Ultimate Apple and Blueberry Crumble Recipe: Easy & Delicious Comfort Food

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate Apple and Blueberry Crumble, a dessert that redefines comfort food! This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Imagine soft, tender apples mingling with bursts of juicy, sweet blueberries, all crowned with a golden, crunchy oat crumble topping. This harmonious blend of textures and flavors creates a truly amazing and warming dessert that’s ideal for any season.

Close up on a large spoon filled with apple and blueberry crumble inside the baking dish, showing the crispy topping and fruity filling. — A close-up shot of a hearty serving of Apple and Blueberry Crumble, showcasing its crispy oat topping and vibrant fruit filling.

If you’re looking for an effortless yet impressive dessert, this Apple and Blueberry Crumble recipe is your new go-to. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, elevating the traditional apple crumble with the vibrant addition of blueberries. This comforting dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or simply as a cozy treat on a cool evening. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fresh cream, or a pour of rich custard, and watch it disappear!

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Why You’ll Adore This Easy Apple and Blueberry Crumble Recipe

Adding juicy blueberries to your classic apple crumble isn’t just a simple tweak; it’s a game-changer that takes this beloved dessert to an exciting new level. The blueberries infuse the crumble with their delicious, sweet-tart flavor and contribute a gorgeous natural pink hue, making each spoonful an absolute delight. But beyond the incredible taste, there are so many practical reasons to love this particular apple and blueberry crumble recipe:

This apple and blueberry crumble recipe stands out for several reasons:

It’s a super quick and easy dessert to whip up, requiring absolutely no mixer. This means less cleanup and a faster path to a warm, comforting treat! The simple, straightforward steps make it accessible for even novice bakers.
The delicious and crunchy oat crumble topping can be prepared in advance, allowing you to save time on baking day. Simply make the crumble mixture, store it in the fridge for up to a day, and then sprinkle it over your fruit filling when you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for entertaining or when you want to get a head start.
You have the flexibility to use both fresh or frozen blueberries, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful dessert all year round. No need to wait for peak berry season; a bag of frozen blueberries from your freezer will work just as wonderfully, making this a truly versatile recipe. Remember to thaw and drain frozen berries properly for the best results.
This is an incredibly comforting dessert that appeals to everyone, making it wonderfully family-friendly. Its warm, sweet, and slightly tart flavors, combined with that satisfying crunch, create a truly satisfying experience. It’s simply perfect to serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a generous pour of creamy custard, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
Customizable to your taste: Easily adapt the spices, add nuts, or even swap out some of the fruit to make it your own. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity.
Perfect for any occasion: While it’s a simple weeknight treat, it’s also elegant enough for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. Its rustic charm always impresses!

If you love crumbles and fruit desserts, make sure to also check out these other irresistible recipes:
Apricot Crumble | Apple and Pear Crumble | Applesauce Crumb Cake

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Crumble

Crafting the perfect apple and blueberry crumble starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for that ideal balance of flavor and texture. Good news – you probably have most of these pantry staples already!

Ingredients for apple and blueberry crumble laid out on a light surface, including apples, blueberries, flour, oats, sugar, and butter. — A visual guide to the simple, fresh ingredients needed for this delightful apple and blueberry crumble.

Scroll down to the recipe card below for all quantities and precise measurements.

For the Irresistibly Crunchy Oat Crumble Topping:

Plain / All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our crumble, binding the other ingredients together to create that classic crumbly texture. You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if needed.
Brown Sugar: We use brown sugar for its molasses notes, which add a lovely caramel-like depth to the topping and complement the fruit beautifully. Both light and dark brown sugar work well; dark brown sugar will give a richer flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon enhances the warmth and spice of the crumble. Feel free to experiment with other warming spices like nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of ginger for added complexity. A tiny pinch of salt can also balance the sweetness.
Rolled Oats: These are essential for achieving that delightful, chewy, and crunchy texture in the topping. Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats or instant oats, as the latter tend to become mushy and won’t hold their distinct crunch when baked.
Unsalted Butter (Melted!): This is truly the secret ingredient for a fuss-free and incredibly crunchy crumble topping. Unlike traditional methods that require cutting in cold butter, using melted butter ensures all dry ingredients are evenly coated, leading to a consistently crumbly and crispy result every time. No special tools or messy hands required!

