Peach and Blackberry Almond Crumble

Peach and Blackberry Almond Crumble is a simple and delicious dessert that combines sweet fresh peaches with tart purple blackberries.  The fruit is topped with a crisp almond crumble that is the perfect complement to the fruits of the season. 

Why should I make Peach and Blackberry Almond Crumble?

This Peach and Blackberry Almond Crumble promises flavour, comfort, and a touch of summer magic in every bite. Peaches and blackberries are at their juiciest in the summer, and the blend of sweet, juicy peaches and tart blackberries is pure harmony.

Add a golden, nutty almond topping that bakes up perfectly crisp, and you’ve got a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting. Every bite is a lovely mix of soft fruit and crunchy topping.

What ingredients do I need for Peach and Blackberry Almond Crumble?

Most of the ingredients that you need are standard baking ingredients and easily available. Here is what you will need:

• peaches
• blackberries
• sugar
• flour
• ground almonds
• butter
• demerara sugar
• flaked almonds

You’ll find all the quantities and full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

What kind of peaches should I use for the crumble?

Use slightly firm peaches, as a very soft ripe peach will disintegrate when baked in the crumble. You don’t want rock hard unripe peaches as they will have no flavour, it’s best to use peaches that have a little give.

Can I substitute nectarines for peaches?

Nectarines have a very similar flavour to peaches and are an ideal substitution if you don’t have any peaches.

Should I remove the skins from the peaches?

Yes, it’s best to remove the skins. It’s easy to do this by putting them into a bowl, pouring over boiling water and leaving for a few minutes. Then drain off the hot water and the skins will slip right off the peaches.

What are blackberries?

Wild blackberries or brambles belong to the rose family. The long prickly briars grow through hedgerows and take over any patch of ground if left to their own devices. However, they do produce lots of delicious berries from mid-summer through to mid-autumn depending on where you live.

Cultivated blackberries are much sweeter and have less seeds. These hybrid berries can be grown in your garden and have no thorns! You can also buy cultivated blackberries in markets and supermarkets.

Where can I forage for blackberries?

You’ll find blackberries in woods, hedges, roadside verges, and possibly even your garden. Don’t trespass on private property, always ask if you see blackberries in an area that looks private. Don’t pick blackberries close to a busy road as the berries will be covered in pollution from exhaust fumes.

What kind of sugar do I need?

You will need two different kinds of sugar for this Peach and Blackberry Almond Crumble. I use white granulated sugar in the fruit mixture. You can also use white caster (superfine) sugar if liked.

I prefer demerara (turbinado) sugar in the crumble mix because it has large crystals and provides a bit of a crunch. However, you can use brown sugar, preferably light brown sugar as dark brown or muscovado sugar has a distinct treacle/molasses taste that will overpower the taste of the fruit.

Why should I add almonds to the crumble mix?

Adding ground almonds to your crumble brings a subtle nutty flavour and a rich, buttery texture to the topping. The almonds help create a golden, slightly crisp finish that contrasts beautifully with the soft, bubbling fruit beneath. And the crunchy flaked almonds add extra texture

Can I make the Peach and Blackberry Almond Crumble ahead of time?

You can prepare the crumble several hours before baking in the oven. I don’t recommend keeping it for more than about 3 or 4 hours. Once you have baked the crumble it will stay warm for about half an hour.

If you want to get further ahead then you can make up the crumble mix and store it in the fridge in a sealed box or bag for up to 5 days. Then prepare your fruit and simply top with the crumble mix.

Can I freeze the crumble?

I don’t recommend freezing Peach and Blackberry Almond Crumble after it has been baked. Blackberries freeze really well and you can use them straight from the freezer into your crumble.

You can also freeze portions of crumble mix for up to 3 months. And you can use it straight from the freezer which is a great shortcut.

Vegetarian

This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.

Gluten Free

Peach and Blackberry Almond Crumble contains wheat flour in the crumble mix. You can replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour. As always, please check any packaged ingredients to ensure that they are suitable for your dietary needs.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve Peach and Blackberry Almond Crumble?

Crumble is meant to be shared! Let it cool a little because the fruit will be incredibly hot. Then serve it straight from the baking dish, spooned into bowls for friends and family.

The peaches and blackberries form a delicious and soft fruity ‘jam’ at the bottom of the dish. This gives a beautiful contrast to the crisp sweet and crunchy crumble topping.  Try it with one, or more, of the following:

• Pouring cream
• Whipped cream
• Custard – try my Easy Vanilla Custard Sauce,
• Vanilla ice cream
• Greek yogurt

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