Make the most of seasonal fruit with these tasty Blackberry Recipes! Plus, a deep dive into the world of blackberries: picking, tasting, and making the most of them.
Are you a fan of blackberries? Who doesn't love those dark, juicy gems that often end up staining your fingers and leaving you craving more.
If you've ever wondered what these little fruits are all about, how to pick the best ones, what they taste like, and how to make the most of them, you're in the right place.
I've also scoured the internet for some exciting and tasty blackberry recipes for you!
Jump to:
What Exactly Are Blackberries?
First things first, let's talk about what they actually are.
Blackberries are a type of small, dark-colored fruit that belong to the Rubus genus in the Rosaceae family.
They're closely related to raspberries, but they've got a unique flavor and texture all their own.
These berries grow on thorny bushes that can reach impressive heights if left unchecked, so don't be surprised if you encounter a few prickly challenges while picking them.
Picking Blackberries: Tips and Tricks
Alright, I get it. You're ready to conquer the blackberry bushes and claim your delicious reward. But hold on – there's a bit of an art to picking blackberries. Follow these simple tips to make sure you come away with the best haul:
- Timing is Everything: These berries are at their prime during the summer months, typically from June to August, depending on where you live. Look for plump, fully black berries; those are the sweetest and juiciest.
- The Tug Test: Gently grasp a berry between your thumb and forefinger. Give it a slight tug. If it comes off the plant with minimal resistance and leaves its core intact, you've got a winner. If it resists, it might not be ripe yet.
- The Lookout for Shine: Ripe ones are glossy and shiny, while unripe ones might appear dull. Go for the glossy ones; they're the ones that have had enough time on the bush to soak up all that sun.
- Color Consistency: While blackberries are, well, black, you might notice that the very top of the berry (the "plug") might still be a bit red. That's okay. Just avoid berries with large red sections – those are likely not quite ready.
- Patience with Perfection: It's tempting to pick every single berry in sight, but exercise some patience. Not all berries on the bush ripen at the same time. Check back every few days to catch those stragglers that needed a little extra time in the sun.
What Do Blackberries Taste Like?
So, you've managed to pick a bowl full of these dark beauties. Now comes the moment of truth: what do blackberries actually taste like?
They have a burst of sweetness with a subtle tartness, followed by a rich, earthy flavor that's unlike any other berry out there.
When you pop one into your mouth, your taste buds are in for a treat. The skin offers a gentle resistance, but once you bite into it, you're met with a juicy explosion that's downright refreshing.
The balance of sweetness and tartness is what makes this variety a favorite among berry enthusiasts.
Making the Most of Your Blackberries
Here are some ways to savor the flavor:
- The simplest way to enjoy them is by the handful. Rinse them gently, pat them dry, and devour them like candy. Trust me, you won't be able to stop at just a few.
- Swap them for blackberries in pancakes or cakes. We love them in blackberry pancakes.
- Whether you're a cereal or yogurt fan (or both), toss in a handful of blackberries for a burst of flavor and a pop of color. The tartness of the berries can balance out the sweetness of your morning meal.
- These berries shine in baked goods. Stir them into blackberry muffin batter for a delightful surprise, or top your favorite dessert with a handful of these juicy gems. They'll add a burst of natural sweetness and a gorgeous visual appeal to cake too. Or try them in blackberry cookies.
- If you're a smoothie enthusiast, they make a fantastic addition. Blend them with other berries, a banana, a splash of juice or milk, and maybe even a spoonful of yogurt for a nutritious and delicious treat.
- Got a surplus of blackberries? Turn them into homemade blackberry jam or sauce. With a bit of sugar and a touch of heat, you can create a condiment that adds a gourmet touch to your meals. We love them in blackberry Syrup or blackberry compote.
- If you can't consume all your blackberries at once, don't fret. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once they're frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag for long-term storage. They're perfect for adding to smoothies or baking projects down the line.
Blackberry Recipes
Blackberries
Blackberries are such a tasty and versatile fruit. You can use them up in drinks, sauces, dinners and desserts. Try these tasty blackberry recipes!
You only need blackberries, water and sugar, plus 15 minutes time, to make this rich and sweet blackberry simple syrup. Drizzle it onto pancakes, cakes or in cocktails and drinks.
Blackberries and chocolate chips make these muffins absolutely burst with great flavor.
Blackberries naturally dye these cookies bright blue! The soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies have a mild berry flavor.
Swap blueberries for seasonal blackberries in these fluffy pancakes.
