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.