For the Sweet and Tangy Apple and Blueberry Filling:

Blueberries: The star of our berry addition! This recipe is incredibly versatile and works perfectly with both fresh blueberries and fully thawed frozen blueberries. Using frozen berries means you can enjoy this amazing dessert any time of year. Just ensure they are thoroughly thawed and well-drained to prevent an overly watery filling.
Apples: For the best balance of flavor and texture, I highly recommend using a combination of two apple varieties: one sweet and one tart. For example, a mix of Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples offers a wonderful contrast. While I typically peel mine for a smoother texture, you can absolutely leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic feel or want to boost the fiber content. See our FAQs section below for detailed recommendations on the best apples for crumble.
Brown Sugar: Again, brown sugar is chosen for its rich, slightly caramel flavor that pairs exquisitely with apples and blueberries. You can use either light or dark brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness and depth. While white granulated sugar can be used in a pinch, brown sugar truly elevates the overall taste profile.
Cornstarch: This ingredient is absolutely essential for thickening the delicious juices released by the fruits as they bake. It prevents the filling from becoming watery and ensures you get a beautifully luscious, rather than soggy, apple blueberry crumble. You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of plain / all-purpose flour, or another type of starch like tapioca starch if preferred.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice is crucial for brightening the flavors of the fruit, preventing the filling from being overly sweet, and adding a subtle tang that balances the rich sweetness of the apples and blueberries. It really makes the fruit flavors pop!

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Crumble

This apple and blueberry crumble recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative with these simple variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

Add some chopped nuts to the crumble topping for an extra layer of crunch and rich flavor. This dessert would be incredibly delicious with a handful of toasted pecans, walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. They add a wonderful nutty depth.
Substitute the blueberries for other favorite berries or fruits. Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend would all be fantastic. For a different twist, try peaches, plums, or even rhubarb (you might need to adjust sugar slightly for tart fruits).
To make this comforting dessert dairy-free, simply replace the unsalted butter with an equal amount of coconut oil (solid, then melted) or a plant-based butter alternative/margarine. Ensure your margarine is suitable for baking for the best texture.
Spice it up: Beyond cinnamon, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the fruit filling for a more complex spice profile.
Zest it up: A bit of orange or lemon zest in the fruit filling or crumble topping can add a bright, aromatic lift.

How to Make the Best Blueberry Apple Crumble: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this incredible apple and blueberry crumble is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a dessert that will impress everyone!

1. Prepare the Irresistible Oat Crumble Topping

Process Shot Collage: A hand mixing ingredients for crumble in a white bowl, and diced apples on a cutting board. — Collage showcasing the initial steps: mixing the dry ingredients for the crumble topping and dicing apples for the fruit filling.

Begin by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius / 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the crumble is ready to bake.

Now, let’s prepare the star of the show – the crisp topping:

First, melt the butter and set it aside to cool slightly. It’s important that the butter isn’t piping hot when you add it to the dry ingredients, as this could start to cook the flour.
Photo 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, plain/all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are evenly combined. This ensures the flavors are well distributed throughout the topping.
Photo 2: Pour in the slightly cooled melted butter over the dry ingredients.
Photo 3: Using a spatula, wooden spoon, or even your clean hands, mix the ingredients until all of the dry mixture is coated with the melted butter. You’ll see small, delightful crumbs forming. This melted butter technique is much easier and less messy than traditional cold butter methods, giving you perfect crumbs every time. Set this crumble topping aside.

A little insider tip: I actually find that the texture of the crumble topping is even better when prepared slightly in advance. You can make this topping up to 24 hours before baking and keep it stored in an airtight container or covered bowl in the fridge. This makes baking day even easier!

Photo 4: Moving on to the fruit, peel, core, and chop your apples into small chunks. The size of your apple chunks can influence the final texture of the filling.

I personally like to cut the apples into irregular chunks. This creates a more interesting texture profile: the smaller pieces will become wonderfully soft and melt-in-your-mouth, while the slightly larger ones will retain a bit of a pleasant crunch, adding depth to each bite. If you prefer a completely uniform and smoother texture, simply try to cut all your apple pieces into even sizes.

