Fruit crumble is enjoyed all over the world as one of the most popular desserts around. It’s easy to make and can be made with fresh or frozen fruit, such as apples, pears, peaches, plums or berries. While traditional recipes call for butter and white sugar as part of their topping, many variations now include ingredients such as oats or nuts to add extra flavour and texture to this classic dessert.

Brief History and Origin

The first known recipe for fruit crumble dates back to 17th century England. It was called “apple pandowdy” and was made with apples, sugar and butter, cooked in an oven until golden brown. Over time, other fruits such as plums, peaches and berries were added to the mix resulting in today’s version of fruit crumble.

In 19th century America, the dish became known as “crumble cake” or “crisp cake” due to its crumbly texture. It was also often served as a breakfast dish with cream or milk poured over it. In Australia and New Zealand, the dish is commonly referred to as “fruit crumble” or “dessert crumble”, while in Canada, it goes by the name of “cobbler” or “grunt cake”.

Fruit Crumble – The Recipe

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total time: 25 mins
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the crumble topping

• 120g all-purpose flour
• 60g white sugar
• 60g unsalted butter at room temperature, cut into pieces

For the fruit compote

• 300g Braeburn apple
• 30g butter, unsalted
• 115g blackberries
• 30g white sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon, ground
• vanilla ice cream to serve

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and preheat it to 170 degrees C. Also, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, add flour and sugar, and mix well. Add butter and rub using your fingertips until the bread crump like texture. Stay undermixed.
3. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, place in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the color becomes light.
4. To prepare the compote, peel the apples and place them on the cutting board, remove the core and cut them into 1″ cubes.
5. In a saucepan over medium heat, add butter and sugar, and continue until the colour turns light caramel.
6. Now add apples, and cook for 3 minutes. Add cinnamon and blackberries, and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.
7. Then cover the saucepan and, take off from heat, leave for 2 to 3 minutes.
8. When ready, transfer the cooked fruits to the serving gratin dish, top with the crumble mix, heat in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Popular variations

Here are a few ways you can change this basic recipe to adjust it to your liking:

• Apple & blackberry crumble: The apple and blackberry crumble are warm and perfect for festive season. We love the sweet and tart flavor of this crumble.
• The Ultimate Berry Crumble: it is made with mixed berries and perfect to go with ice cream especially in the summer.
• Chocolate crumble recipe: Inspired by the traditional crumble, it is the bed of dark chocolate ganache topped with the buttery golden crumbs. It will become your guilty pleasure.
• Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars: This recipe has cleverly and deliciously introduced the crumble in cheesecake, and it is so satisfying. You can enjoy the goosy apple filling, crumbs, and creamy cheesy layer all in one.
• Red Velvet Crumble Cake: the smooth and moist red velvet cake covered with delicious crunchy crumbles. This recipe is genius and serves you with best textures of cake and crumble.