Mulberry Crumble

Ingredients

For the Crumble Dough:

  • 200 g butter, cut into cubes and frozen

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 egg

  • 3 teaspoons vanilla sugar

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Mulberry Filling:

  • 500 g fresh or frozen black mulberries

  • ½ cup sugar

How to Prep Fresh Mulberries

Fresh mulberries are delicate, so handle them gently. Here's how to prepare them for baking:

  1. Rinse Carefully: Place mulberries in a colander and rinse briefly under cool water. Avoid soaking—they absorb water easily.

  2. Remove Stems: Each berry has a small green stem that should be pinched or gently twisted off.

  3. Pat Dry: Lay them out on a clean towel and gently pat dry while preparing the rest of the ingredients.

If using frozen mulberries, there’s no need to thaw them. Simply add straight to the pan with the sugar during cooking.

Instructions

  1. Cook the Mulberries
    Place the mulberries and ½ cup sugar into a saucepan. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

  2. Prepare the Crumble Dough
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. Add the frozen butter cubes and use your fingertips to rub them into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the egg and mix just enough to incorporate. Do not overwork the dough—keeping it light ensures a tender crumble.

  3. Assemble the Crumble
    Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
    Line a baking dish or sheet with parchment paper.
    Evenly press two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the base of the prepared pan. Spread the cooled mulberry mixture over the base, then sprinkle the remaining dough on top.

  4. Bake
    Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Allow the crumble to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with ice cream, cream, or enjoy it plain. This is a perfect dessert for showcasing fresh seasonal berries and a lovely option for late spring and early summer gatherings.

Storage Tip:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Reheat in the oven to crisp the top again before serving.

Dessert, Breakfast, RecipesApril Viles