Gin-soaked Blackberry & Apple Cheesecake Crumble Slice

Step-by-step Instructions

Macerate the Blackberries: Toss the blackberries with gin and sugar in a container. Allow them to soak for a few hours, then strain and set aside.
Prepare the Apples: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment. In a saucepan, combine diced apples, 50ml water, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes, then mix cornstarch with 50ml water and add it to the apples. Stir in the leftover gin from the blackberries and simmer for another 5 minutes until softened. Set aside.
Make the Crumble: In a bowl, combine light brown sugar, plain flour, baking powder, and oats. Pour in the melted butter and mix until sandy. Reserve one-third for topping and press the remaining into the tin bottom, packing it tightly.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese, icing sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth. Spread it over the crumble base.
Assemble the Slice: Scatter the macerated blackberries over the cream cheese, then spoon the apple mixture. Sprinkle the reserved crumble on top and add flaked almonds.
Bake and Cool: Bake for 20 minutes on the middle oven rack. After 20 minutes, add almonds and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Cool in the tin for an hour, then refrigerate for a few hours before slicing.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This cheesecake crumble slice is delightful as is, but you can elevate the experience! Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a generous treat. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a wonderful addition to your brunch spread. For an elegant twist, drizzle some caramel sauce over individual slices—trust me, it’s pure bliss.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you’ll want to share!), store the slice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying again!

Helpful Cooking Tips

Maceration Magic: Letting the blackberries marinate in gin not only enhances their flavor but also adds a sophisticated touch to your dessert.
Choose Your Apples Wisely: Opt for cooking apples like Braeburn or Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Gluten-free Twist: To make it gluten-free, swap the plain flour with a gluten-free blend.

Creative Twists

Feel like experimenting? Here are a few variations:

Swap blackberries for raspberries or blueberries for a twist on flavors.
Try incorporating some nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumble for added crunch.
For a touch of spice, add a pinch of cardamom to the apple mixture.
Use a non-alcoholic gin alternative to enjoy a family-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dessert?

The overall prep time is about 30 to 40 minutes, with additional cooling time required before slicing.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based butter for the crumble.

What’s the best way to ensure a crisp crumble topping?

Make sure your crumble mixture has the right consistency—sandy with some pea-sized pieces—and avoid overbaking to prevent it from becoming too hard.