This comforting Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble is the perfect dessert to celebrate the delicious flavour of seasonal fruit. This easy recipe is made with sweet and juicy fresh plums, a hint of warming cinnamon, and a crunchy, buttery crumble topping enriched with rolled oats. The result is a wonderfully satisfying dessert with a bubbling, tart fruit base and a golden, crunchy topping. Perfect for a cool late-summer evening or a cozy autumn day, this classic crumble recipe serves six and is a guaranteed family favourite.
Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble Ingredients
For the Plum Filling:
- 1kg ripe plums, halved and stoned
- 50g demerara sugar or soft brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Crumble Topping:
- 175g plain flour
- 100g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 75g demerara sugar
- 50g rolled oats (not instant)
How To Make Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan, Gas Mark 5).
- Prepare the filling: Arrange the plum halves in the bottom of a 2-litre ovenproof dish. Sprinkle over the 50g of demerara sugar and the ground cinnamon, then toss gently to combine.
- Make the crumble topping: In a large mixing bowl, add the plain flour and the cold, cubed butter. Rub the butter into the flour using just your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Try not to overwork it.
- Add sugar and oats: Stir the 75g of demerara sugar and the rolled oats into the breadcrumb mixture until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the crumble: Spoon the crumble topping evenly over the plums in the dish, making sure to cover all the fruit.
- Bake until golden: Place the dish on a baking tray to catch any potential drips. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the fruit filling is hot and bubbling and the crumble topping is crisp and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Allow the crumble to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the fruit juices to thicken slightly.
Recipe Tips
- Use ripe but firm plums: For the best flavour, use plums that are ripe and sweet, but still firm to the touch. This will ensure they hold their shape during baking and provide a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
- Keep the butter cold: Using cold, cubed butter is the secret to a light, crumbly topping. Warm butter will melt into the flour, creating a paste rather than the desired breadcrumb texture.
- Add oats for crunch: The addition of rolled oats not only adds a lovely chewy texture but also helps the topping become extra crunchy and golden as it bakes.
- Use a baking tray: Always place your crumble dish on a larger baking tray before putting it in the oven. The juicy fruit filling often bubbles up and can spill over, and a baking tray will save you from cleaning a sticky oven.
What To Serve Plum Crumble
This warm and hearty plum crumble is absolutely delicious on its own, but it becomes a truly decadent dessert when served with a classic accompaniment. For a wonderful contrast of hot and cold, add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Alternatively, a generous pouring of thick, hot custard or a dollop of cool, rich double cream or clotted cream are traditional and perfect pairings.
How To Store Plum Crumble Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Allow the crumble to cool completely, then cover the dish with a lid or cling film. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in a moderate oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Freeze: Plum crumble freezes very well. You can freeze it either unbaked or baked. For an unbaked crumble, assemble it completely in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the original cooking time.
Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1/6th of the crumble
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 68g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to peel the plums first? No, it’s not necessary to peel the plums. The skins soften beautifully during cooking and release a gorgeous deep red colour into the fruit juices. They also contain extra flavour and nutrients.
- Can I use other types of fruit? Yes, this crumble topping is incredibly versatile. It works wonderfully with apples, pears, peaches, or a mix of berries like blackberries and apples. You may need to adjust the sugar in the filling depending on the sweetness of the fruit you use.
- My crumble topping is not crunchy. What went wrong? This usually happens if the butter was too soft or the mixture was overworked into a paste. Using cold butter and a light touch with your fingertips is key. Sprinkling a little extra demerara sugar over the top before baking also helps create a crisp crust.
- Can I make this crumble gluten-free? Yes. To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the plain flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your rolled oats are certified as gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
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Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble Recipe
Description
A cozy and comforting Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble recipe, perfect for using seasonal fruit. This classic dessert features a juicy, tart plum and cinnamon filling under a crunchy, buttery oat topping.
Ingredients
For the Plum Filling:
For the Crumble Topping:
Instructions
- Prep the filling: Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C Fan). Place the plums in an ovenproof dish and toss with the sugar and cinnamon.
- Make the topping: In a bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar and oats.
- Assemble: Spoon the crumble mixture evenly over the plums.
- Bake: Place on a baking tray and bake for 35-45 minutes until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
