Name: Blackberry Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 4 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a medium lemon); 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Jump to Recipe

If you are searching for a fruit dessert that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness with a satisfying crunch, this Blackberry Crumble Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together juicy blackberries bursting with flavor, a tender yet crumbly buttery topping, and just the right notes of lemon to brighten every bite. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s a warm, inviting dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

The image shows a round fruit crumble in a white scalloped edge dish, placed on a round wooden board. The crumble has a golden, rough textured top layer with uneven clusters showing some of the dark purple and red mixed fruit filling underneath. To the left, there is a black and white knife, and a bowl of blackberries. The background is a white marbled surface with green leaves and small white flowers around the board. To the upper right, there are stacked white plates with colorful decorative borders and silver spoons on top. A dark blue patterned cloth is partially visible at the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this delightful Blackberry Crumble Recipe is straightforward because it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role. From the flour that builds the crumble’s structure to the fresh blackberries providing juicy freshness, every component is essential and enhances the overall experience.

All-purpose flour: The base for the crumble topping, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Used in both the crumble and filling, it balances tartness and adds sweetness.
Baking powder: Gives a light lift to the crumble, keeping it from becoming too dense.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to enhance all flavors and balance sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Cubed cold butter ensures a flaky, rich crumble topping.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor.
Large egg: Binds the crumble dough for the perfect texture.
Apple cider vinegar: A subtle acidity that brightens flavors and helps the dough tenderize.
Blackberries (fresh or frozen): The star of the dish, juicy and slightly tart for that perfect fruity filling.
Cornstarch: Thickens the blackberry filling so it’s luscious, not runny.
Lemon juice: Adds acidity to amplify the berries’ natural flavor.
Lemon zest: Provides fresh citrus notes that invigorate the crumble.

How to Make Blackberry Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution. Then whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt in a bowl. This combination creates the flavorful base for your crumble topping.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter and Mix the Dough

Cutting in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs is key—it creates that wonderful flaky texture. Using a pastry cutter, forks, or even your fingers helps you achieve the right consistency. Next, stir in vanilla, egg, and apple cider vinegar until the dough forms a cohesive ball and the flour is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Form the Bottom Crust

Press half of your crumble dough evenly into the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish or deep-dish pie pan. This will form the sturdy yet tender base that supports the juicy blackberry filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Blackberry Filling

In a separate bowl, toss together the blackberries, sugar, and cornstarch until they are well coated. The sugar sweetens the berries while the cornstarch prevents excess liquid. Stir in lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavors beautifully before spreading the mixture over the bottom crust layer.

Step 5: Add the Top Crumble Layer and Bake

Evenly distribute the remaining crumble dough over the blackberry layer. Feel free to clump some dough pieces with your fingers to create varied textures—this adds to the rustic charm. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Cool and Serve Warm

Once baked, take the crumble out and let it cool on a wire rack for roughly 30 minutes. Serving warm allows the flavors to meld nicely, and the topping remains crispy while the filling stays luscious. Pair it with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

How to Serve Blackberry Crumble Recipe

A white plate with a colorful floral pattern holds a serving of blackberry crumble topped with a scoop of white vanilla ice cream. The crumble layer is golden brown, chunky, and uneven, with dark purple blackberry filling peeking through underneath. The ice cream is smooth and round, slightly melting over the crumble. A shiny silver spoon rests on the plate next to the dessert. In the background, there is a white baking dish with more blackberry crumble, showing the same golden crumb topping and dark juicy berries underneath, all placed on a white marbled surface with small green sprigs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to make each serving luxuriously creamy. A sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and texture beautifully.

Side Dishes

This crumble pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of strong brewed coffee or a refreshing herbal tea to balance the sweetness. For brunch, consider serving it alongside plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a creamy counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in cute ramekins or mason jars for a charming rustic vibe. Alternatively, spoon the crumble over pancakes or waffles for a delightful breakfast twist. You can also use it as a topping on ice cream sundaes or even dollop over cheesecake slices for an inventive dessert mashup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover blackberry crumble in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the topping crisp. For longer storage, refrigeration is best to prolong freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the crumble either before baking or after it has cooled completely. When freezing the unbaked version, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. The crumble will keep well for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes to restore the topping’s crispness and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries for this crumble?

Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work perfectly and often make the crumble just as delicious. Just be sure to toss them lightly with sugar and cornstarch to prevent excess moisture from making the crumble soggy.

Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to achieve a similar crumbly texture.

Can I prepare the crumble topping ahead of time?

Definitely. The crumble topping dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, press half the dough into your dish, add the filling, and top with the remaining dough as usual.

What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, white vinegar or lemon juice are great substitutes. They help tenderize the dough by reacting with the baking powder.

How do I know when the crumble is done baking?

You want the topping to be a pleasing golden brown and crisp. The blackberry filling should be bubbly around the edges, ensuring the fruit is cooked through and thickened nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Blackberry Crumble Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Its simple ingredients combine to create a dish that feels both rustic and refined, bursting with fresh fruit flavor and satisfying textures. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy sharing it as much as I do—nothing beats that first warm spoonful on a cozy day.