2. Prepare the Juicy Apple and Blueberry Filling

Process Shot Collage: mixing the fruits with sugar and cornstarch in a light blue bowl, then assembling the crumble in a rectangular baking dish. — Step-by-step photos illustrating the preparation of the fruit filling and the assembly of the crumble in a baking dish.

Photo 5: Place the prepared diced apples into a separate large mixing bowl. Add the blueberries (ensure frozen blueberries are thawed and well-drained) and gently mix them together to combine the fruits evenly.
Photo 6: Now, add the brown sugar, fresh lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and, importantly, the cornstarch to the fruit mixture. The cornstarch will be key in thickening the juices as the crumble bakes, preventing a watery filling.
Photo 7: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the fruits are lightly coated with the sugar, spices, and cornstarch. Be careful not to mash the fruit.
Photo 8: Transfer the prepared blueberry apple filling into your chosen baking dish. I recommend a 20 x 28 cm (8 x 11.5-inch) ceramic dish, which is ideal for allowing even baking and a good fruit-to-crumble ratio. Spread the fruit mixture evenly. Then, generously cover the entire fruit filling with the prepared oat crumble topping, ensuring an even layer across the top.
Bake the blueberry apple crisp for approximately 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly baked when the topping is beautifully crispy and golden brown, and the fruit filling underneath is bubbling enticingly, indicating it’s soft, tender, and juicy.
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool down slightly. This allows the filling to set and prevents the fruit from being too hot. Serve your delicious apple and blueberry crumble lukewarm for the best experience. If you’ve made it in advance, store it in the fridge and gently re-heat it in the oven (covered loosely with foil to prevent over-browning) before serving to restore its warmth and freshness.

Apple and blueberry filling partially topped with unbaked crumble topping seen from above, showing the vibrant fruit and crumbly texture. — An aerial view of the vibrant apple and blueberry filling, partially covered with the unbaked, crumbly topping, ready for the oven.

Apple and Blueberry Crumble FAQs

Got questions about making the perfect crumble? Here are answers to some of the most common queries, ensuring your dessert turns out perfectly every time.

What apples are best for apple and blueberry crumble?

The ultimate secret to a well-balanced apple crumble is to use a thoughtful combination of both sweet and tart apples. This blend creates a complex flavor profile and an appealing range of textures within the filling. I personally love a mix of sweet Pink Lady apples and tangy Granny Smith apples. The Pink Lady offers a crisp sweetness that mellows beautifully, while the Granny Smith provides a necessary tartness that cuts through the richness and holds its shape well, giving you a wonderful balance of soft and slightly firm chunks.

Other excellent apple choices include:

Braeburn: Sweet with a hint of tartness, holds up well.
Honeycrisp: Very sweet and exceptionally crisp, maintains texture.
Golden Delicious: Sweet and mellow, softens beautifully.
Fuji: Crisp and sweet, great for blending.

For even more detailed guidance on selecting the perfect fruit for your baked goods, check out my comprehensive “Best Apples for Baking” guide!

Can I use frozen blueberries in this crumble recipe?

Absolutely, yes! One of the things I appreciate most about this versatile recipe is its flexibility with ingredients. You can definitely use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones, which means you can enjoy this delightful apple and blueberry crumble any time of the year, regardless of berry season!

However, there’s a crucial step: ensure that the frozen blueberries are fully thawed and thoroughly drained before you add them to the apple mixture. Frozen berries release a significant amount of liquid as they thaw, and we want to avoid introducing any unnecessary juice or water into the filling. Excess liquid can lead to a soggy crumble, which we definitely don’t want. A good way to drain them is to place them in a colander and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or gently pat them dry with a paper towel.

Can I make the crumble topping without oats?

Yes, you absolutely can make a delicious crumble topping without oats! If you prefer a topping that’s purely flour-based or simply don’t have oats on hand, just substitute the rolled oats with an equal amount of additional all-purpose flour. This will result in a more uniform, cake-like crumb.

If you still want to re-introduce some textural contrast, you can add other ingredients like finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds are great choices) or even a small amount of shredded coconut for a different kind of crunch and flavor. The key is maintaining the proper ratio of wet to dry ingredients, so stick to the overall weight of the dry components.

Cold butter vs. melted butter for crumble topping: which is better?

