A single blackberry, when ripe to perfection, has so much flavor that it's almost difficult to describe: It's sweet like jam and melts in your mouth. But not all blackberries are created equal -- some can be pretty tart. Blackberries directly from the farmer's market will usually be sweeter than the supermarket kind. But still, if you're stuck with sour blackberries, make a dessert. We have a number of recipes that will make any and all blackberries shine. Some even combine the berries with other fruit, like our plum-blackberry sorbet, for some quite amazing results.

Blackberries range in color from deep blue/purple to deep purple/black. When selecting blackberries, look for ones that are shiny, plump and dry. Avoid those that are mushy. When you get them home, it's best to refrigerate the berries since they're so fragile. Only rinse berries before you're ready to use them.

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  • Blackberry And Summer Apple Pie

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/monicas-blackberry-and-s_n_1061298.html" target="_hplink">Blackberry and Summer Apple Pie recipe</a></strong> Blackberries and tart summer apples make a great flavor combination in this home-style pie. If you can't find summer apples, substitute Granny Smith apples.

  • Mixed Berry Cobbler

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/mixed-berry-cobbler_n_1058178.html" target="_hplink">Mixed Berry Cobbler recipe</a></strong> For a really rustic and easy dessert, make these individual cobblers. A mixture of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries are topped with an oat, sugar and butter mixture.

  • Fresh Blackberry Sauce

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/fresh-blackberry-sauce_n_1061686.html" target="_hplink">Fresh Blackberry Sauce recipe</a></strong> This uncooked berry sauce is great served over ice cream. A touch of blackberry brandy heightens the flavor of the berries even more.

  • Blackberry Ice Cream

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/delicious-blackberry-ice-_n_1058011.html" target="_hplink">Blackberry Ice Cream recipe</a></strong> Blackberries lend a deep purple hue and tart taste to this ice cream. You can also make this recipe with raspberries. For an extra sinful touch, stir in chocolate chips before freezing.

  • Berry Gratin

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/27/berry-gratin_n_1383219.html" target="_hplink">Berry Gratin recipe</a></strong> Use your favorite combination of berries in this simple dessert. The custard is lightened with egg whites and then poured over the berries before being broiled.

  • Summer Berries With White Chocolate Sauce

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://" target="_hplink">Summer Berries with White Chocolate Sauce recipe</a></strong> Eating this dish of summery berries will tingle your mouth with hot and cold sensations. Serve a frozen combination of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries poured over with hot white chocolate sauce.

  • Poached Figs With Blackberries

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/30/poached-figs-with-blackbe_n_1391465.html" target="_hplink">Poached Figs with Blackberries recipe</a></strong> This slow cooker dessert uses blackberry puree to flavor and color fresh figs. Serve the figs warm with a dollop of creme fraiche.

  • Summer Blackberry Custards

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/summer-blackberry-custard_n_1058725.html" target="_hplink">Summer Blackberry Custards recipe</a></strong> This custard is very similar to the French dessert clafoutis, basically a thin pancake batter poured over fruit, in this case blackberries. It's an easy baked dessert with flavorful results.

  • Blackberry-Lemon Marmalade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/blackberry-lemon-marmalad_n_1061356.html" target="_hplink">Blackberry-Lemon Marmalade recipe</a></strong> Lemons add a pleasant tartness to this blackberry marmalade recipe. It's an especially wonderful pairing when blackberries are sweet like jam at the height of their season.

  • Rustic Berry Tart

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/rustic-berry-tart_n_1049083.html" target="_hplink">Rustic Berry Tart recipe</a></strong> The best part about making a rustic tart is you don't need a pie plate. Just place the rolled-out dough on a sheet pan, top with the berry filling and fold over the edges. An almond paste beneath the filling helps absorb excess liquids ensuring a crisp crust.

  • Lavender-Poached Peaches And Blackberries

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/lavender-poached-peaches-_n_1062505.html" target="_hplink">Lavender-Poached Peaches and Blackberries recipe</a></strong> In this dessert, peaches and blackberries poach in a flavorful and aromatic syrup made with lavender and vanilla bean. Poach the peaches and berries separately since they take different amounts of time to cook. Serve with ice cream.

  • Mixed Berry Almond Gratin

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/mixed-berry-almond-gratin_n_1049061.html" target="_hplink">Mixed Berry Almond Gratin recipe</a></strong> This berry gratin has a secret -- the custard includes silken tofu, which replaces any cream and adds protein. The dessert can also be enjoyed for breakfast.

  • Plum-Blackberry Sorbet

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/plum-blackberry-sorbet_n_1061269.html" target="_hplink">Plum-Blackberry Sorbet</a></strong> A touch of cassis (black currant liqueur) brings out the fruitiness of the plums and blackberries even more in this sorbet recipe. The touch of alcohol also produces a better frozen texture.

  • Cinnamon French Toast With Red Berry Sauce

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/cinnamon-french-toast-wit_n_1055261.html" target="_hplink">Cinnamon French Toast with Red Berry Sauce recipe</a></strong> Instead of syrup, drizzle slices of French toast with a sumptuous berry sauce made with a combination of blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, cooked down with sugar. Then top with more fresh berries.

  • Ginger Berry Crisp

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/ginger-berry-crisp_n_1059568.html" target="_hplink">Ginger Berry Crisp recipe</a></strong> Ground ginger adds a unique spicy touch to the topping of this crisp. The berry filling includes blackberries and raspberries, but use whatever combination of berries you prefer.

  • Yogurt Ice Pops With Berries

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/yogurt-ice-pops-with-berr_n_1061206.html" target="_hplink">Yogurt Ice Pops with Berries recipe</a></strong> These Greek yogurt pops are flavored with honey and studded with fresh blackberries. But you can use any berry of your choice.

  • Peach-Blackberry Compote With Basil Syrup

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/peach-blackberry-compote-_n_1048957.html" target="_hplink">Peach-Blackberry Compote with Basil Syrup recipe</a></strong> A basil-infused white wine syrup gives this compote a sophisticated feel. Toss juicy peach wedges and sweet-tart blackberries with the chilled syrup.

  • Berry Frozen Yogurt

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/berry-frozen-yogurt_n_1049059.html" target="_hplink">Berry Frozen Yogurt recipe</a></strong> Use your favorite combination of fresh or frozen berries to create this frozen yogurt recipe. Blackberries or blueberries will create a deeper, more purple color.

  • WATCH: How To Make Blackberry Cobbler