Ekani Ella Delia Smith’s Apple Crumble with Oats is a comforting British dessert that combines soft, stewed apples with a crispy, golden oat topping. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a rustic texture from the oats that adds depth to every bite.
What is Delia Smith’s Apple Crumble with Oats?
This variation of the classic apple crumble adds rolled oats to the topping for an extra crunchy texture. The apples are gently sweetened and softened, then topped with a buttery crumble made from flour, sugar, butter, and oats, and baked until golden and bubbling.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Crispy and Rustic – The oats bring texture and nuttiness.
- Traditional Comfort Food – A beloved British classic.
- Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients, no special equipment needed.
- Customizable – Add spices or mix in other fruits.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert – Ideal for weekends or dinner parties.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith’s Apple Crumble with Oats
For the apple filling:
- Cooking Apples (900g / 2 lbs, peeled, cored, and sliced)
- Caster Sugar (75g / ⅓ cup)
- Ground Cinnamon or Nutmeg (½ tsp, optional)
- Optional: A splash of lemon juice to brighten the apples
For the crumble topping:
- Plain Flour (150g / 1¼ cups)
- Rolled Oats (75g / ¾ cup)
- Cold Butter (100g / ½ cup, diced)
- Demerara or Light Brown Sugar (100g / ½ cup)
Equipment Needed
- Ovenproof baking dish (about 1.5L capacity)
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Pastry blender or fingertips for rubbing
- Oven preheated to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5
Instructions to Make Delia Smith’s Apple Crumble with Oats
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5.
Step 2: Prepare the apple filling
- Place the sliced apples into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle over the caster sugar and cinnamon or nutmeg if using.
- Toss gently to coat and spread evenly.
Step 3: Make the oat crumble topping
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and butter.
- Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the oats and sugar, mixing until evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
- Spoon the crumble mixture over the apples, spreading it evenly without pressing down.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the apple filling is bubbling.
Step 5: Rest and serve
- Let the crumble sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm with custard, ice cream, or cream.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith’s Apple Crumble with Oats
- Warm Custard – A traditional and creamy accompaniment.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A cool contrast to the hot crumble.
- Double Cream – Adds richness and smoothness.
- Greek Yogurt – For a tangy, lighter option.
- Toffee Sauce – For a decadent twist.
- Chopped Toasted Pecans – Sprinkle on top before baking for extra crunch.
Expert Tips for the Best Oaty Crumble
- Use Bramley or Granny Smith Apples – They soften well and give a nice tartness.
- Keep the butter cold – For a crisp topping.
- Don’t overwork the mixture – Crumble should be rustic, not sandy.
- Let the apples release some juice before topping – This prevents sogginess.
- Add a pinch of salt to the topping – Enhances flavor.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith’s Apple Crumble with Oats
- Apple and Blackberry Crumble – Mix in a handful of fresh or frozen blackberries.
- Apple and Pear Crumble – Use half apples, half ripe pears.
- Spiced Crumble – Add ground ginger or mixed spice to the topping.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free flour and certified oats.
- Nutty Topping – Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the crumble.
Best Practices to Store Apple Crumble with Oats
- Refrigerate Leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the Oven – Keeps the topping crispy.
- Freeze Before or After Baking – If freezing before baking, assemble and wrap tightly; bake from frozen and add 10 minutes to the time.
- Label and Date – For organized freezing.
Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: ~360
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Sugar: ~28g
- Fat: ~14g
- Fibre: ~4g
FAQs
Can I make apple crumble with oats in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, just bake as directed. You can also freeze it unbaked for longer storage.
What kind of oats should I use for the topping?
Use rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats) for the best texture. Avoid instant oats, which become mushy when baked.
Why is my crumble topping not crispy?
To keep the topping crisp, bake uncovered and avoid overmixing the crumble. If it still seems soft, bake for a few extra minutes until golden brown.
Can I use eating apples instead of cooking apples?
Yes, but eating apples are sweeter and retain their shape more, so the filling will be less tart and slightly firmer than if using Bramley or Granny Smith apples.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Apple Crumble with Oats is a timeless British dessert that offers comfort, crunch, and natural sweetness in every spoonful. The oats give it that rustic texture we all love, making it perfect for cozy evenings or a classic Sunday pudding.