Use fresh or frozen blackberries in this quick and easy fruit compote. Spoon it onto yogurt or oatmeal in the mornings, or over vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Breakfast popsicles! These creamy pops have yogurt, oats and blackberries for a healthy but fun way to start the day.
Blackberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls feature a luscious homemade cheesecake filling paired with tart blackberries for a delightful treat.
These airy blackberry lavender cupcakes are loaded with homemade blackberry jam and adorned with lavender buttercream and fresh blackberries on top!
Infused with ripe blackberries and a sugar syrup, Blackberry Iced Tea strikes a refreshing balance. With minimal ingredients and quick prep, it's the ultimate cooling companion for scorching summer days.
Indulge in the dreamy essence of summer with No Churn Blackberry Cheesecake Ice Cream. Packed with delightful swirls of berry cheesecake, this homemade frozen dessert rivals any store-bought treat.
Discover the delightful and effortless indulgence of Slow Cooker Blackberry Cobbler. With no baking required, let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Serve it warm with pouring cream or ice cream for a heavenly treat.
Embrace the ultimate late summer-early fall dessert: Blackberry Pear Cobbler. Loaded with juicy pears and plump blackberries coated in brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, its fluffy biscuit topping, accompanied by vanilla ice cream, creates a wonderfully warm and delicious treat.
Experience the melt-in-your-mouth delight of Blackberry Pavlovas – soft, marshmallow-like centers, topped with whipped cream, tangy blackberry sauce, and fresh blackberries.
Elevate your party spread with this quick and beautiful Blackberry Ricotta Crostini. With just a handful of ingredients, including creamy ricotta and sweet blackberries, these appetizers are a fuss-free way to impress your guests.
Transform your classic grilled cheese sandwich into a delightful Caprese-inspired treat with this effortless recipe for Blackberry Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese. Featuring a delectable combination of goat cheese, mozzarella, fragrant basil, and fresh blackberries, it's a gourmet twist that's sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Crafted from just five basic ingredients, this Coconut Blackberry Smoothie boasts a lovely hue and remarkable creaminess. Whether kickstarting your morning or savoring a mid-afternoon treat, this frozen berry delight promises both beauty and flavor in every sip.
Begin your journey to delight with the simplicity of Lemon and Blackberry Cake – a luscious creation featuring a moist blackberry cake infused with lemon zest, crowned by an effortless blackberry frosting. The symphony of flavors continues with a blackberry filling and zesty lemon curd, making this Blackberry Lemon Cake an irresistible indulgence.
Indulge in the exquisite blend of flavors found in this Blackberry White Chocolate Tart. With a blackberry-infused white chocolate ganache nestled in a sweet tart shortbread crust and adorned with fresh blackberries, mint, edible flowers, and delicate gold sugar pearls, this dessert is a blend of simplicity, beauty, and deliciousness that's bound to leave a lasting impression on your loved ones.
These Blackberry Pie Bars have a buttery, tender shortbread crust hosting luscious, jammy blackberries and crowned by an almond crumble topping.
Blackberry curd is a velvety and luscious spread crafted from ripe blackberries, sugar, eggs, and butter. Its vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor make it a versatile addition to desserts and breakfast treats alike.
Experience the perfect pairing of flaky pastry and sweet, juicy blackberry filling in these delectable blackberry hand pies. Indulge in individual servings of a homemade blackberry pie delight.
Sink your teeth into the most tender blackberry sweet rolls featuring luscious blackberry jam tucked within soft, enriched bread. Topped generously with a velvety blackberry cream cheese frosting, these rolls bring the essence of blackberry-infused indulgence, reminiscent of cinnamon rolls but with juicy blackberry filling instead of cinnamon sugar.
You'll love this easy Seedless Blackberry Jam (or Seedless Bramble Jam). This small batch jam requires just three ingredients: blackberries, granulated sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice – no need for pectin. The result is a jam bursting with concentrated blackberry flavor.
Enjoy the exquisite flavors of Blackberry Earl Grey Cream Roll Cake, showcasing a soft, delightful earl grey-infused chiffon cake filled with blackberry cream. The cream's enchanting natural lilac hue comes from fresh blackberry puree, enhancing its appeal.
As late summer transitions to early autumn, the blackberry season takes the spotlight. Embrace the flavors with this Pear and Blackberry Salad, a delightful combination of greens, thinly sliced pears, chopped pistachios, soft cheese, and a vibrant Lemon Poppyseed Vinaigrette enriched with chives.
An Old Fashioned Blackberry Pie that's made with fresh or frozen blackberries and a buttery homemade crust!
Camilla @FabFood4All
I love blackberries so am totally drooling over all these recipes. Just not sure which one to try first!