5 Easy Crumble Recipes You'll Love

When it comes to comfort desserts, few treats can compete with the humble yet delightful crumble. Perfect for any time of the year, crumbles are easy to make, incredibly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, these crumble recipes will guide you through creating mouth-watering desserts that combine crunchy, buttery toppings with luscious, warm fruit fillings. Here are five easy crumble recipes you'll absolutely love.

1. Classic Apple Crumble

The timeless appeal of an apple crumble makes it an all-time favorite. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar (divided into ½ cup portions)
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • Pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the apples with ½ cup of sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then spread this mixture into a baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, oats, and a pinch of salt. Cut the butter into this mix until it forms a crumbly texture.
  4. Spread the crumble topping over the apples.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbling.

🍎 Note: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the apple mix!

2. Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble

Combine the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries for a perfect summer dessert:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups of sliced rhubarb
  • 2 cups of strawberries, hulled and halved
  • ¾ cup of granulated sugar (for the filling)
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 1 cup of flour
  • ½ cup of brown sugar
  • ½ cup of cold butter
  • ¼ cup of quick oats
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss rhubarb and strawberries with sugar and cornstarch, then transfer to a baking dish.
  3. Combine flour, brown sugar, and oats; then cut in the butter until crumbly.
  4. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the fruit.
  5. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.

🍓 Note: Serve this with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness of the rhubarb.

3. Blueberry Crumble

A delightful way to showcase the burst of summer blueberries:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup of brown sugar
  • ¼ cup of white sugar
  • ½ cup of cold unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup of finely chopped almonds
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and juice. Pour into a baking dish.
  3. Mix flour, both sugars, almonds, and butter to form crumbs.
  4. Sprinkle over the blueberries.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden.

4. Spiced Pear and Ginger Crumble

A spicy twist to the traditional crumble, with pears and crystallized ginger:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • ⅓ cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped crystallized ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • 1 cup of flour
  • ½ cup of sugar
  • ½ cup of cold butter, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss pears with sugar, ginger, and lemon juice; place into a baking dish.
  3. Combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Distribute evenly over the pears.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is crispy and golden.

5. Savory Mushroom Crumble

For a unique twist, try this savory crumble perfect for vegetarians:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb of mixed mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of thyme leaves
  • 1 cup of vegetable stock
  • 1 cup of breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup of grated Parmesan
  • ¼ cup of cold butter
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, add mushrooms and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in stock and thyme, reduce liquid by half.
  4. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, butter, and paprika. Sprinkle over the mushrooms.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is crusty and golden.

Each of these crumble recipes brings its own unique flavors and textures, making them perfect for any dessert table or as a special treat at home. They're easy to make, flexible with ingredients, and most importantly, they deliver comfort and joy in every spoonful.

Can I use frozen fruit for crumble recipes?

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Absolutely! Frozen fruits can be a great substitute in crumble recipes. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly to account for the extra moisture.

How can I make my crumble more nutritious?

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Use whole grain flours like oat or almond flour for the topping, and mix in seeds or nuts for extra crunch and nutrition. Also, consider reducing the sugar or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

What can I serve with crumble?

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Crumbles are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel or custard sauce for an indulgent treat.

Can crumble be made ahead of time?

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Yes, you can prepare the crumble in advance. Simply assemble the filling and topping, keep them separate, and bake when you’re ready. Alternatively, bake it fully and reheat before serving for the best texture.

How long does crumble last?

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Crumble can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked crumble; it can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat to serve.