If there’s one thing I adore about summer, it’s the abundance of fresh, juicy fruits that flood the Farmer’s Markets. Among the treasures of the season, peaches and blackberries shine brightly, and when combined in a crisp, buttery crumble, they create a dessert that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner dessert or a quick indulgence for family gatherings, this Homemade Peach and Blackberry Crumble is exactly what you need. It’s sweet, tangy, and incredibly comforting—a true healthy comfort food that everyone will enjoy.
There’s something magical about the way the warmth of the baked fruit and the crispy crumble topping come together. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your house smell like a bakery, with sweet, fruity aromas filling the air and tempting everyone to sneak a bite. I’ve had more than my fair share of fruit crumbles, but this one with the fresh peaches and blackberries stands out. It’s an easy, no-fuss dessert that comes together in no time, yet delivers big on flavor.
So, let’s dive into how you can recreate this delicious treat in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peach and Blackberry Crumble is the epitome of quick family meals. It’s effortless to make but incredibly rewarding. This dessert is the perfect combination of fresh summer fruit, crispy crumble, and that extra touch of sweetness from the light brown sugar and cinnamon.
Not only does it come together quickly, but it’s a fantastic way to use up those perfectly ripe peaches and juicy blackberries from the market. If you’re in need of a dessert that screams easy high-protein, high-calorie meals, this crumble is the perfect way to indulge without all the fuss. Plus, it’s great to make ahead for a busy week, and it can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature—making it one of the best meal prep plans for a busy schedule.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This crumble combines two of my favorite fruits—the luscious, sweet peaches and plump, juicy blackberries—making it the ultimate summer dessert. The combination of these fruits provides a balance of sweetness and tartness, creating the perfect fruity base for the crumble topping.
What makes it stand out, though, is the crumble topping. It’s made with simple ingredients: flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter, but the secret is in the texture. The cold, diced butter is worked into the dry ingredients to form small pea-sized clumps that bake into a golden, crisp topping. That texture is a game-changer—crispy and buttery on top, with a soft, juicy fruit filling underneath. The result? A crumble that hits all the right notes in every bite.
Ingredients
- Peaches
- Blackberries
- Lemon Zest
- Lemon Juice
- Granulated Sugar
- All-Purpose Flour
- Light Brown Sugar
- Kosher Salt
- Ground Cinnamon
- Unsalted Butter
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking your crumble so that the fruit juices bubble up and the topping turns golden brown and crisp.
Step 2: Start by preparing the peaches. Peel them (I’ll tell you how in a second!) and slice them into thin wedges. Place the sliced peaches into a large bowl. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and flour. Toss the mixture gently to combine, making sure the fruit is evenly coated.
Step 3: Carefully mix in the blackberries and allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes. This gives the fruit a chance to release its natural juices and get extra flavorful.
Step 4: Spoon the peach and blackberry mixture into a medium-sized baking dish. You can use a 9×9-inch square baking dish or any similar-sized dish you have.
Step 5: Now it’s time to make the crumble topping. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold, diced butter to the mixture and use the paddle attachment on low speed. Mix until the butter forms pea-sized clumps, or use a pastry blender to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients by hand.
Step 6: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit. Make sure to cover the entire surface for that perfect crispy top.
Step 7: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper (to catch any bubbling juices). Bake the crumble for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Once done, let the crumble cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgence, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. It’s the perfect way to end any meal.
Tips for Best Results
- Cold Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is very cold when making the crumble topping. This helps create the perfect crumbly texture that will bake up crispy and golden.
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh peaches and blackberries makes all the difference. However, if they’re out of season, frozen fruit can also work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain the fruit before using it.
- Customize Your Topping: Feel free to experiment with the crumble topping. You can add oats for extra texture or swap the brown sugar for maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon: The lemon juice and lemon zest really elevate the fruit flavor, balancing the sweetness and adding a fresh, tangy note.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Blackberries: If you can’t find fresh blackberries, blueberries or even raspberries would make great substitutes.
- Sugar: Swap the granulated sugar for coconut sugar if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. You can also try honey or maple syrup to sweeten the fruit filling.
- Butter: For a dairy-free option, you can replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or any dairy-free margarine.
- Nuts: If you want to add some crunch, sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the crumble topping before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This crumble is best served warm or at room temperature. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy it:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a classic pairing that takes this dessert to the next level. The cold ice cream melts into the warm fruit, creating the perfect bite.
- Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a bit of coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free treat.
- Greek Yogurt: For a tangy twist, spoon some Greek yogurt over the top to balance out the sweetness.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Coffee or Tea: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with this dessert. It’s the perfect way to wind down after dinner.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: If you’re serving this for a summer gathering, a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea complements the fruity flavors beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Store: Keep leftover crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To enjoy the crumble again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the fruit filling and crumble topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble and bake as directed.
- Freezer: For longer storage, assemble the entire crumble and freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, place it directly in the oven (no thawing necessary) and bake for about 50-55 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Topping: When making the crumble topping, don’t overmix the butter. You want it to remain in pea-sized chunks for that perfect crisp texture.
- Not Using Enough Butter: The butter in the crumble topping is key to getting that rich, golden crisp. Don’t skimp on it!
- Baking Temperature: Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you bake the crumble. This ensures the fruit cooks evenly and the topping crisps up perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this crumble with other fruits?
Absolutely! Try swapping the peaches and blackberries for other seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or cherries. - Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, frozen fruit works fine! Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture in the crumble. - How do I make the crumble topping extra crunchy?
Add oats or chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and texture.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Electric Mixer (or a pastry blender for hand mixing)
- Baking Dish (9×9-inch or similar)
- Baking Sheet (for catching any bubbling juices)
- Knife (for slicing peaches)
- Peeler (if not using the boiling water method to peel peaches)
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Homemade Peach and Blackberry Crumble
Ingredients
- 2 pounds firm ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 stick cold unsalted butter, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the sliced peaches in a large bowl. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and flour. Toss well to combine.
- Gently mix in the blackberries and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the fruit mixture into a medium-sized baking dish.
- For the crumble topping, combine the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in the bowl of an electric mixer.
- Add the cold diced butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the butter is about the size of peas. Alternatively, use a pastry blender to incorporate the butter.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit mixture.
- Place the baking dish on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper to catch any drips and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is browned and crisp and the fruit juices are bubbling.
- Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. For a delicious touch, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
