11 of the best blackberry recipes to use up your hedgerow haul
Katy Salter
Plump, juicy blackberries are one of the surest signs that summer is mellowing into autumn. They’re also most people’s introduction to the world of foraging. Blackberries are typically in season from late July until early October, depending on the weather and part of the UK you’re in. So once you’ve spotted ripe blackberries in the hedgerows, grab a tub and go blackberry picking.
Once you’ve gathered your blackberry haul (with the purple-stained fingertips to prove it) it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. With their sweet yet sharp flavour, blackberries are a welcome addition to all sorts of dishes. There’s the traditional cakes and crumbles (and you’ll find our best-ever versions in this round up), but blackberries also make an appearance in ice cream sundaes, tarts, homemade gin and even a couple of savoury dishes.
Got a blackberry glut on your hands? You’ve come to the right place. This selection of our best every blackberry recipes is bound to give you some new ideas for using up those foraged berries. Try a classic crumble with a hidden twist, a spectacular layer cake, a sweet-savoury toast topping, or discover new ways to preserve blackberries and enjoy them well into autumn…
Blackberry, saffron and honey drop scones
Is it a scone? Is it a pancake? It doesn’t really matter when the results are this delicious. These golden discs are studded with juicy blackberries and warming notes of saffron and vanilla. Serve warm with butter and runny honey.
Blackberry and apple bakewell tart
We’ve given Bakewell tart an autumnal reboot, replacing summer cherries with the cosy flavours of blackberry and apple. Serve with big dollops of crème fraîche or a jug of homemade custard.
The sweet-but-tart flavour profile of blackberries makes them a clever sub for tomatoes in this homemade ketchup recipe. The smoky sauce goes particularly well with sausages and other pork dishes (try it in a bacon sarnie).
Pickled blackberry and whipped feta tartines
Load grilled sourdough slices with easy whipped feta, piquant pickled blackberries and peppery rocket for one incredible sweet-savoury toast topping.
We couldn’t list our best blackberry recipes without including blackberry jam. If you’ve gathered more blackberries than you can gobble up, make jars of this classic preserve and enjoy on your toast or porridge for weeks to come.
Blackberry and hazelnut meringue ice cream sundaes
Load up sundae glasses with layers of juicy blackberries, homemade hazelnut meringues and vanilla ice cream for an indulgent late-summer pud.
This deep purple sorbet only needs three ingredients: blackberries, sugar and lemon. The simplicity allows blackberry’s sweet-sharpness to shine. A great recipe for the first blackberries coming through in summer.
Lemon and blackberry stripe cake
Vertical layers of lemon sponge contrast with luscious blackberry frosting to make one unforgettable celebration cake. If you’ve got a birthday or other celebration coming up to bake for, try this seasonal stunner.
Apple and blackberry frangipane crumble
Level up your crumble with this sophisticated number. Apples and blackberries mingle with a hidden frangipane layer. Finish with a ginger and hazelnut crumble topping and serve with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Duck niçoise salad with blackberry dressing
Love niçoise salad? Try this fresh take. We’ve swapped traditional tuna for tender roast duck, and thrown in juicy blackberries and a zingy, quick-pickled blackberry dressing to boot.
Blackberries: meet booze. This versatile flavoured gin recipe can also be made with brandy, rum and vodka. It also uses up nearly a kilo of blackberries, so why not make a batch if you’re struggling to tackle a blackberry glut?
Explore even more blackberry recipes in our collection.
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