| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 12g | 7g | 67g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 4g | 4g | 0.01g |
I don’t think I’d be the food enthusiast I am today without my deep-rooted affection for the soul-lifting goodness that is Tex-Mex cuisine. Yes, my cherished origins have taught me a lot, but there are small adventures we undertake in the realm of food that change our whole perspective. I felt such a burst of excitement when I first tasted the beautifully tangy yet sweet flavors of the Bilberry and Apple Crumble. A something familiar, yet enigmatic concoction that worked its charm on my palate and had me hooked in no time.
Decoding the Magic of this Fruit Miracle
My first encounter with the Bilberry and Apple Crumble was on a balmy afternoon when I craved something sweet but with a bit of a punch. The intermingling flavors of tart bilberries and succulent apples enveloped in a brilliantly crisp and sweet crust was an experience I longed to relive every time I tucked into my faves back home. This gastronomic trip was more than just the play of ingredients—it was about discovery and celebration of diverse tastes. There was a certain familiarity in the apple crumble component that instantly transported me back to my Texas home, resonating with the good-old apple pies we relished in our backyard family gatherings. Not to mention the fine kick of nutmeg and cinnamon bringing in just the right amount of warmth and spice to this delightful mix. Oh, and the oats! You wouldn’t believe the remarkable crunch it lends to the crumble, upping the texture factor by tenfold!
Being Mindful of Health without Compromising Taste
The true beauty of the Bilberry and Apple Crumble, much like any of my dearest Southern recipes, is that it has a whole lot of health game going on without compromising an ounce of taste. Apples are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, while bilberries are loaded with antioxidants. The warmth of cinnamon, of course, is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. I can’t help but admire how this delightful crumble amalgamates flavor and health so seamlessly. Being a teacher, it’s a tool I often use to get my grade school students interested in learning about the benefits of fruits and spices.
The Bilberry and Apple Crumble has come to own a part of my heart, and the hearts of all who’ve had a chance to sample it over a shared laughter, an important conversation, or a simple moment of relishing great food. Its versatility is another stroke of wonder as it would effortlessly suit a brunch menu, a birthday party, or even a quiet evening indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a tangy yogurt parfait or even a creamy vanilla custard—clever enhancements to the flavor rainbow that is this delightfully layered crumble.
As for the recipe, it has found a place in my cherished repertoire and continues to amaze every new guest and loved one. The confluence of classic and unexpected ingredients spin a remarkable tale of flavor, texture, and organic goodness.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of bilberries, fresh or frozen
- 4 medium apples
- 1/2 cup of white granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 cup of plain flour
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it.
Step Two
Wash the bilberries and apples carefully. Core the apples and cut them into small, thin pieces. Whether you peel the apples or not is up to your personal preference. Set them aside.
Step Three
In a mixing bowl, combine the bilberries, apple slices, white granulated sugar and lemon juice. Mix them carefully to not hurt the fruit. Once everything is well combined, transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Step Four
In another bowl, combine the plain flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Once these dry ingredients are mixed, cut in the chilled butter. The easiest way to do this is to use a pastry cutter or your fingertips. You want to achieve a crumbly texture.
Step Five
Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the bilberries and apples. Make sure it’s distributed evenly.
Step Six
Put the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the crumble top is golden-brown and the fruit is bubbling and cooked.
Step Seven
Take the bilberry and apple crumble out of the oven and let it cool for a bit before serving. It tastes the best when served warm, optionally with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
