Hairy Bikers Apple and Blackberry Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven and grease the dish

• Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4.
• Grease your ovenproof dish with some butter or cooking spray. You can use any size or shape of the dish, but a rectangular or oval one works well for this recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the fruit filling

• Peel, core, and slice 4 large Bramley apples. You can use a knife or an apple corer and slicer for this task. Try to make the slices thin and even, about 0.5 cm thick.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with 100g of caster sugar and 1 tsp of ground cinnamon. This will coat the apples with sugar and spice, and help them release their juices when baked.
• Transfer the apple mixture to the greased dish and spread it evenly over the bottom. You can use a spatula or a spoon for this task. Make sure there are no gaps or holes in the layer of apples.
• Scatter 200g of blackberries over the apple layer. You can use fresh or frozen blackberries for this recipe. If you use frozen ones, you don’t need to thaw them first. Just rinse them under cold water and drain them well.

Step 3: Make the crumble topping

• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 200g of plain flour, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. These are the dry ingredients for the crumble topping. The salt and nutmeg will add some flavor and contrast to the sweetness of the fruit and sugar.
• Add 150g of chilled and diced unsalted butter to the flour mixture. You can use a pastry blender or a fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use your fingers to rub the butter and flour together, but make sure your hands are cold and clean. Don’t overwork the mixture, as you want to keep some large and small clumps for more texture and crunch.
• Stir in 100g of rolled oats and 50g of demerara sugar to the crumble mixture. These will add some extra crunch and sweetness to the topping. You can also use brown sugar instead of demerara sugar if you prefer.

Step 4: Assemble and bake the crumble

• Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the fruit layer, covering it completely. You can use your hands or a spoon for this task. Don’t press the crumble too hard over the fruit, as you want to leave some space for the steam to escape and the fruit to bubble.
• Sprinkle 2 tbsp of caster sugar over the crumble layer for extra crunch and sweetness. You can also use demerara or brown sugar for this step if you like.
• Place the dish on a baking sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and the fruit is bubbling. The baking sheet will catch any drips or spills from the dish and prevent them from burning on the bottom of your oven.
• Check the crumble after 30 minutes, as it may be done sooner or later depending on your oven and the size of your dish. You can use a skewer or a knife to test the doneness of the apples. They should be soft and tender, but not mushy.

Step 5: Rest and serve the crumble

• Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes on a cooling rack. This will allow the crumble to set and the fruit to thicken slightly. Don’t skip this step, as the crumble will be too hot and runny to serve right away.
• Serve the apple and blackberry crumble hot, warm, or cold, with some whipped cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream if desired. You can also serve it plain, as it is delicious on its own. Enjoy!

What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Apple and Blackberry Crumble?

You can serve this apple and blackberry crumble on its own, or with some toppings to make it even more decadent.

Some of the most popular toppings are:

• Whipped cream, adds a light and fluffy contrast to the crumble.
• Custard, which adds a rich and creamy complement to the fruit.
• Vanilla ice cream, adds a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm crumble.
• Yogurt, adds a tangy and healthy option to the dessert.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Apple and Blackberry Crumble

To make the best apple and blackberry crumble, follow these tips:

• Select Quality Apples: Choose ripe but firm apples to ensure a rich flavor and the right texture. Avoid overripe or mushy apples that may disintegrate upon baking.
• Even Slicing: Consistently thin slices of apples ensure even cooking and a harmonious blend of fruit in every bite.
• Berry Choice: Opt for fresh or frozen blackberries for their ability to maintain shape and impart vibrant color. Canned berries might not hold up as well.
• Lemon Juice Toss: A dash of lemon juice not only prevents discoloration but also enhances the fruit’s natural flavors, adding a bright note to the dessert.
• Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter yields a crumbly, flaky topping. It integrates well with the flour, creating the perfect texture.
• Finger Technique: Rubbing the butter into the flour using your fingers allows for a more controlled and even crumbly mixture.
• Avoid Overmixing: A light hand with mixing leaves desirable larger clumps in the crumble, offering a delightful texture contrast.
• Light Topping Application: Sprinkle the crumble topping gently to allow steam to escape, preventing a soggy outcome.
• Optimal Oven Placement: Baking in the middle rack promotes even cooking, ensuring both the fruit and crumble cook uniformly.
• Timely Checks: Ovens vary, so check your crumble after 30 minutes to prevent over or under-baking. Look for a golden hue and bubbling fruit as signs of readiness.

Variations of Hairy Bikers Apple and Blackberry Crumble

How do I store Hairy Bikers Apple and Blackberry Crumble Leftovers?

If you have any leftovers of this apple and blackberry crumble, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge or the freezer.

Here are some tips on how to store them properly:

In the fridge

• Let the crumble cool completely before storing it in the fridge, as it will prevent condensation and spoilage.
• Store the crumble in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, as it will prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
• Label and date the container or the wrap, as it will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
• Store the crumble in the fridge for up to 3 days, as it will maintain its freshness and quality.

In the freezer

• Let the crumble cool completely before storing it in the freezer, as it will prevent freezer burn and ice crystals.
• Store the crumble in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, as it will prevent it from losing moisture or flavor.
• Label and date the container or the wrap, as it will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
• Store the crumble in the freezer for up to 3 months, as it will preserve its taste and texture.

How do I reheat Hairy Bikers Apple and Blackberry Crumble Leftovers?

If you want to reheat this apple and blackberry crumble, you can do it in the oven or the microwave.

Here are some tips on how to reheat it properly:

In the oven

• Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4.
• Transfer the crumble to an ovenproof dish if it is not already in one, and cover it with foil to prevent it from burning or drying out.
• Bake the crumble for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden.
• Enjoy!

In the microwave

• Cut a slice of the crumble and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave the crumble for 1 to 2 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly, checking every 15 seconds.
• Enjoy!