This easy apple and blueberry crumble recipe is a classic crowd-pleasing dessert you can prepare in minutes! You can't go wrong with this recipe - which gives you perfect crumble every time. You can make this ahead with fresh or frozen blueberries - plus make a little extra crumble and you can freeze it in an ziplock for next time you need a quick dessert.
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I love making homemade desserts but realistically only ever have time to make something super quick. My apple and blueberry crumble recipe is one of the easiest desserts you can make - and one of the most delicious.
All you need to do is rub butter flour and sugar together to make the topping, sprinkle it over the fruit and bake. Feel free to play with flavors and swap the apple and blueberry filling for another fruits and fruit combinations.
I based my recipe on a Martha Stewart Apple Crumble recipe, adding extra blueberries. You can either freeze the whole thing before it's cooked. Or you can make double and keep a batch of crumble topping in the freezer for a speedy dessert another day.
Try some of my other favorite easy dessert recipes the whole family will love:
- Easy Cherry Crumble
- Raspberry Galette
- Apricot Galette
- Lemon Syllabub
- Easy No-Bake Key Lime Pie
- Chocolate Orange Pots
Ingredients
Find detailed instructions in the recipe card below.
Blueberries - You can use both fresh or frozen type of blueberries in this crumble recipe. If making crumble with frozen berries, just make sure you defrost the blueberries first.
Apple - Use any kind of apples that you enjoy eating. You may need to use more or less sugar depending on how tart the apples are. I used gala apples, but other favorites are pink lady or macintosh apples.
Cornstarch - I use cornstarch to thicken the fruit filling because you need less of it than flour and it's also gluten free. You could also use all purpose flour, arrowroot starch or potato starch.
Sugar - I use granulated sugar to make the crumble - but brown sugar or coconut sugar will also work well.
Butter - You can use either salted or unsalted butter to make the crumble topping. Just make sure it is cold.
How to Make Apple & Blueberry Crumble - Step-By-Step
Find the full printable recipe card below.
TO PREPARE THE FRUIT
- Toss peeled and sliced apples and blueberries with the cornstarch and sugar in a large bowl.
- Place the fruit mixture into an oven proof baking pan. I used a 9x13 inch baking dish - but it can be slightly larger or smaller since crumble is rustic.
TO MAKE THE TOPPING
- Mix the flour and sugar together in a large bowl.
- Add the cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
ASSEMBLE AND BAKE
- Sprinkle the crumble topping mixture over the fruit leaving a small border at the edge so you can see a little of the fruit.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until hot and the crumble is golden brown.
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream or even better - custard!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a crumble?
Buttery crumble is a popular dessert in the UK. It comprises a fruit base, topped with a crumble topping made by rubbing butter into flour and sugar.
What is the secret to a good crumble?
The secret to making a good crumble topping is to use small cubes of butter taken straight from the fridge. Run the butter quickly into the flour, taking care not to overmix the crumble topping or it will start to clump together. Only work the butter and flour until you have a breadcrumb like consistency.
What is the difference between a crumble and a crisp?
Although very similar, a crumble topping is only made with flour, butter and sugar. Whereas a crisp topping will also contain rolled oats and often some chopped nuts.
What can I add to my crumble topping?
Using a basic crumble topping of flour, sugar and butter, you can add in other ingredients for flavor, texture and crunch. Try adding some ground spices like cinnamon or ginger to the topping. Add a handful of rolled oats, or some crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for crunch.
Do you need to add sugar to fruit in a crumble?
The additional of sugar to the fruit filling is entirely optional, and comes down to the sweetness of the fruit you are using. If using sour cooking apples I would always add sugar to sweeten the filling. However, if using a sweet dessert apple you may not need the sugar. It's comes down to personal choice.
How to thicken fruit in a crumble?
You can use both flour and cornstarch to thicken the pie filling, although I prefer to use cornstarch. You don't need to use as much cornstarch as you would flour, and the cornstarch gives the fruit filling a lovely glossy finish, which you don't get with all purpose flour. Cornstarch is also gluten free.
Why is my crumble topping not crispy?
The success of the crumble topping comes down to the amount of butter used. Too much and the crumble will be soggy and greasy; too little and the crumble with be floury and dry.
I always recommend measuring out the butter. Also, only use fridge cold butter as room temperature butter can also make the crumble soggy.
Variations & Substitutions
When it comes to thinking about what else you can add to a crumble, the options are endless. Here are some ideas:
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries, both work equally well in this crumble recipe.
- Swap the blueberries for other berries like strawberries, raspberries or blackberries.
- Swap apples for other fruits like pears, peaches, apricots, nectarines or plums.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pie filling.
- Add some spice to the pie filling with a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ginger.
- Switch granulated sugar for soft brown sugar in the crumble topping.
- For added crunch, try adding some rolled oats to the crumble topping mixture.
- It's also fun to make an apple and blueberry crumble pie. I keep things easy with a ready bought pie crust which I fill with apples and blueberries then top with the crumble. But you can always use an easy homemade pie crust recipe.
How to make Gluten Free Crumble
To make a gluten free crumble, swap the all purpose flour for gluten free flour. Be sure to use cornflour in the fruit mixture too.
How to make Vegan Crumble
It's really easy to make a dairy-free or vegan crumble, simply replace the regular butter with a dairy free alternative.
Tips & Tricks
- This dessert is great for using up soft apples.
- Always use cold butter, straight from the fridge, when making crumble. The butter needs to be cold as you rub it through the flour and sugar to form large crumbs. If you use warm butter you risk the crumble becoming soggy.
- Don't over-mix the topping. Mix the ingredients until it resembles a coarse meal, don't over-mix it. Over-mixing the crumble topping will make it dense and heavy.
- If the topping starts to go too brown, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue to bake.
How To Serve
I like to serve apple blueberry crumble warm, straight from the oven. Add some custard, whipped cream, or a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice-cream.
How To Reheat
Leftovers can be stored well covered, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the crumble in a warm oven or in the microwave.
How to Freeze Fruit Crumble?
Blueberry and apple crumble can be frozen whole before it is cooked. Simply cover the dish and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, you can heat the crumble up in the oven, straight from frozen. Preheat the oven to 400ºF/200ºC and heat the crumble until the top and fruit is hot all the way through.
Another great tip when making the crumble topping is to make double the quantity. Enjoy some now and freeze a bag of crumble for a quick dessert another day. The good news is crumble topping can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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More Easy Dessert Recipe Ideas
Printable Recipe
Apple & Blueberry Crumble Recipe (with Frozen or Fresh Berries)
Ingredients
For the fruit mixture
- 2 cups Blueberries - fresh or defrosted frozen blueberries
- 6 Apples - peeled and cut into slices
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch (Cornflour)
- 1 tbsp Sugar
For the crumble
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Plain Flour) - plain
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 stick Butter - cold, cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF/200ªC
To prepare the fruit
- Toss the peeled and sliced apples and blueberries with the cornstarch and sugar in a large bowl.
- Place into an oven proof baking pan. I used a 9x13 inch baking dish - but it can be slightly larger or smaller since crumble is rustic.
To make the topping
- Mix the flour and sugar together in a mixing bowl.
- Add the cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
To assemble and bake
- Sprinkle the crumble topping mixture over the fruit leaving a small border at the edge so you can see a little of the cherries.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until hot and the crumble is golden brown.
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream or even better - custard!
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