Nigella Blackberry And Apple Crumble

Dive into the world of British desserts with the classic Nigella Lawson Blackberry And Apple Crumble, a comforting treat that combines the tartness of Bramley apples with the sweetness of blackberries under a crispy, golden topping. This dish is a testament to Nigella Lawson's knack for creating simple yet delectable desserts that have been enjoyed in many households.

Nigella Lawson Blackberry And Apple Crumble: A Brief Description

The Nigella Lawson Blackberry And Apple Crumble is a quintessential British dessert, perfect for any season but especially delightful during the autumn when apples and blackberries are at their peak. It features a juicy, fruit-filled base topped with a buttery crumble. This dessert is celebrated for its balance of textures and flavors, from the soft, aromatic fruit to the crunchy, sweet topping.

Cultural or Historical Context

Originating from the British Isles, crumbles have been a comforting staple since the Second World War, when rationing made the traditional pie crusts difficult to maintain. Incorporating seasonal fruits such as apples and blackberries, this crumble is a modern take on a historic dish, demonstrating the simplicity and adaptability of British cuisine.

Ingredients for the Nigella Lawson Blackberry And Apple Crumble

For the Filling

• Bramley apples: 750g (about 2 large)
• Crisp eating apples (such as Cox): 400g (about 3)
• Blackberries: 250g
• Cornflour: 2-3 tsp
• Caster sugar: 100-150g, depending on the sweetness of the fruit

For the Crumble Topping

• Plain flour: 240g
• Butter (room temperature, cut into small pieces): 150g
• Demerara sugar: 120g

Preparation Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5.
2. Prepare the crumble topping by sifting flour and a pinch of salt, adding butter, and rubbing the mixture until it forms pea-size clumps, then stir in demerara sugar.
3. Prepare the fruit by slicing the apples and mixing them with blackberries, cornflour, and caster sugar.
4. Assemble by spooning the fruit mixture into a baking dish, covering it evenly with the crumble topping.
5. Bake for 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

Storage and Reheating

For storage, let the crumble cool completely before covering and placing it in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in an oven at 180°C until warmed through, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Information

For an 8-serving portion, the dessert contains approximately 441 calories, with 16.4g of fat (10g saturated), 4.1g of protein, 66.7g of carbohydrates (42.7g sugars), 4.1g of fibre, and 0.5g of salt​​.

FAQ about the Nigella Lawson Blackberry And Apple Crumble

Q: Can I use frozen blackberries? A: Yes, both fresh and frozen blackberries can be used for this recipe. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them beforehand.

Q: What can I serve with the crumble? A: This crumble is perfect with custard, crème fraîche, cream, ice cream, or even yogurt.

Q: Can I substitute the apples with other fruits? A: Yes, while apples and blackberries are traditional, you can also use pears, peaches, or plums for different flavors.

By blending the tartness of apples with the sweetness of blackberries and topping it off with a crisp, buttery crumble, the Nigella Lawson Blackberry And Apple Crumble captures the essence of British comfort food. Whether served as a warm dessert on a chilly evening or as a delightful end to a family meal, this crumble is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Recipe inspired by Nigella Lawson's community recipes​​​​. For a comprehensive guide on making this delectable dessert, refer to the original recipes on Nigella Lawson's website and Delicious Magazine​​.