Jamie Oliver Apple And Blackberry Crumble Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a classic British dessert that combines the comforting sweetness of apples with the tartness of blackberries, all topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity-it brings together fresh fruit, a dash of sugar and a golden, melt-in-your-mouth crumble topping. What makes Jamie’s version stand out is the balance between the fruit’s natural flavors and the buttery crispness of the crumble. It’s cozy, indulgent and perfect for any time of year, especially when served warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of custard.

Jamie Oliver Apple And Blackberry Crumble Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create this lovely crumble, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s the breakdown:

• For The Fruit Filling

  • 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Bramley work best for their tartness)
  • 200g blackberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 100g sugar (you can adjust this depending on how sweet or tart you want the fruit mix)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (this adds a zing and balances out the sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but it complements the apple and blackberry beautifully)

• For The Crumble Topping

  • 200g plain flour
  • 100g butter (chilled and diced into small cubes)
  • 100g demerara sugar (for a little extra crunch)
  • A pinch of sea salt (it enhances the sweetness and adds flavor depth)

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything too fancy for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A large mixing bowl: For tossing the apples and blackberries in sugar and lemon juice and for mixing the crumble ingredients.
• A baking dish: Preferably an 8-inch round dish but you can use whatever works for you. Just make sure it’s deep enough to hold the fruit and crumble.
• A pastry cutter or your hands: To make the crumble topping. You can also use a food processor if you prefer a quicker method.
• A sharp knife: To slice the apples.
• A spoon: For scooping the fruit into the baking dish and spreading the crumble on top.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Blackberry Crumble

Making this crumble is straightforward and you’ll be rewarded with a warm, fragrant dessert in no time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s nice and hot when the crumble goes in.

2. Prepare The Fruit Filling

   • Peel, core and slice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfect. this is a rustic dessert.
   • Toss the apple slices into a bowl with the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Stir gently to combine. The lemon juice helps to prevent the apples from browning while also enhancing the flavor.

3. Make The Crumble Topping

   • In a separate bowl, rub the butter and flour together using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This is where you want to be gentle. too much handling will make the butter melt and you’ll lose that nice crumble texture.
   • Add the sugar and salt, mixing everything together until it’s nice and crumbly.

4. Assemble The Crumble

   • Pour the fruit mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   • Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit, making sure it covers the entire surface. It doesn’t need to be perfect; in fact, the more uneven, the better for a rustic finish.
5. Bake: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling up from underneath. The scent in your kitchen will be irresistible.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the crumble sit for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, custard or even a splash of cream.

What I Learnt

One of the best parts about making Jamie Oliver’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is how forgiving it is. I learned that you can really play with the fruit-mixing in different berries or even adding a little vanilla or nutmeg to the crumble topping can change things up but still stay true to the comfort food vibe. The crumble topping was surprisingly easy to make and while you could use a food processor, I found using my hands added a personal touch to the texture. There’s something satisfying about watching it come together without too much effort.

Also, the balance between the sweet apples and the tart blackberries really stood out to me. It’s a reminder that a simple dessert doesn’t need to be overly complicated to be delicious. Sometimes, less is more.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Blackberry Crumble

Jamie Oliver’s Apple and Blackberry Crumble is a classic comfort dessert. It’s sweet, tangy and a perfect way to highlight seasonal fruits. But what if you wanted to make it your own? Here are a few ideas for tweaking the recipe to suit your taste:

1. Swap the Fruit

   If you’re not a fan of blackberries, try other berries like raspberries, blueberries or even strawberries. You could also mix it up with pears or peaches. For something a little more exotic, try adding tropical fruits like mango or pineapple.

2. Add Spices

   Jamie uses cinnamon but you can amp up the flavor with other spices. Nutmeg adds warmth while ginger gives it a bit of a kick. A dash of allspice or cloves can take it to another level, adding complexity and depth.

3. Change the Sweetener

   If you’re looking for a more natural or alternative sweetener, swap out sugar for honey, maple syrup or even coconut sugar. This will slightly change the flavor and sweetness but it can be a delicious twist.

4. The Crumble Topping

   The crumble topping is the star but why not make it your own? Try adding some oats for texture or ground almonds for an extra nutty crunch. If you like a buttery flavor, use a bit of brown butter in the mix. You could even add some grated coconut or seeds for a unique flavor.

5. Vegan or Dairy-Free?

   To make it vegan, simply replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Use a dairy-free yogurt or almond milk for the filling and voilà! You’ve got a vegan version that still tastes just as indulgent.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftover crumble is a gift. if it lasts long enough! Here’s how to store it:

1. Refrigeration

   If you’re planning to eat the leftovers within a couple of days, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for 2-3 days. The fruit filling may become a bit softer but the crumble topping will still be delicious.

2. Freezing

   For longer storage, freeze it! Let the crumble cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and then placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. This will keep it fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it directly from frozen but allow extra time for it to heat through.

3. Reheating

   If you want to bring back that crispy topping, reheating in the oven is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then heat the crumble in an oven-safe dish for about 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works but it won’t restore the crunch.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Blackberry Crumble?

The crumble is amazing on its own but pairing it with the right side can elevate it even more. Here are a few ideas:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

   A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting into the warm crumble is a classic combo. The richness of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the tangy fruit and the crisp topping.

2. Custard

   You can never go wrong with custard. The rich, velvety texture adds a smooth contrast to the crumble’s crunch. It’s always a winning choice.

3. Whipped Cream

   Light and fluffy, whipped cream complements the dense fruitiness of the crumble. For a twist, you could flavor it with vanilla, cinnamon or even a splash of liqueur like Amaretto.

4. Greek Yogurt

   If you want something a bit lighter but still creamy, a dollop of Greek yogurt works wonders. The tanginess balances out the sweetness of the fruit and it’s a great option if you want to keep things on the healthier side.

5. Cheese

   It might sound a little odd but some sharp cheddar cheese pairs surprisingly well with the sweet fruit. This works especially well if you’re using a more tart apple variety. The contrast of the savory cheese with the sweetness of the crumble creates a unique experience.

FAQs

What Apples Are Best For Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Blackberry Crumble?

You’ll want a firm, tart apple like Bramley or Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the blackberries.

Can I Use Frozen Blackberries In The Crumble?

Yes, frozen blackberries work perfectly! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling.

How Can I Make The Crumble Topping Extra Crunchy?

Add some oats or ground almonds to the topping mixture. This gives it a bit more texture and crunch!