This is a fantastic question and a common point of discussion among bakers! I used to swear by the old-fashioned method of making crumbles, which involves cutting or rubbing cold, diced butter into the dry ingredients to create small pea-sized crumbs. It’s a classic technique, but I have to say, after experimenting extensively with melted butter, I’m never going back for crumbles!

Here’s why melted butter is my preferred method for this apple and blueberry crumble:

Ease and Convenience: Using melted butter is significantly easier and far less messy. No need for a pastry blender, food processor, or even getting your hands cold and sticky. Just melt, pour, and stir!
Superior Crunch: I find that melted butter consistently provides a remarkably crunchy and evenly textured topping. When melted butter is incorporated, it coats all the dry ingredients more uniformly. As it bakes, the water evaporates, and the butter solids help create a crisp, golden shell, unlike cold butter which can sometimes lead to pockets of undercooked flour or less uniform browning.
Consistent Crumb Size: With melted butter, you achieve a more consistent crumb size throughout the topping, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced in texture. The melted butter rehydrates the flour slightly, contributing to that desirable texture and rich, buttery flavor.

While both methods can yield delicious results, for simplicity and a reliably crunchy, golden topping, melted butter is the clear winner for this apple and blueberry crumble.

Baked apple and blueberry crumble in a white ceramic dish seen from above, golden and bubbly. — A stunning overhead shot of the perfectly baked apple and blueberry crumble, fresh out of the oven, with its glistening golden topping.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for a Perfect Crumble

Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few expert tips. Here’s how to ensure your apple and blueberry crumble turns out perfectly every time, along with solutions to common baking issues.

How do you prevent a crumble from becoming soggy? The ultimate key to avoiding a soggy fruit filling and topping is to effectively thicken the juices released by the fruits as they bake. Do not skip on the cornstarch! It’s absolutely crucial for absorbing and thickening a significant amount of those extra fruit juices, ensuring a luscious, not watery, filling. Additionally, properly baking your crumble until it’s deeply golden brown and bubbly will help crisp up the topping. An underbaked crumble can also feel soggy, so look for those visual cues of golden perfection.
Why is my crumble topping not crumbly and crunchy? Achieving that signature crunchy crumble topping depends on having the right ratio of butter to dry ingredients. This recipe uses a balanced 1:1 ratio of butter, flour, oats, and brown sugar, which is ideal for a great, consistent crunch. The biggest tip here is using melted butter instead of cold butter. Melted butter ensures all the dry ingredients are thoroughly and evenly coated, leading to those perfectly defined, crispy crumbs rather than a clumpy or cake-like texture.
Why is my crumble so wet? A wet crumble filling usually indicates too much liquid. Blueberries, especially when frozen, will release a lot of juice during baking. To combat this, always ensure your frozen blueberries are fully thawed and thoroughly drained before you mix them into the filling. You can also pat them dry with a paper towel. Additionally, make sure you’re using the correct amount of cornstarch as specified in the recipe to thicken the juices effectively. If your fruit is exceptionally juicy (e.g., very ripe berries), you might consider adding an extra half-teaspoon of cornstarch.
Don’t overmix the crumble topping: Once the melted butter is added, mix just until the dry ingredients are coated and crumbs form. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher topping.
Give it space: Don’t overcrowd your baking dish. An appropriately sized dish allows for even heat circulation, helping the topping crisp up and the fruit cook consistently.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Crumble

While this Apple and Blueberry Crumble is absolutely divine on its own, pairing it with certain accompaniments can elevate the experience even further, turning it into an unforgettable dessert.

My absolute favorite way to enjoy this crumble is served warm with a generous scoop of simple vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, fruity crumble is pure bliss.
Alternatively, a smooth, rich vanilla custard (crème anglaise) is a classic and wonderfully comforting pairing.
For an extra layer of apple flavor, drizzle some of my homemade applesauce over your serving. It adds a lovely, natural sweetness and a different texture.
If you’re a true berry lover, consider topping it with my Easy Blueberry Coulis or a spoonful of Blueberry Compote for an intense burst of fresh berry goodness.
A dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of vanilla or orange zest, also makes a luxurious addition.
For a slightly tangy twist, plain Greek yogurt can be a refreshing contrast to the sweet fruit.
And for ultimate indulgence, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce would be simply irresistible!

