Craving a sweet, comforting dessert?
You can’t go wrong with this HOMEMAde crumble—each bite is packed with flavor, and the cozy aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the best, most comforting aroma of homemade crumble?
This classic dessert is super simple to whip up and perfect for gathering friends and family. With warm, juicy fruit and a buttery topping, it’s a delicious way to treat yourself after a long day.
Every bite of this homemade crumble is a comforting blend of sweet, juicy fruit and a crunchy topping that you won’t be able to resist. It’s a fantastic way to use up overripe or not-so-good fruit, ensuring nothing goes to waste. You can also customize it with your favorite fruits and spices, making it a versatile dish for any season. Plus, it’s equally delicious served warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a cozy breakfast with yogurt.
In this post, I’ll guide you through creating the ultimate homemade crumble that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
INGREDIENTS
- Fruits: Feel free to mix different fruits based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Berries, peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, or even grapes work wonderfully! You can also use overripe fruits that aren’t so fun to eat as-is; this way nothing goes to waste.
- Sugar: For the crumble, I use Demerara sugar for extra crunch, while regular sugar is perfect for the fruits, helping them melt and release their juices. Adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of your fruit; overripe fruits may require less sugar.
- Butter: Using cold butter helps create a flakier topping, so avoid letting it warm up too much before mixing.
Homemade Crumble | Tips:
- Crumble Texture: The texture of the crumble topping is key. Aim for a mixture that feels crumbly but holds together when pressed lightly.
- Crumble Upgrades: You can add oats or chopped nuts to the crumble for extra crunch and flavor. These ingredients can also make the topping heartier.
- Spice Choices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to customize the flavor to your liking. Each spice brings a unique warmth, make it your own!
- Citrus Zest: The zest from lemons, limes, tangerines, or oranges adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor of the crumble, making it feel more festive.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting dessert. For breakfast, top with yogurt and fresh fruit for a delightful start to your day.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the crumble a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze the crumble topping and bake directly from frozen.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crispy and delicious.
Homemade Crumble
Ingredients
Filling
- 500 grams fruit (pitted)
- 1½-2 tbsp sugar (depending on the sweetness of the fruit)
- zest of 1 lemon (or lime, orange, tangerine)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp spice of choice (cinnamon, cardamom, etc.; see recipe tips)
Crumble
- 40 grams Demerara sugar
- 50 grams flour
- 35 grams cold, cubed butter
- A pinch of salt
- 1-2 tbsp oats or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Cut your fruit of choice into halves or quarters; I used plums and apricots. If you’re using raspberries or blueberries, leave them whole.
- Mix the cut fruit with the remaining filling ingredients until well combined.
- In a bowl, mix all the crumble ingredients using your fingers. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as you want to keep the butter cold. Aim for a wet sand-like texture.
- Choose a pan that isn’t too large, ensuring the fruit fits snugly without gaps. Line the pan with parchment paper or grease it with oil or butter.
- Place the fruit along with all the spices and juices in the pan, then sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the fruit has released its juices and the crumble is golden brown and crispy.
Whether you’re savoring it as a cozy dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, this homemade fruit crumble is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your table. Enjoy every bite!
