Easy Apple Berry Crisp Dessert Recipe

This Apple Berry Crisp is a warm comfort food dessert that can be made with any berries you love like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries or even cranberries!

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Why you'll love this Apple Berry Crisp
Ingredients for Apple Berry Crisp
How to make this apple crumble recipe
Expert Tips
A few items you may need for making your Apple Crisp:
Substitutions and Variations
If you love delicious apple recipes, check out these:
Recipe FAQs
📖 Recipe

Apple Berry Crisp is a comforting dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the tartness of assorted berries.

Its crumble topping, featuring oats, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, provides a delightful contrast to the tender fresh fruit filling. We really love this crowd-pleasing dessert's simplicity, with only a few ingredients needed, including fresh or frozen berries and pantry staples.

What makes this sweet treat versatile is the choice of berries, making it adaptable to your preferences or what's available. It's suitable for all sorts of occasions, whether it's a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or the grand finale of a special meal.

Why you'll love this Apple Berry Crisp

Bursting with flavor: This fruit crumble combines the sweetness of fresh apples with the tartness of assorted berries, creating a harmonious and irresistible flavor profile.
The textures are amazing: The crumbly topping adds a satisfying crunch to the tender fruit filling, delivering a delightful contrast in every bite.
Simple ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh or frozen berries, this recipe is easy to prepare without the need for complex ingredients.
Use any berries you like: You can personalize this easy dessert by choosing your favorite berries or using what's in season, making it adaptable to various preferences and occasions. Use juicy blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or cranberries and this dish will turn out beautifully.

apple blueberry crisp in a brown bowl on a white background

Ingredients for Apple Berry Crisp

Apples- We used Granny Smith apples, but you could also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples.
Berries- Use any sort of berries you like! We love this recipe with fresh blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries, but it would be great with raspberries or strawberries as well.
Sugar- White sugar will help to sweeten the tart apples.
Cinnamon- This will add a a nice fall warmth to this delicious dessert.
Crispy crumble topping- Made with flour, oats, and brown sugar.

Check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

How to make this apple crumble recipe

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, oats, ground cinnamon, packed brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well.
Incorporate the 5 tablespoons of butter into the dry mixture by either grating it or cutting it into small pieces. Blend the butter into the mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers until it forms a crumbly texture. Set this topping aside for later.
In another mixing bowl, combine the peeled and chopped apples, sugar, the remaining ground cinnamon, and the remaining flour. Mix these ingredients thoroughly.
Gently fold in your choice of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, or cranberries. Ensure they're evenly distributed among the apple mixture.
Transfer the apple and berry mixture into the prepared baking dish or cast iron skillet.
Sprinkle the previously prepared topping evenly over the fruit mixture.
Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown.
Once done, remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for about 20-30 minutes before serving.
For a delightful finishing touch, serve your Apple Berry Crisp with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

apple berry scrip topped with whipped cream

Expert Tips

If using frozen berries, thaw and drain them before adding to the recipe. This prevents excess moisture from making the crisp soggy.
The amount of sugar can vary depending on the sweetness of your fruit and personal preference. Taste the fruit mixture before adding sugar, and adjust accordingly.
When combining the dry ingredients for the topping (flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, and salt), use a fork or pastry blender to cut the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures a crumbly, crunchy topping.
Keep an eye on your crisp as it bakes. You want the crisp topping to be golden brown and the fruit to be bubbling. You may need to adjust the baking time based on your oven's performance.
Allow the apple crisp to cool for a bit after baking. This helps the fruit juices thicken and the flavors meld.
Make your apple berry crisp in a cast iron skillet for super crispy edges. Cast iron also holds the heat longer to keep it warm for serving.

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A few items you may need for making your Apple Crisp:

Substitutions and Variations

Nutty Crunch: Add a crunchy texture by mixing chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds) into the topping mixture before baking.

Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom in addition to, or instead of, cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.

Mixed Berries: Instead of making strictly an apple blueberry crumble or a blackberry crumble recipe, combine a variety of berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to create a colorful and flavorful berry mix.

If you love delicious apple recipes, check out these:

Recipe FAQs

What is the best apple for baking?

When baking with apples, you want to use a variety that is firm enough to hold its shape during cooking. You can use Granny Smith apples, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples.

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

Crisps and crumbles are similar desserts, but crisps typically contain oats in the topping, while crumbles do not. The terms are often used interchangeably, so don't worry too much about the distinction.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is a matter of personal preference. Some like the texture and color that the peels provide, while others prefer a smoother filling. It's entirely up to you.

Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fruit. If using frozen berries, it's a good idea to thaw and drain them before incorporating them into the recipe to avoid excess moisture.

📖 Recipe