🫐 Blackberry Crumble – A Rustic, Juicy, Golden Dessert Bursting with Summer Flavor

Few things say “summer” like a bubbling-hot pan of Blackberry Crumble coming out of the oven. Sweet-tart blackberries mingle beneath a buttery, golden streusel topping—rustic, warm, and effortlessly delicious.

This classic fruit crumble isn’t just comforting; it’s incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and juicy berries (fresh or frozen), you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert in under an hour. It’s perfect on its own, even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Let’s dive into what makes this Blackberry Crumble truly irresistible.

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Why This Blackberry Crumble Will Be Your Go-To Dessert

✨ Effortless and fuss-free
✨ Crisp topping meets juicy filling
✨ Customizable with other fruits
✨ Great for entertaining or weeknight treats
✨ Make ahead + freezer friendly

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. No dough rolling, no mixer needed—just toss, sprinkle, bake.

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The Star Ingredient: Blackberries

Blackberries are an underrated gem in the world of fruit desserts. Their deep, rich color and balance of sweetness and acidity make them ideal for baking.

You can use:

• Fresh blackberries in peak season (June–August)
• Frozen blackberries (no need to thaw—just toss with a bit of cornstarch)

🍓 Pro tip: If your blackberries are very tart, increase the sugar slightly. If they’re very sweet, pull back to let their natural flavor shine.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need just a few simple, real ingredients:

For the filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)

For the crumble topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but delicious)
• Pinch of salt

🧈 Use high-quality butter—it makes the crumble ultra flavorful.

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How to Make Blackberry Crumble

🥣 Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8 baking dish or similar.

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🫐 Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the blackberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Transfer them to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

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🧈 Step 3: Make the Crumble

In another bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

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🍽️ Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping over the blackberry mixture. Don’t press it down—just scatter evenly.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blackberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

🕒 Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken slightly.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your Blackberry Crumble:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche
• For breakfast over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey (no judgment!)

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Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Cover leftovers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or bake the full dish at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.

Freeze: You can freeze baked or unbaked crumble. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Bake straight from frozen (add 10–15 extra minutes).

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Variations & Add-Ins

Feel free to customize your crumble with these delicious twists:

• Mixed berries – Add raspberries or blueberries for a berry medley
• Apple or pear – Add slices for a fall-style variation
• Almond flour – Sub in half the flour for a nutty twist
• Chopped nuts – Add pecans or walnuts to the crumble for crunch
• Coconut – Toasted coconut adds a tropical note

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Tips for the Best Crumble Topping

• Cold butter is key – It creates that flaky, biscuit-like texture
• Don’t overmix – Leave some larger chunks for extra crunch
• Oats = rustic texture – Use old-fashioned oats, not quick oats

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Why This Dessert Works (A Little Food Science!)

When blackberries bake, they release juices and bubble up like a natural jam. The cornstarch thickens those juices, creating a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with the crisp, buttery topping.

The contrast in texture—soft fruit and crunchy top—is what makes a crumble so deeply satisfying.

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Perfect for Any Occasion

Blackberry Crumble is ideal for:

• Casual family dinners
• Potlucks and BBQs
• Holiday gatherings
• Last-minute desserts when guests drop by

Make it once and it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.

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