Blackberry and Apple Crisp (How to Store and Freeze)

This homemade blackberry and apple crisp offers gooey berry, apples and spices under a crispy sweet topping, filling your home with comforting aromas. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering, this rustic dessert is easy to make and will put a smile on everyone’s face. Follow the simple steps to create a dish perfect to serve a crowd and impress your guests.

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a homemade blackberry and apple crisp baking in the oven. This pretty, rustic dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any fall gathering, offering gooey apples and spices under a crispy oat and brown sugar topping. With its fabulous texture, this dish is designed to serve a crowd and ensures that everyone will enjoy the leftovers just as much as the first serving.

Apple crisp is less prep-intensive than apple pie, yet it delivers all the flavor. Using fresh apples, frozen berries, a mix of dry ingredients, and a generous amount of butter, you can whip up this family favorite in no time. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade vanilla custard, it hits the spot every time.

One of the best things about this blackberry and apple crisp is that it's easy to make ahead and store. Leftover apple crisp can be reheated and enjoyed later, reducing waste and making your efforts go further. Whether you keep it in the fridge or freeze it for a rainy day, you'll always have a delicious dessert ready to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to Make Blackberry and Apple Crisp
• Chef’s Tips
• Variations
• Best Wine Pairings for Blackberry and Apple Crisp
• Storage Instructions
• FAQ's
• Looking for More Apple Recipes
• Blackberry and Apple Crisp (How to Store and Freeze)

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Easy: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for beginners. You can have a delicious apple crisp ready in no time, with a crispy topping and gooey berry and apple filling that will impress everyone.
• Simple ingredients: The ingredients for this apple crisp are pantry staples like brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cold butter, combined with frozen blackberries, fresh apples and a hint of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Comfort food: There's nothing like the warm, inviting aroma of a freshly baked apple and blackberry crisp. It's the ultimate comfort food, with tender apples, tangy blackberries and a golden brown, crisp topping that will warm your heart and soul.
• Equipment needed: All you need is a mixing bowl, an ovenproof baking dish, and a few basic kitchen tools to create this delicious dessert. No need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques.
• Make ahead: This apple crisp is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish, cover it with a layer of aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to bake. Leftover apple crisp can also be easily reheated for a quick and tasty treat.

Ingredients

For the Crisp Topping

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crisp topping, providing structure and helping to create a crumbly texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the dry ingredients together, creating a crispy, golden brown topping.
• Old Fashioned Oats: Adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the crisp topping, making it heartier.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the topping and adds a hint of molasses flavor, helping to create a caramelized, crispy layer.

See the recipe card for quantities

For the Berry and Apple Filling

• Cooking Apples: Provide a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the crisp topping, and they hold their shape well when baked.
• Blackberries: Add a burst of juiciness and vibrant color, complementing the apples with their sweet and slightly tart flavor.
• Lemon: Enhances the flavor of the fruit filling with a bright, tangy note and helps prevent the apples from browning.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling and adds depth of flavor, complementing the tartness of the apples and blackberries.
• Cornflour (cornstarch): Thickens the fruit filling, ensuring it isn't too runny and helps the juices set properly.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a comforting spice to the fruit filling, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

See the recipe card for quantities

How to Make Blackberry and Apple Crisp

Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Make the Oat Crisp Topping

• In a large mixing bowl, rub the cold butter into the all-purpose flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
• Mix in the old fashioned oats and brown sugar until well combined.

Prepare the Apple Filling

• Wash, core, and chop the apples into chunks more or less the same size as the berries.
• In a large bowl, combine the apples, frozen blackberries, lemon juice, brown sugar, cornflour (cornstarch), and ground cinnamon until the fruit is well coated.

Assemble the Crisp

• Pour the fruit filling into a 20 x 30 cm (9"x13") ovenproof baking dish.
• Evenly spread the crisp topping mixture over the fruit filling.

Bake and Serve

• Bake in the preheated oven for 40 - 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is cooked and bubbling.
• Remove from the oven and let the crisp rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy your berry and apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade vanilla custard.

Chef’s Tips

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji or Gala apples for the best results. They provide a good texture and balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold when mixing the crisp topping. This helps create a crispy, crumbly texture.
• Layer of Plastic Wrap: Store leftover apple crisp by covering it with a layer of plastic wrap and keeping it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the baked apple crisp. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container.

Variations

Use seasonal fresh fruit: Incorporate fruits that are in season for the freshest flavor. Frozen fruit is also a great option.

