Embrace the bounty of late summer and early fall with this incredible apple blueberry crumble. It celebrates the vibrant flavors of these seasonal fruits, making them the undeniable stars of the show. Think of it as a comforting fruit pie, but without the hassle of a pie crust – making it significantly simpler and quicker to prepare! If you’re ever tempted to transform this into a full pie, feel free to adapt my Dutch Caramel Apple Pie recipe by simply adding blueberries to the apples and omitting the caramel. Or, for a slightly richer twist, try this lightly caramelized toffee apple crumble!

For those who adore streusel, crumble, or crisp desserts, you might also enjoy these delectable recipes:

• Apple Crisp Bars: All the flavor of crisp in a convenient bar form.
• Cinnamon Apple Crumble Muffins with Oats: A perfect breakfast or snack option.
• Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars: A delightful autumn treat.
• Apple Streusel Coffee Cake: Ideal for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Pumpkin Sour Cream Coffee Cake: Another fantastic fall-inspired coffee cake.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Blueberry Crisp

This Apple Blueberry Crisp isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection:

Buttery Crisp Topping Perfection – There’s something truly irresistible about a rich, buttery crumble or crisp topping, and this recipe delivers on all fronts. The rolled oats provide a wonderful texture, offering a slight chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the crispy edges. Meanwhile, the butter and brown sugar melt together, infusing the topping with an incredible depth of flavor and richness. This classic combination, paired with bright, juicy fruit, creates a harmonious bite that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Warm, Luscious Fruit Filling – The marriage of sweet, hearty apples and the vibrant, slightly tart blueberries is simply divine. As these fruits gently cook down with a hint of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of cornstarch to thicken the juices, they transform into a warm, luscious, and beautifully saucy filling. Each spoonful offers a burst of fruit flavor, perfectly balanced by the cozy spices, making it an ideal comfort food.

Incredibly Quick and Simple to Make – Dessert doesn’t get much easier than a fruit crisp! This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. You can prepare both the fruit mixture and the crisp topping in the same mixing bowl, cutting down on cleanup. Simply toss the fruit, mix the topping, layer them in a baking dish, and let your oven do the rest. It’s a fuss-free dessert that allows you to enjoy a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Your Apple Blueberry Crisp

Creating a truly exceptional Apple Blueberry Crisp starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is essential for that perfect rustic dessert:

• Apples: For the best texture and flavor, opt for firm, tart baking apples. Excellent choices include Granny Smith, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and offer a lovely tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
• Blueberries: You have flexibility here! Both fresh blueberries and frozen blueberries work beautifully in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw frozen blueberries; simply add them straight from the freezer to the fruit mixture.
• Warm Spices: A comforting blend of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg creates the perfect aromatic backdrop for the fruit, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a cozy, autumnal touch.
• Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for a perfectly thick and luscious fruit filling. It helps to bind the natural juices released from the fruit during baking, preventing a watery crisp and creating a delightful, syrupy sauce.
• Oats: Rolled oats, also known as Old Fashioned Oats, are highly recommended for their substantial texture and chewiness in the crisp topping. While quick-cooking oats can be used in a pinch, rolled oats provide a superior, more rustic crumble.
• Butter and Sugars: Unsalted butter (room temperature for the filling, melted for the topping) and light brown sugar are crucial for achieving that rich, caramelized flavor and tender-crisp texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient for the crisp topping, binding everything together and contributing to its delightful texture.
• Vanilla Extract & Kosher Salt: A touch of vanilla elevates the fruit flavors, and kosher salt balances the sweetness in the crisp topping.

For a complete list of ingredients and precise quantities, please refer to the recipe card below.

Selecting the Best Apples for Your Fruit Crisp

Choosing the right apple variety is key to a perfect fruit crisp. While many apples taste great, some perform better under the heat of baking. The most classic and highly recommended apple for crisps, crumbles, and pies is the **Granny Smith**. Its firm flesh ensures that it retains its shape without turning mushy, providing a pleasant bite in the cooked dessert. Furthermore, its distinct tartness beautifully complements the sweet sugars and rich butter in the crisp topping, creating a balanced flavor profile.

