Apple Blackberry Crumble Bars: The Best Christmas Dessert Recipe
Create the best Christmas dessert combing the classic flavors of apple and blackberry into this delicious crisp crumble baked treat.
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If you love apple crisp or crisp desserts look no further. These apple blackberry crumble bars are the best dessert. Crisp on the bottom, filled with a thick fruit layer and then crisp as the topping. You won’t be able to have just one.
Why You’ll Love This
Customizable – Apple blackberry makes a delicious crumble bar however any fruit can create a wonderful flavorful Christmas crumble bar dessert.
Uses Pantry Staples – Made with ingredients most people already have on hand, making it a super convenient option for the busy Christmas season.
Prep Ahead – Christmas parties and holiday dinners can be chaotic in the kitchen. These apple blackberry crumble bars can be prepped ahead of time to alleviate kitchen stress.
Can You Use Fresh Or Frozen Fruit For Crumble Bars?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen or a combination. This recipe doesn’t need to be exclusive to the holidays. Apple blackberry crumble bars can be made year round or when the harvest is coming in. I personally love creating this dessert when blackberries are in season.
What Fruits Can Be Used To Make Crumble Bars?
Any fruit or fruit combination will create a delicious crumble bar.
- Apples
- Plums
- Strawberries
- Blackberry
- Raspberries
- Peaches
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Apricots
- Rhubarb
Create your very own custom crumble bar with any fruit you have on hand. Plum cardamom makes a delicious crumble bar. If you would like to make these crumble bars even quicker – a jar of jam or jelly can serve as a fruit substitute.
What About The Blackberry Seeds?
There are two options when it comes to blackberry seeds. Eat them, or sieve them. I prefer to sieve my blackberry seeds. Either way these apple blackberry crumble bars are festive with or without the seeds.
How To Make Apple Blackberry Crumble Bars
Step 1
Melt butter over medium heat in a skillet.
Step 2
Peel and chop apples and add to the melted butter.
Step 3
Add in blackberries and sugar and simmer until soft- like you are creating a jam or jelly.
Step 4
Add in spices and vanilla and mix throughout.
Step 5
Puree or blend apples and blackberries into a thick sauce, similar in consistency to jam.
Sieve seeds if desired.
Step 6
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place butter into a baking pan and place in oven to melt butter and grease the baking dish.
Step 7
In a large mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients for the crumble crust and topping.
Step 8
Add in wet ingredients and melted butter from the baking dish. Mix throughout until a rough dry dough forms.
Step 9
Using 2/3 of the crumble dough, create a bottom crust in the baking dish.
Step 10
Pour the apple blackberry compote over the crust and spread completely covering the bottom crumble layer.
Step 11
Top the apple blackberry compote with the remaining 1/3 crumble dough. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 12
Remove and allow to cool before slicing. The Apple Blackberry crumble bars will be slightly browned with jam bubbling on the edges.
Bake these for a holiday party dessert, friends-giving gathering or for a special Christmas season family tradition.
Apple Blackberry Crumble Bars: The Best Christmas Dessert Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Strainer
Ingredients
Apple Blackberry Fruit Filling
- 2 small apples
- 4 cups frozen blackberries
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp vanilla
Crumble Bar Crust
- 1 cup butter
- 2.5 cups oats
- 1.5 cups brown sugar
- 2 cups flour Use Bob's 1:1 gluten free flour for a gluten free dessert.
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Note: A 16oz jar of jam or jelly can be a substitute for the fruit layer.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a skillet.
- Peel and chop apples and add to the melted butter.
- Add in blackberries and sugar and simmer until soft- like creating a jam or jelly.
- Add in spices, lemon juice and vanilla and mix throughout.
- Puree or blend apples and blackberries into a thick sauce, similar in consistency to jam. Sieve seeds if desired.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Place butter into a baking pan and place in oven to melt butter and grease the baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients for the crumble crust and topping.
- Add in wet ingredients and melted butter from the baking dish.
- Mix throughout until a rough dry dough forms.
- Using 2/3 of the crumble dough, create a bottom crust in the baking dish.
- Pour the apple blackberry compote over the crust and spread completely covering the bottom crumble layer.
- Top the apple blackberry compote with the remaining 1/3 crumble dough.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove and allow to cool before slicing.
- The Apple Blackberry crumble bars will be slightly browned with jam bubbling on the edges.
These just are so festive and full of Christmas flavor. A must try!
I never would’ve imagined this combo but I love it!! So unique and sounds truly delicious.
Wow, this looks awesome! I love oatmeal and fruit bars and this recipe sounds perfect! Saving this to my recipe box!