• Apple and Cranberry: Combine tart apples with cranberries for a festive twist.
• Mixed berries: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
• Nectarines: Use nectarines for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Peach: Add peaches for a sweet and juicy variation.
• Pears: Pears can add a subtle sweetness and smooth texture.
• Plum: Plums offer a unique tartness and deep color.
• Strawberry and Rhubarb: This classic combination adds a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
• Extra crunchy topping: Add chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts, or even granola for added texture and flavor.
• Can also be served with: Enhance your apple crisp by serving it with whipped cream, crème fraiche, or homemade caramel sauce.

Best Wine Pairings for Blackberry and Apple Crisp

The best wines to serve with this dessert are sweet dessert wines. Sweet dessert wines complement the rich and fruity flavors of blackberry and apple crisp, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

• Marsala: This fortified wine from Italy has a deep, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart apples and sweet berries.
• Riesling – Trockenbeerenauslese: A highly concentrated and sweet Riesling that offers a balance of acidity and sweetness, making it an excellent match for the crisp topping and juicy apple filling.
• Sauternes: This French dessert wine is known for its honeyed flavor and luscious sweetness, which perfectly complements the spiced apple and berry filling.
• Moscato d’Asti: A lightly sparkling Italian wine with floral and fruity notes, Moscato d’Asti adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the apple crisp.
• Tawny Port: The caramel and dried fruit flavors of Tawny Port make it a superb choice to pair with the warm spices and sweet, crispy topping of the dessert.

Storage Instructions

How to Store Apple Crisp in the Fridge

• Leftover Apple Crisp: Allow apple crisp to cool to room temperature. Extra heat and moisture can make it soggy when refrigerated. If you have a lot leftover, cover the dish it was baked in with plastic wrap, then transfer it to an airtight container. Portions can also be wrapped with plastic wrap and refrigerated in an airtight container. It will last for 2-4 days in the fridge.
• Unbaked assembled: Wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap and transfer to an airtight container. Store for up to 2 days.
• Unassembled: Store the apple mixture in an airtight container for 2 days. Keep the oat mixture for the topping in a separate airtight container for 2 days. When ready, add the topping and bake.

How to Store Apple Crisp in the Freezer

• Leftover Apple Crisp: Allow the crisp to cool to room temperature. Wrap in plastic wrap and transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Just apples: If you have a glut of apples, prep them and mix with a bit of lemon juice, flash freeze them on a baking sheet, portion into freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw apples when ready to use and whip up a dessert.
• Unbaked assembled: Wrap in plastic wrap and transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Apple and Blackberry Crisp

• Microwave: Thaw the crisp and put in the microwave for 1 minute. This method of reheating is very quick, but note that the topping may become soggy.
• Oven: Thaw the crisp if frozen. If refrigerated, take out 1-2 hours before reheating to bring to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place in an oven-safe container and bake for 30-45 minutes. If the topping is browning too much; 'tent' the baking dish with aluminum foil. This method takes longer but will result in a lovely crisp topping.
• Toaster oven: Thaw the crisp if frozen. If refrigerated, take out 1-2 hours before reheating to bring to room temperature. Preheat the toaster oven to 180°C (350°F). Place in an oven-safe container and bake for 15-30 minutes. If the topping is browning too much; 'tent' the baking dish with aluminum foil. This method is suitable for smaller portions.
• Air Fryer: Thaw the crisp if frozen. If refrigerated, take out 1-2 hours before reheating to bring to room temperature. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Line the basket with parchment paper. Put a portion of the crisp into the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes. This method is fast and keeps the topping crisp, ideal for smaller portions.

FAQ's

Looking for More Apple Recipes

• Apple and Pecan Overnight Oats: Enjoy a tasty and nutritious breakfast or snack with our creamy oats, crisp apples, and crunchy pecans.
• Easy Dried Apple Chips: Try these simple dried apple chips for a healthy, on-the-go snack or add to granola, or salads.
• Apple Beet and Blue Cheese Salad: Enjoy a fresh, flavorful mix of sweet and savory with arugula, apples, beets, blue cheese, and a tangy apple cider dressing.

There's nothing quite like a warm, homemade blackberry and apple crisp to bring comfort and joy to any occasion. With its perfect blend of tart apples, juicy berries, and a golden brown, crispy topping, this dessert is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you're serving it at a fall gathering or enjoying it as a cozy treat at home, don't forget to pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. 

Ready to create this delicious apple dessert? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor the best apple crisp recipe today. Share your results and let us know how you enjoyed it!

Happy Baking!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.