Storing & Freezing Your Apple and Blueberry Crumble

To fully enjoy the delightful textures of this dessert, this apple and blueberry crumble is undeniably at its best when served fresh and warm, straight out of the oven. However, if you have leftovers or wish to prepare parts of it in advance, here’s how to properly store and handle it:

Storage: Any leftover crumble should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will remain delicious for up to three days.
Reheating: Individual portions can be easily re-heated in the microwave for a quick warm treat. For a crispier topping, I recommend reheating the entire dish (or larger portions) in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping has re-crisped. If the topping starts browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
Making in Advance: If you’re preparing this for a special occasion, you can slightly under-bake the crumble (bake for about 30-35 minutes) then let it cool. Cover and refrigerate. Before serving, re-heat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until it’s golden, bubbly, and fully cooked. This ensures maximum freshness and crunch for your guests.
Freezing: I generally do not recommend freezing this dessert after it has been baked. While the fruit filling might freeze adequately, the delicate, crunchy texture of the oat crumble topping tends to become soft and soggy upon thawing, losing its appeal. It’s best enjoyed fresh or simply refrigerated for a few days.

One serving of apple and blueberry crumble on a small white plate, ready to be enjoyed. — A single, inviting portion of Apple and Blueberry Crumble, showcasing its rich fruit and golden topping.

Explore More Delightful Fruit Desserts

If you’ve enjoyed this scrumptious apple and blueberry crumble, you’ll love these other fruit-filled treats from my kitchen. Each recipe is designed to be easy, flavorful, and a perfect way to celebrate the natural sweetness of fruit.

Passion Fruit Mousse Cups
Raspberry Panna Cotta
Strawberry Mousse Cups
Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes
Stewed Pears (originally Rhubarb, corrected to Pear for consistency with the link provided previously)
Mango Panna Cotta
Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake

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Recipe Card: Easy Apple and Blueberry Crumble

Apple and Blueberry Crumble

5 from 1 vote

This delightful Apple and Blueberry Crumble is a quick and easy dessert, combining tender apples and juicy blueberries with a wonderfully crunchy oat topping for the ultimate comforting treat!

Servings: 8

Author: Sylvie

Prep Time30 minutes

Cook Time45 minutes

Total Time1 hour 15 minutes

Print Recipe

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

Oat Crumble Topping

100 gr (6 1/2 tablespoons) Unsalted Butter, melted and slightly cooled
100 gr (2/3 cup) Plain / All-Purpose Flour
100 gr (1 cup) Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
100 gr (1/2 cup) Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Apple and Blueberry Filling

4 large Apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (approx. 500 gr once diced)
300 gr (10.5 oz) Blueberries, fresh or frozen & thoroughly thawed and drained
15 ml (1 tablespoon) Fresh Lemon Juice
70 gr (1/3 cup) Brown Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoon Cornstarch

Instructions

Oat Crumble Topping

Melt the unsalted butter and set aside in a small bowl to cool down slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, plain/all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well until evenly mixed. Add the slightly cooled melted butter and mix with a spatula (or your hands) until all of the dry mixture is coated and small, delightful crumbs form (see note 1). Set this crumble topping aside.

Apple and Blueberry Filling

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
Peel, core, and chop the apples into small, irregular chunks (see note 2). Place them in another mixing bowl along with the blueberries (ensure frozen blueberries are thawed and well-drained) and stir gently to combine the fruits.
To the fruit mixture, add the lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until all the fruit is evenly coated with these ingredients.

Assembling & Baking the Crumble

Transfer the prepared fruit filling into a 20 x 28 cm (8 x 11.5-inch) baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, generously cover the fruit layer with the prepared oat crumble topping.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the crumble topping is beautifully crispy and golden brown, and the fruit filling underneath is soft, juicy, and bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool down slightly before serving lukewarm.

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Notes

The crumble topping can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the fridge. This makes your baking day even quicker!
For the apples, I recommend a mix of sweet (e.g., Pink Lady) and tart (e.g., Granny Smith) varieties for the best flavor balance. Cutting apples into irregular chunks creates varying textures in the filling – smaller pieces become very soft, while larger ones retain a slight crunch. For a uniform, smoother texture, cut all apple chunks to an even size.

Nutrition (per serving)