However, Granny Smiths aren’t your only option! Other excellent tart baking apples that hold up well to heat include:

• Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): Offers a good balance of sweet and tart, with a crisp texture that holds well.
• Braeburn: Known for its crisp texture and robust sweet-tart flavor, making it a great choice for baking.
• Honeycrisp: A popular choice for its incredibly crisp texture and juicy, sweet flavor. While sweeter than Granny Smiths, they still maintain their shape beautifully.
• Fuji: Sweet and crunchy, Fuji apples can also work well, especially if you prefer a less tart profile.
• Gala: Another sweet and crisp option, though slightly softer than Honeycrisp. They’re best when mixed with a tarter apple.

For the most complex flavor and texture, consider using a combination of two apple varieties – perhaps one tart (like Granny Smith) and one slightly sweeter and softer (like Honeycrisp or Gala). This blend can add wonderful depth to your Apple Blueberry Crisp.

Creative Substitutions and Variations for Your Crisp

One of the joys of making a fruit crisp is how adaptable it is. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these simple substitutions and variations to tailor the Apple Blueberry Crisp to your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Fruit Swap: Instead of blueberries, try using an equal amount of blackberries or raspberries for a different berry flavor and delightful tartness. A mix of berries can also be fantastic!
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this crisp gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour (or a similar high-quality GF baking blend). The texture will remain wonderfully similar.
• Frozen vs. Fresh Blueberries: As mentioned, both fresh and frozen blueberries work perfectly. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply mix them into the apple mixture straight from the freezer.
• Add Extra Crunch: For an additional layer of texture and nutty flavor, incorporate about ⅓ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the crisp topping mixture before scattering it over the fruit.
• Oat Alternatives: While rolled oats (Old Fashioned Oats) are preferred, if you only have quick-cooking oats on hand, they can be used as a direct substitute. The topping might be slightly less chewy but will still be delicious.
• Thickener Alternative: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute an equal amount of all-purpose flour to help thicken the fruit juices. However, cornstarch generally provides a clearer, glossier sauce.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add another layer of warm flavor to the fruit filling.
• Less Sweet Option: If your apples are naturally very sweet, or if you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can slightly reduce the amount of brown sugar in both the fruit filling and the crisp topping.

Choosing the Right Baking Dish for Your Fruit Crisp

One of the many charming qualities of a fruit crisp is its rustic nature, which means you don’t need any specialized kitchen equipment to achieve a delicious result. This dessert is wonderfully forgiving when it comes to bakeware!

You can use almost any oven-safe dish you have in your kitchen. Popular choices include:

• Square or Rectangular Casserole Dishes: A 9×9 inch square dish or an 8×10 inch rectangular dish are common and work perfectly. They offer ample surface area for the crisp topping to get beautifully golden and crunchy.
• Cast Iron Skillets: For a truly rustic presentation and excellent heat retention, a cast iron skillet (around 9-10 inches) is a fantastic choice. The skillet can go straight from oven to table, adding to the charm.
• Pie Dishes: A standard 9 or 10-inch pie dish works wonderfully, creating a slightly deeper crisp with plenty of fruit filling.
• Pyrex or Ceramic Baking Dishes: These are reliable, oven-safe options that distribute heat evenly.

If you’re hosting a dinner party or simply prefer individual portions, you can easily adapt this recipe to make individual crisps. Just divide the fruit and topping mixture among several ramekins. Keep in mind that when using smaller, individual dishes, the baking time may be slightly shorter, so keep a close eye on them for bubbling juices and golden-brown topping.

No matter which dish you choose, ensure it’s oven-safe and large enough to comfortably hold the fruit and topping mixture, allowing for some bubbling without overflowing.

How to Make This Delicious Apple Blueberry Crisp

Get ready to create a truly irresistible dessert with these simple, step-by-step instructions. Making this Apple Blueberry Crisp is a breeze!

Step One: Prepare the Apples. Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your chosen apples into uniform ¼-inch thick slices. Consistency in slice thickness ensures even cooking.

Step Two: Create the Fruit Filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples and blueberries. Gently toss them with the brown sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until all the fruit is evenly coated.

Step Three: Prepare the Crisp Topping. In a separate bowl (or the same one after emptying the fruit if you prefer less cleanup), mix together the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, a hint of cinnamon, and kosher salt. Use a fork or your fingertips to combine until small and medium crumbles form.

