Mary Berry Apple And Blackberry Crumble

Name: Mary Berry's Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: Serves multiple
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 4 large Bramley apples (1.2 kg / 2 lb), peeled, chopped; 150g caster sugar; 275g fresh blackberries; 2 tbsp water; 175g plain flour; 100g butter, room temperature; 50g rolled oats; 100g Demerara sugar; 50g roasted and chopped hazelnuts

Mary Berry's Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a delightful dessert that embodies the essence of comfort food, perfectly combining the tartness of green apples with the sweet, juicy flavor of blackberries beneath a crisp, golden crumble topping. This dessert not only offers a rich taste but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

Mary Berry's Apple and Blackberry Crumble: A Culinary Delight

Cultural or Historical Context

This crumble recipe is a testament to traditional British baking, showcasing the use of seasonal fruits and simple, wholesome ingredients. The combination of apples and blackberries is a classic, reflecting the UK's autumn harvest. Mary Berry, a revered figure in British cooking, has popularized this dish, making it a beloved recipe in many households.

Ingredients for the Apple and Blackberry Crumble

For the Filling:
- Bramley green apples: 4 large (1.2 kg / 2 lb), peeled and chopped
- Caster sugar: 150 grams (3/4 cup)
- Fresh blackberries: 275 grams (2 cups)
- Water: 2 tablespoons
For the Crumble Topping:
- Plain flour: 175 grams (1 1/4 cups)
- Butter: 100 grams, at room temperature
- Rolled oats: 50 grams (1/2 cup)
- Demerara sugar: 100 grams (1/2 cup)
- Roasted and chopped hazelnuts: 50 grams (1/2 cup)

Preparation Instructions

Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking dish with butter.
Cook the apples with sugar and water until they soften but retain their shape, then add the blackberries and cook until tender.
For the crumble topping, rub together flour and butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then incorporate the oats, sugar, and hazelnuts.
Assemble the crumble by layering the cooked fruit in the dish, followed by the crumble mixture.
Bake until the topping is crisp and golden, creating a delightful contrast to the soft, fragrant fruit beneath.

Storage and Reheating

The crumble can be prepared a day in advance and stored at room temperature. It freezes well, so leftovers can be enjoyed at a later date by reheating in the oven.

Nutritional Information

This dessert, while indulgent, also offers nutritional benefits from the fruit content, including vitamins from the apples and antioxidants from the blackberries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blackberries? Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, though fresh is preferred for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don't have hazelnuts? Hazelnuts add a unique flavor, but you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or omit them altogether.
Can this crumble be made gluten-free? Yes, by substituting the plain flour with a gluten-free alternative.

Mary Berry's Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a testament to the joy of baking, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that delight the palate. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed as a comforting treat on its own, this crumble is sure to be a hit.

This recipe is inspired by Mary Berry's own creations, reflecting her expertise and passion for accessible, delicious baking.