This Easy Blackberry Apple Cake is a fruity delight topped with a crunchy oaty crumble. The mix of sweet apples and tart blackberries makes it extra yummy!
Baking this cake is a breeze! My favorite part? The crumble topping—it’s like a cozy blanket for the cake. I love enjoying it warm with a scoop of ice cream. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the sweetness of the cake. If you have sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala, they’ll work too! You can also use pears if you want a different fruit vibe.
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are ideal, but if you can’t find them, you could substitute with frozen blackberries or other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Just thaw the frozen ones before using!
Sour Cream or Yogurt: Sour cream adds moisture and tang. If you want a lighter option, plain yogurt (Greek or regular) works perfectly. For a dairy-free version, almond milk yogurt is a good alternative.
Butter: The cake uses unsalted butter for the best flavor. If you have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe. Coconut oil can also be a great substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Ensure the Best Oaty Crumble Topping?
The crumble topping adds the perfect crunch to your cake. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure to melt the butter completely before mixing it in—this helps the sugar and oats combine well.
- Mix until crumbs form, but don’t overdo it. You want bits of oats remaining for that lovely texture.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch and flavor!
Easy Blackberry Apple Cake with Oaty Crumble Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Oaty Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (half stick) unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and it will bake for 45-50 minutes. After baking, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before transferring to a rack. Overall, you’ll have this comforting treat ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them well and then set this bowl aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream:
Mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is combined. This adds a lovely moisture to the cake.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding them together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix!
7. Add the Fruit:
Gently fold in the chopped apples and blackberries, taking care not to break the tender berries. This will ensure they distribute evenly throughout the cake.
8. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
9. Make the Oaty Crumble:
In a small bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly—this will create a delicious topping!
10. Sprinkle the Crumble:
Evenly sprinkle the oaty crumble topping on top of the cake batter.
11. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until you can insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean.
12. Cool the Cake:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Blackberry Apple Cake with a crunchy oaty crumble topping!
FAQ for Easy Blackberry Apple Cake with Oaty Crumble Topping
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries! Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the batter. It’s a good idea to drain any excess moisture to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven for the best texture!
Can I Substitute the Apples with Other Fruits?
Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears or even peaches for a different flavor. Just ensure the fruit is chopped similarly so it bakes evenly.
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Most blends will work well, but be sure to check the package for specific ratios.