Step Four: Assemble the Crisp. Generously grease the bottom and sides of your chosen baking dish. Pour the prepared fruit mixture, along with any leftover juices and spices from the bowl, into the greased dish. Gently spread or shake the fruit to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

Hot tip! Greasing your baking dish with butter not only prevents sticking but also blends with the melted fruit sugars during baking, creating a deliciously gooey caramel sauce at the bottom. Don’t skip this step for an extra layer of flavor!

Step Five: Bake to Golden Perfection. Evenly scatter the crisp topping over the fruit, making sure to cover the edges for a consistent crunch. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the fruit juices are visibly bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.

Step Six: Cool and Serve. Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the fruit juices to set and thicken, preventing a runny crisp. Then, scoop out generous portions and serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Apple Blueberry Crisp

Achieving a show-stopping Apple Blueberry Crisp is easier than you think with these professional tips:

• Uniform Apple Slices: Always cut your apples into pieces of roughly the same size and thickness (¼ inch is ideal). This ensures that all apple pieces cook evenly, preventing some from becoming mushy while others remain too firm.
• Handle Berries Gently: Blueberries, especially fresh ones, can be delicate. When tossing them with the other fruit and spices, use a light hand or a wide spoon to avoid crushing them. This preserves their shape and juicy burst in the finished crisp.
• Patience is Key for Setting Juices: It’s incredibly tempting to dive into a warm crisp right out of the oven, but resisting for at least 20 minutes is crucial. This cooling time allows the cornstarch to fully activate and the fruit juices to thicken into a delicious, syrupy consistency. Serving too soon will result in a runny crisp.
• Don’t Compact the Topping: When scattering the crisp topping over the fruit, avoid pressing it down. A light, airy layer allows steam to escape during baking, ensuring the fruit cooks thoroughly without becoming overly steamed or mushy. It also promotes that desirable crunchy texture in the topping.
• Test for Doneness: Beyond just a golden-brown topping, look for visible bubbling of the fruit juices around the edges of the dish. This indicates the fruit is tender and the filling has thickened properly.
• Prevent Over-Browning: If your crisp topping begins to brown too quickly before the fruit is fully tender, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will protect the topping while allowing the fruit to continue cooking.

Apple Blueberry Crisp: Your Questions Answered

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To keep your Apple Blueberry Crisp fresh and delicious, store it properly. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, transfer the covered crisp to the refrigerator, where it will remain good for an additional 2-3 days. Ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent it from drying out.

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, individual portions can be quickly reheated in the microwave until warmed through. For a crispier topping reminiscent of freshly baked, reheat the entire dish or individual portions in a preheated oven at 350℉ (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed and the topping regains its crunch.

It’s important to note that this dish generally **should not be frozen**. The fruit can become watery and the topping can lose its texture upon thawing and reheating.

More Irresistible Fruit Dessert Recipes

If you loved this Apple Blueberry Crisp, explore more delightful fruit-based desserts that are perfect for any sweet craving:

📖 Apple Blueberry Crisp Recipe

By Callan Wenner

Apple Blueberry Crisp is a delightful rustic dessert featuring juicy fruit, warm spices, and a chewy, buttery oat topping. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious treat that’s quick and easy to prepare, ready in under an hour!

Equipment

• Casserole dish (9×9”, 8×10”, or 10” circle)
• Vegetable peeler
• Mixing bowls

Ingredients

Fruit Filling

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 cups sliced apples (~6 large apples), peeled, cored, and sliced to ¼” thick
• 1 ½ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Crisp Topping

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar, light or dark, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175°C) and generously butter a casserole dish (9×9”, 8×10”, or 10” circle) along the bottom and sides.
2. Prepare and slice the apples. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the blueberries, then sprinkle over the brown sugar, vanilla, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently toss to coat the fruit completely.
3. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. Mix together with a fork until crumbles form.
4. Add the fruit mixture to the prepared pan. Scrape out any excess sugar and spices from the bowl onto the top of the fruit. Gently spread or shake the fruit to ensure even distribution in the pan.
5. Scatter the crisp topping evenly over the fruit, making sure to get some around the very edges. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the juices are bubbling and the crisp topping is golden brown.
6. Note: If the crisp is browning too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil, ensuring air can still circulate.
7. Remove from the oven and cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit juices to set. Scoop out portions and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

Notes

Store the crisp covered with foil at room temperature for 1-2 days. Transfer to the fridge and keep for another 2-3 days.

Nutritional Information (Estimate per serving)

Calories: 304 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 178mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.