Easy Apple & Blueberry Crumble (with Frozen or Fresh Berries)

Apple and Blueberry Crumble: A Quick & Delicious Dessert

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress, this Apple and Blueberry Crumble is just what you need. With only five ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dessert, a holiday gathering, or just because, this crumble is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead of time!

Why You’ll Love This Apple and Blueberry Crumble

Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of hands-on time, this recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a comforting dessert without all the fuss.
Make Ahead: You can prepare this crumble ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Even better, double the crumble topping and freeze it for a quick dessert next time.
Naturally Sweet & Fruity: The combination of apples and blueberries gives a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a refreshing yet cozy treat.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when you swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Versatile: You can swap out the fruits for whatever you have on hand. Whether it’s peaches, plums, or other berries, this crumble is incredibly flexible.

Ingredients for Apple and Blueberry Crumble

Blueberries: You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen, just make sure to thaw them first.
Apples: I used Gala apples in this recipe, but feel free to try Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or any apple variety you prefer.
Cornstarch: To help thicken the fruit filling, cornstarch is used. It’s a gluten-free option, but you can substitute with all-purpose flour, arrowroot starch, or potato starch.
Sugar: I use granulated sugar for sweetness, but brown sugar or coconut sugar also work wonderfully.
Butter: Make sure to use cold butter (unsalted or salted) to make the crumble topping. Cold butter helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.

How to Make Apple & Blueberry Crumble – Step-By-Step

1. Prepare the Fruit

Toss your peeled and sliced apples and blueberries in a large bowl with cornstarch and sugar.
Once combined, place the mixture into an oven-proof baking dish. I used a 9×13-inch dish, but any size will work as crumble is rustic!

2. Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate large bowl, combine flour and sugar.
Add cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it forms coarse breadcrumbs.

3. Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit mixture. Leave a small border at the edges to let the fruit peek through.
Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
If you want the topping to be extra golden, broil for an additional 2 minutes (watch it carefully to prevent burning!).

4. Serve

Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of custard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a crumble?

A crumble is a classic British dessert made with a sweetened fruit base topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. It’s a comforting, easy dessert with endless variations.

What’s the secret to a good crumble?

The secret to a perfect crumble topping is to use cold butter. The butter should be rubbed into the flour and sugar until you get a coarse, breadcrumb-like consistency. Don’t overmix—this will keep your topping light and crispy.

What’s the difference between a crumble and a crisp?

While both are similar, the key difference is that a crumble topping is typically made with butter, flour, and sugar, while a crisp topping often includes rolled oats and sometimes nuts for added crunch.

Do I need to add sugar to the fruit in a crumble?

It depends on the sweetness of your fruit. If you’re using tart apples, you might want to add some sugar to balance the tartness. Sweet apples may not need additional sugar, and you can adjust based on personal preference.

Variations & Substitutions

Fruit Swap: Feel free to swap the blueberries for other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can also mix fruits like apples and pears or plums and peaches.
Add Spice: For added flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger into the fruit filling or crumble topping.
Oats for Crunch: For an added crunch, stir some rolled oats into the topping mixture. You can also throw in some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra texture.

Tips & Tricks

Use Cold Butter: This is a must for a crisp, crumbly topping. If the butter is too warm, it will result in a greasy topping.
Don’t Overmix the Topping: Only mix until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy topping.
Check the Crumble: If the topping begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the fruit is tender.
Double the Topping: Make extra crumble topping and store it in the freezer. The next time you need a quick dessert, you can just add it to fresh fruit and bake!

How To Serve

This apple and blueberry crumble is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard for a decadent treat. It’s also a great dessert for a Thanksgiving feast, a family dinner, or a casual weeknight treat.

How to Reheat

Leftovers? No problem! Store the crumble in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until hot, or pop it in the microwave for a quick 30-second burst.

Conclusion

This Apple and Blueberry Crumble is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With its crisp topping and tender fruit filling, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering or even a cozy treat for yourself. Enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert that everyone will love!