Description
Craving a dessert that’s both comforting and bursting with fresh berry flavor? This Blackberry Crisp is a simple, rustic treat that combines juicy blackberries with a buttery, oat-filled topping for a perfect balance of tart and sweet
Ingredients
With just five ingredients, this recipe highlights the natural tartness of blackberries and a wholesome, crunchy topping. Fresh blackberries are ideal for the best flavor.
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1 cup (80 g) rolled oats: Creates a hearty, crunchy topping.
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1 cup (200 g) brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and crispness.
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¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour, divided: Thickens the filling and binds the topping.
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½ cup (115 g) butter, softened: Forms a rich, crumbly texture.
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4 cups (about 600 g) fresh blackberries: Provide a juicy, tart filling.
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Substitutions and Variations:
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil (firm, not melted) for the topping.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
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Lower Sugar: Reduce brown sugar to ¾ cup (150 g) or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar.
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Fruit Swap: Replace blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries, or add 1 cup sliced peaches for variety.
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Flavor Boost: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the topping, or mix 1 teaspoon lemon zest into the blackberries.
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Why These Ingredients Matter: The blackberries deliver a tart, juicy filling, while the oats, flour, and butter create a golden, crunchy topping. The brown sugar adds sweetness and enhances the crisp texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
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Tip: Use a glass or ceramic dish for even baking, and grease lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
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In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup brown sugar, and ½ cup all-purpose flour.
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Add ½ cup softened butter and cut it in using two knives, a pastry blender, or your fingers until the mixture is moistened and crumbly, with pea-sized clumps.
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Tip: Work the butter in thoroughly but avoid overmixing to keep the topping crumbly, not doughy.
Step 3: Prepare the Blackberry Filling
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Spread 4 cups fresh blackberries evenly in the greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
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Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup all-purpose flour over the blackberries and toss gently to coat, helping to thicken the juices during baking.
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Tip: Rinse and pat blackberries dry before using, and handle gently to avoid crushing.
Step 4: Assemble
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Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the blackberries, covering the fruit but allowing some berries to peek through for a rustic look.
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Tip: Don’t press the topping down; let it sit loosely for a crisp, textured finish.
Step 5: Bake
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Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the blackberry filling is bubbling.
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Tip: Check at 30 minutes; if the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remaining time.
Step 6: Serve
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Let the crisp cool for 5–10 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly.
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
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Tip: Spoon into bowls to capture the juicy filling, and serve immediately for the best texture.