catch any overflowing juices and ensure even cooking. This step helps avoid a soggy base or burnt edges, resulting in a perfectly cooked crumble.
Variations of Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe is delicious as it is, but you can also make some variations to suit your taste and preferences.
Here are some ideas for how you can change up the recipe:
- Use different fruits: You can use different fruits instead of or in addition to the apples and blackberries, such as pears, plums, peaches, raspberries, blueberries, or cherries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar and spice levels accordingly, and use fruits that are in season and ripe.
- Add nuts or seeds: You can add some nuts or seeds to the crumble topping, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. This will add some crunch and nuttiness to the dessert, and also some extra protein and fiber. You can chop the nuts or seeds, or use them whole, depending on your preference.
- Add spices or extracts: You can add some spices or extracts to the fruit filling or the crumble topping, such as nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, cloves, vanilla, almond, or lemon. This will add some warmth and aroma to the dessert, and also some extra flavor and complexity. You can use ground or whole spices, or liquid or powder extracts, depending on your preference.
How do I store Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble, you can store them in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy them later.
Here is how to do it:
In the fridge
- Let the crumble cool completely at room temperature, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store the crumble in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat it before serving, or enjoy it cold.
- You can also store the crumble in individual portions, in airtight containers or ziplock bags, for easier storage and reheating.
In the freezer
- Let the crumble cool completely at room temperature, and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.
- Store the crumble in the freezer for up to 3 months, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.
- You can also freeze the crumble in individual portions, in airtight containers or ziplock bags, for easier storage and reheating.
How do I reheat Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble Leftovers?
If you want to reheat Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble leftovers, you can do it in the oven or the microwave, depending on your preference and convenience.
Here is how to do it:
In the oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4), and place the crumble in an ovenproof dish, or on a baking sheet.
- Cover the crumble loosely with aluminum foil, to prevent it from drying out or burning.
- Bake the crumble for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly, and the topping is crisp.
- Remove the crumble from the oven, and serve it with your choice of accompaniment.
In the microwave
- Place the crumble in a microwave-safe dish, or on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the crumble loosely with a damp paper towel, to prevent it from drying out or splattering.
- Microwave the crumble for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly, and the topping is soft.
- Remove the crumble from the microwave, and serve it with your choice of accompaniment.
Nutrition value (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 561 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 54.3 g
- Sugars: 35.0 g
- Fat: 37.0 g
- Saturated fat: 18.5 g
- Salt: 0.4 g
Can I use a different type of fruit if I don’t have blackberries?
Yes, you can substitute blackberries with other fruits. Berries like raspberries or blueberries work well as they complement the tartness of the apples. You can also experiment with mixed berries for a varied flavor profile. Just ensure to adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of the fruits you choose.
Is it possible to make this crumble gluten-free?
Answer: Absolutely. To make a gluten-free version of this crumble, simply replace the regular flour in the crumble topping with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well, as oats can sometimes be contaminated with gluten during processing.
How should I store leftovers and how long will they last?
Answer: Leftover apple and blackberry crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s warm throughout. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe is a delicious and easy dessert that you can make with fresh or frozen fruits and a simple oat crumble topping. It is perfect for any occasion, and it will delight your family and friends with its sweet and tangy flavors. You can serve it with custard, cream, or ice cream, for a decadent treat.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Delia Smith’s apple and blackberry crumble recipe, step by step, with tips and tricks along the way. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and happy cooking!