Apple and blackberry crumble

Apple and Blackberry Crumble: A Quick and Delicious Dessert

Who can resist a warm crumble, freshly baked, with an inviting aroma of apples and blackberries? This classic crumble recipe is not only simple but also an excellent way to enjoy seasonal fruits. Moreover, it is a dessert that combines textures and flavors, making it perfect to be enjoyed alongside creamy ice cream or decadent caramel sauce.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients needed:

*For the filling:*
- 4 large apples (approximately 600 g)
- 300 g fresh blackberries (or frozen)
- 175 g sugar
- Juice of one lemon

*For the crumble topping:*
- 125 g all-purpose flour
- 125 g biscuit crumbs (preferably digestive biscuits)
- 125 g cereal flakes (choose your favorites, such as oats or cornflakes)
- 175 g cold butter (cut into cubes)
- 55 g sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon

The History of Crumble:
Crumble is a dessert that has its origins in British culinary traditions, with deep roots in the use of seasonal fruits. This dish emerged as an ingenious solution to use fruits that were no longer fresh, covered with a crunchy layer of crumble topping. Today, crumble is often associated with a sweet version, but there are also savory variations that are equally delicious.

Preparing the Crumble:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This step is essential for achieving an evenly baked and crispy crumble.

2. Prepare the fruits: Peel the apples, remove the core and seeds, then cut them into cubes. To prevent oxidation, sprinkle them with lemon juice. In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples with the blackberries and add 175 g of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix well until all the fruits are evenly coated.

3. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a heatproof dish (preferably glass or ceramic) with a little butter to prevent sticking. Place the fruit mixture in the prepared dish.

4. Prepare the crumble topping: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, biscuit crumbs, cereal flakes, and 55 g of sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and, using your fingertips, quickly rub them together until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This technique helps keep the butter cold, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture.

5. Assemble the crumble: Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the fruit mixture in the dish. Use a spoon to gently level the surface. This step ensures even baking.

6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until the fruits are soft and the topping is golden and crispy. You will smell the inviting aroma of the crumble throughout the house!

7. Cooling and serving: Once the crumble is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes the dessert easier to portion.

Serving suggestions:
The apple and blackberry crumble is delicious when served warm, alongside homemade caramel sauce. To make the caramel sauce, boil a can of condensed milk in a pot of water for about an hour and a half, let it cool, and then mix it with a little cold milk until you achieve the desired consistency. Also, feel free to add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will add a refreshing and creamy touch to your dessert.

Tips and variations:
- You can substitute apples with pears or other seasonal fruits like peaches or strawberries for interesting variations of this dessert.
- If you want a healthier crumble, try reducing the amount of sugar or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- For an even more intense flavor, add some chopped nuts or almonds to the crumble topping.

Nutritional information:
Each serving of apple and blackberry crumble can contain approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of fiber due to the fruits, and cinnamon adds not only flavor but also health benefits, being known for its antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen fruits? Yes, frozen fruits are an excellent option and can be used without needing to thaw them first.
- How can I modify the recipe to make it vegan? You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and for the filling, use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
- How long can I keep the crumble? The crumble will keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is tastiest when consumed fresh.

This apple and blackberry crumble is not just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that will bring joy and warmth to any meal. Enjoy!