Apple and Blackberry Crisp (Crumble) with Best Oat Topping

Growing up in Oregon, blackberries were abundant and this was my favorite thing to make with them. In Minnesota I can’t grow blackberries but the frozen ones work just fine. This is the ultimate Fall dessert, and it just happens to be easy to make and healthy at the same time!

Jump to: RECIPE | Crisp vs Crumble | The Crisp Topping | The Fruit Filling | 3-Step Process | Storing & Reheating

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Crumbles vs Crisps

In many regions a crumble is synonymous with a crisp. But like most things in life there are nuanced opinions on the difference. Generally speaking, a crumble and a crisp both refer to a baked fruit dessert with a layer of topping (sometimes referred to as a streusel crumb topping).

Both the crumble and crisp topping are made with a combination of butter, flour and sugar, but the crumble topping is known for including oats or nuts.

Substitutions or additions to the oat crisp or crumble topping might include chopped nuts, raisins or granola.

I’ve seen one recipe that included crushed shortbread cookies, which sounded like an addition to try someday.

Tips for the Best Crisp/Crumble Topping

Tip #1: Use the Right Amount of Butter 

Butter is the most important ingredient to get right. If there is not enough butter the topping will be too dry and floury tasting. Too much butter will turn the topping soggy.

In addition to giving the topping a good texture, butter helps the browning process and ensures a “crispy” topping. It really is the magic ingredient in a crumble topping.

Most recipes call for the butter to be cold before it is added, and then call for it to be incorporated into a ”pea-sized” crumble.

I do struggle with this pea-size idea. I’ve tried using a grater to add the butter, using a pastry cutter, or just cutting it in with a small paring knife. In the end I use my hands to get it thoroughly mixed in and it works.

If you end up with a topping that you feel is too dry, add a little more butter a little at a time. If you think it is too wet, add a little more flour. The amount of butter and flour in the recipe below was absolutely perfect for me, but cooks’ preferences do vary.

Tip #2: Add Texture to the Crumble

If the flour/sugar/butter/oat topping is not crunchy enough for you, consider adding some chopped nuts, seeds, or even granola. Just don’t use instant oats or steel cut oats or the texture will be off-putting.

Tips for the Best Filling

Tip #1: Prevent Sogginess with the Right Apples

The choice of apple you use in the crisp can affect how watery it may turn out. Most cooks will use at least some granny smith apples because they are high in pectin and can cook for a long time without releasing their juices.

Sweeter apples, like MacIntosh and Red Delicious apples can make your filling more watery. They have more fructose in them as well, and a slightly lower pectin content too.

Granny Smith apples are high in pectin and low in fructose, which is why so many people use them in pies. They can cook for a long time and not get watery because of the lower sugar.

I like to use a combination of apples, using the granny smith to offer some firmness and a few sweeter apples to break down slightly to provide the sauciness.

There are many apples that are a nice in between choice. Honeycrisp apples also hold their shape but are sweeter than the Granny Smith.

The Cortland apple is another favorite that holds up well in the oven but is sweeter than the Granny Smith.

Tip #2: Use a Thickener: Flour or Cornstarch

Make sure you use a thickener like flour or corn starch to avoid a runny, watery filling. My preference is cornstarch but just follow whichever recipe you are using if you prefer flour.

One option with any fruit that tends to leak water, is to add a dusting of flour to the fruit after everything else has been mixed. The flour will cook in the oven and combined with the pectin, should be enough thickener to keep the crisp from being too watery.

Tip #3: Peel the Apples

This is not absolutely necessary but you will end up with a much silkier texture if the apples are peeled.

Because the blackberries have seeds and the topping is quite crunchy you don’t really want additional crunch from the apple peelings.

Some people find the peels a bit stringy also and don’t like how it will catch in their teeth.

Tip #4: Slice Apples Thinly

For a softer texture in apple crisp, slice the apples thinly. If you prefer a chunkier texture, cube the apples instead of slicing them.

Tip #5: Choose the Right Size of Baking Dish

If you’re anything like me you will want a bite of the crumble topping with each bite of fruit filling. If you use a dish that is too deep, you will get a lot of stewed fruit with a thin layer of crust on top.

A 9” x 9” baking dish is usually called for, as it is in the recipe below.

Tip #6: Let it cool before slicing

There is nothing better than a warm fruit crisp with a dollop of cold ice cream melting into the fruit. If you slice it too soon however, it is likely to be pretty runny. If it is too runny for your preference, then just let it cool more or put it in the refrigerator for a while. This will often help.

3 Steps for Making a Crumble

Here are the steps lined out with photos. For the details of the recipe itself, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Mix all filling ingredients together and set aside to rest

Step 2: Mix together topping ingredients

Step 3: Crumble the topping over the filling and bake at 350 F for 35 – 40 minutes

How to Store and Reheat Your Crumble 

Store the fruit crumble in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap for up to five days. To reheat, use the oven instead of the microwave to ensure even warming. Bake at 350˚F until heated through.

If you want to make the crumble topping ahead of time, you can store in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Alternatively you can freeze it for up to three months.

How to Serve Blackberry Crisp

Of course there are many preferred ways to serve a fruit crumble or crisp. If I’m watching my diet, I’ll just serve it without a topping and be perfectly happy letting the fruit shine through.

Serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can’t be beat. If you are more concerned about sugar than fat, then opt for a silky topping of vanilla infused whipped cream with soft peaks.

Other Favorite Ways to Use Blackberries

Growing up in the West Coast, blackberries were a weed on our small farm. Now that I’m in Minnesota, I miss those weeds terribly! Here are a couple other of my favorite ways to use blackberries:

• Blackberry-Blueberry Poke Cake

• Blackberry Mojitos

Frequently Asked Questions

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