Hairy Bikers Apple And Blackberry Crumble Recipe

Craving a cozy British dessert that brings comfort with every spoonful? Let me introduce you to the Hairy Bikers Apple and Blackberry Crumble Recipe, a rustic classic that’s as warming as it is delicious. This comforting bake combines tart Bramley apples, juicy blackberries, and a golden cinnamon-scented crumble topping. The pudding turns chilly evenings into a warm hug from the oven.

I love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. There is nothing fancy here; it just has honest ingredients that shine. This crumble never disappoints, whether you’re making it for Sunday lunch or just because you need something sweet. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous pour of homemade custard.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step through prepping the fruit, mixing the perfect crumble topping, and baking it until it’s golden and bubbling. Let’s get started!

Ingredients List

For the Fruit Base:

• 2 Bramley cooking apples (peeled, cored, and quartered)
• 3 eating apples (your favourite variety works well)
• 300 grams fresh blackberries
• 100 grams demerara sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Crumble Topping:

• 180 grams unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 175 grams plain flour
• 140 grams soft brown sugar
• 35 grams of porridge oats
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

These quantities create the perfect balance of tart fruit and buttery crumble, with just enough sweetness and spice to bring it all together.

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand will make this crumble a breeze to prepare:

1. Large Mixing Bowls – You’ll need at least two: one for the fruit mixture and one for the crumble topping.
2. Baking Dish – A deep ceramic or glass dish around 9×13 inches is ideal.
3. Measuring Scales or Cups – For accurate ingredients.
4. Sharp Knife – To core and quarter the apples easily.
5. Pastry Cutter or Your Hands – Rub the butter into the flour for a crumbly texture.
6. Wooden Spoon or Spatula – This is used to mix the fruit layers gently.

Now that we’ve got everything, let’s prep the fruit and assemble the layers.

Preparation & Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and quartering your Bramley and eating apples. I like to toss them gently in a bowl to coat them evenly and stop them from browning too quickly.

Step 2: Layer the Fruit

In a separate bowl, mix your demerara sugar and cinnamon. Now it’s time to build your crumble base:

1. Place half of the apples into your baking dish.
2. Sprinkle one-third of the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the apples.
3. Add the blackberries as the middle layer.
4. Sprinkle the next one-third of the sugar mix over the berries.
5. Finish with the remaining apples and top them with the rest of the sugar mixture.

You’ll get a beautiful balance of tartness and sweet spice running through the fruit layers.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

Combine the flour, brown sugar, porridge oats, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Add cold butter cubes and rub the mixture between your fingertips until it resembles rough breadcrumbs. Don’t overwork it—the more rustic, the better.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Scatter the crumble topping evenly over your fruit mixture. Don’t press it down—just let it sit lightly so the crumble bakes into golden, crunchy perfection.

Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan, Gas Mark 3). Pop the dish in and bake for around 40 minutes until the top is golden and the fruit juices are bubbling around the edges.

Pro tip: If you notice the top browning too fast, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining bake time. You’re aiming for golden sugar, not burnt edges.

Serving Suggestions

Once your crumble is out of the oven, let it cool for 5–10 minutes so the fruit settles and thickens. I love serving it warm with:

• A big spoonful of homemade custard
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Or a drizzle of double cream

The hot, bubbling fruit paired with the cool, creamy topping is irresistible.

If you’re hosting, this dessert always gets compliments—it’s simple but so nostalgic and satisfying.

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (rare in my house!), Let the crumble cool completely. Cover it with foil or transfer it to an airtight container, then keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, pop it in a warm oven at 160°C (140°C fan) for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, but the oven keeps the crumble crisp.

Freezing

This crumble freezes well, too. Assemble the fruit and topping in a freezer-safe dish and freeze before baking. When ready, bake it straight from frozen at 170°C for 15–20 minutes until golden and piping hot.

Conclusion

There’s something timeless about the Hairy Bikers’ Apple and Blackberry Crumble—a dessert that never goes out of style. From the tartness of the apples to the burst of blackberries and that perfectly golden topping, it’s everything a cozy pudding should be.

It’s simple, seasonal, and utterly comforting. Whether baking it for a weekend treat, a family gathering, or just because you fancy something sweet, this crumble delivers every single time.

Now go on—grab your apples, roll up your sleeves, and make some magic in the kitchen.