Blackberry Crumble

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Quick Benefits

Blackberry Crumble is one of those timeless desserts that brings comfort and joy with every bite. It’s quick to prepare, requires only pantry-friendly ingredients, and works beautifully with both fresh and frozen blackberries. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply craving a warm dessert, this crumble delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors — all in under an hour.

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Essential Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 24 oz fresh or frozen blackberries
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• Dash of salt
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 dashes salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

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Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish.
2. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, gently toss blackberries with sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Pour into the baking dish.
3. Make the crumble topping: In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the blackberry mixture.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling.
6. Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

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Health Benefits

While indulgent, Blackberry Crumble does offer some natural nutritional perks:

• Blackberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The lemon juice enhances the berries’ brightness and provides a dose of vitamin C.
• You control the sugar, making it easy to adjust for a lighter option.

Swap in whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar to make this dessert even more health-conscious.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm in bowls or plates, making sure to get both crumble and berries in each scoop.
• Top with:
  • Vanilla ice cream for creamy contrast
  • Whipped cream for a light finish
  • Crème anglaise for a classic European touch
• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh berries for a lovely visual.

This dish is great for casual family dinners, brunches, or even holiday spreads.

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Creative Variations

• Mix berries: Add raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries.
• Add crunch: Toss some chopped pecans, oats, or almonds into the crumble topping.
• Spice it up: Try a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour in both the filling and topping.

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Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
• Make ahead: Assemble everything ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
• Freeze unbaked crumble for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding extra time.

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Pro Tips

• If using frozen berries, don’t thaw them—this helps prevent the filling from getting too watery.
• Cut butter into small chunks before mixing into the dry crumble ingredients for easier blending.
• Don’t press the topping down—let it stay crumbly for maximum texture.
• For a more rustic look, bake in mini ramekins for individual servings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dessert with other fruits?
A: Absolutely! Apples, peaches, cherries, or mixed berries work beautifully.

Q: Can I use frozen blackberries?
A: Yes, frozen blackberries work great. No need to thaw—just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble it and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Is it supposed to be juicy?
A: Yes! The bubbling juice is a sign that the fruit has cooked down properly. Letting it rest before serving helps the filling thicken slightly.

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Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~320
• Total Fat: ~12g
• Saturated Fat: ~7g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Sugar: ~30g
• Protein: ~2g

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