The Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble is a classic British dessert that combines the tartness of fresh plums with a sweet, buttery crumble topping. This dessert is simple to make, yet bursting with flavor, making it perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any occasion where you want to indulge in a comforting, fruity dessert. Served warm, this crumble is best enjoyed with a dollop of cream, custard, or a scoop of ice cream.
Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble
The Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble is a delightful combination of sweet, ripe plums baked until tender, and topped with a crispy, buttery crumble. The contrast between the soft fruit filling and the crunchy topping makes it a crowd-pleaser. This dessert is perfect for using up seasonal plums, and its simplicity ensures that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comforting and Delicious: The tartness of the plums pairs beautifully with the sweet crumble topping.
- Easy to Make: A straightforward recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a casual family meal or a special occasion, this dessert is always a hit.
- Seasonal Delight: A great way to use fresh, ripe plums during the season.
- Versatile: Can be paired with custard, cream, or ice cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble
For the Filling:
- Plums (1kg, halved and pitted): Provides the tart and juicy fruit base for the crumble.
- Caster sugar (100g): Sweetens the plums and helps balance their natural tartness.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and spice to the filling.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Enhances the flavor of the plums and balances the sweetness.
For the Crumble Topping:
- Plain flour (175g): Forms the base of the crumble.
- Butter (100g, cold and cubed): Adds richness and helps create a crisp topping.
- Light brown sugar (100g): Sweetens the topping and adds a slight caramel flavor.
- Rolled oats (50g): Adds texture and crunch to the crumble.
- Ground almonds (optional, 50g): Adds nuttiness and depth to the crumble.
Equipment
- Baking dish: To assemble and bake the crumble.
- Mixing bowls: Prepare the filling and crumble topping.
- Spatula or spoon: To mix the ingredients and spread the crumble topping.
- Oven: For baking the crumble.
Instructions to Prepare Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Plum Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved and pitted plums with the caster sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the plums are evenly coated with sugar and spices.
- Transfer the plum mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a separate mixing bowl, sift the plain flour and add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the light brown sugar, rolled oats, and ground almonds (if using) until evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Crumble
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the plums in the baking dish, making sure to cover the fruit completely.
Step 5: Bake the Crumble
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp, and the plums are bubbling underneath.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the plum crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with custard, cream, or ice cream for a comforting and indulgent treat.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble
- Custard: The classic pairing for a fruit crumble, adding warmth and creaminess.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold contrast of ice cream complements the warm crumble perfectly.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly whipped cream adds a luxurious, airy texture to the dessert.
- Greek Yogurt: For a lighter option, serve the crumble with Greek yogurt.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce can add extra sweetness and richness.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble
- Use Ripe Plums: Choose ripe, juicy plums for the best flavor. If your plums are very tart, you can increase the sugar slightly.
- Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is essential for a crispy crumble topping. Make sure to rub the butter into the flour quickly to prevent it from melting.
- Don’t Overmix the Crumble: Once the butter is rubbed into the flour, avoid overworking the mixture to maintain a crumbly texture.
- Add Texture: Adding oats or ground almonds to the crumble topping gives it an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the crumble towards the end of baking to ensure the topping turns golden but doesn’t burn.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble
- Add Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumble topping for extra warmth.
- Mixed Fruit Crumble: Combine plums with other fruits like apples, blackberries, or pears for a mixed fruit crumble.
- Coconut Topping: Add desiccated coconut to the crumble topping for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and oats to make the crumble suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the ground almonds for a nut-free crumble.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the crumble before baking. Assemble the crumble, cover it tightly with cling film and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble
- Oven Reheating: To reheat leftover crumble, place it in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, though the topping may lose some of its crispness.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble Healthier?
- Reduce the Sugar: Cut down on the amount of sugar in both the filling and the crumble topping for a less sweet dessert.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour in place of plain flour for added fiber and a nutty flavor.
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the topping for a boost of healthy fats and protein.
- Use Greek Yogurt: Swap cream or custard for Greek yogurt to serve with the crumble for a lighter option.
- Less Butter: Reduce the amount of butter in the crumble and substitute with a plant-based or lower-fat alternative.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 35g
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble is a delicious and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet, tangy plum filling and crunchy, buttery topping, it’s a treat the whole family will love. Whether you serve it with custard, cream, or ice cream, this plum crumble is sure to become a firm favorite. Easy to prepare and versatile, this recipe is a must-try for dessert lovers everywhere!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake
- Mary Berry Boiled Fruit Cake
- Mary Berry Pineapple Fruit Cake
- Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble Recipe
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
The Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble is a delightful combination of sweet, ripe plums baked until tender, topped with a crispy, buttery crumble. The contrast between the soft fruit filling and the crunchy topping makes it a crowd-pleaser. This dessert is perfect for using up seasonal plums, and its simplicity ensures that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Plums (1kg, halved and pitted): Provides the tart and juicy fruit base for the crumble.
- Caster sugar (100g): Sweetens the plums and helps balance their natural tartness.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and spice to the filling.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Enhances the flavor of the plums and balances the sweetness.
For the Crumble Topping:
- Plain flour (175g): Forms the base of the crumble.
- Butter (100g, cold and cubed): Adds richness and helps create a crisp topping.
- Light brown sugar (100g): Sweetens the topping and adds a slight caramel flavor.
- Rolled oats (50g): Adds texture and crunch to the crumble.
- Ground almonds (optional, 50g): Adds nuttiness and depth to the crumble.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Plum Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved and pitted plums with the caster sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the plums are evenly coated with sugar and spices.
- Transfer the plum mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a separate mixing bowl, sift the plain flour and add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the light brown sugar, rolled oats, and ground almonds (if using) until evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Crumble
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the plums in the baking dish, making sure to cover the fruit completely.
Step 5: Bake the Crumble
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp, and the plums are bubbling underneath.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the plum crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with custard, cream, or ice cream for a comforting and indulgent treat.
