Irresistible Plum Crumble Recipe: Sweet-Tart Comfort in Every Bite

Sweet summer afternoons sparkle with this delightful plum crumble that captures pure seasonal magic.

Ripe fruits burst with juicy intensity beneath a golden, crispy topping.

Clusters of sun-warmed plums nestle underneath a buttery, crumbly layer that melts in your mouth.

Fragrant cinnamon and hints of vanilla create an irresistible aroma wafting through the kitchen.

Delicate textures blend perfectly between soft fruit and crunchy streusel.

Simple ingredients come together in a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant.

Grab a spoon and savor every heavenly bite of this comforting classic that promises to delight everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Want To Make Nigella Plum Crumble

• Savor Seasonal Simplicity: Capture the essence of ripe plums at their peak, transforming fresh fruit into a delightful dessert that celebrates summer's bounty with minimal effort.
• Master Quick Baking: Create a gorgeous dessert in just a few simple steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows for easy modifications like adding nuts or adjusting sweetness, making it a versatile treat that adapts to your personal taste and pantry ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats that bring everyone together with its warm, inviting aroma and rustic charm.

Nigella Plum Crumble Ingredients You’ll Need

• Plums: Ripe, sweet stone fruits that provide the main flavor and juicy texture for the crumble.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus liquid that prevents fruit browning and adds a subtle tangy note.
• Vanilla: Aromatic extract that enhances the natural sweetness of the plums.

• All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Dry ingredients that create a classic, crispy crumble texture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweeteners that caramelize and add depth to the topping.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the plums and adds a cozy flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Rich dairy product that helps bind the crumble and creates a golden, crisp topping.
• Nuts (Optional): Chopped almonds or pecans that provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the crumble.

How To Make Nigella Plum Crumble At Home

Step 1: Prepare Plum Mixture

Wash and slice fresh plums into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and add a splash of pure vanilla extract. Gently toss the plums to ensure even coating. Let the mixture sit and marinate while you prepare the crumble topping, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 2: Create Crumble Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Use your fingertips to work cold butter into the dry ingredients. Continue rubbing and mixing until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces.

Step 3: Add Nutty Crunch

If desired, fold in chopped pecans or sliced almonds to add extra texture and depth to the crumble topping. Mix gently to distribute the nuts evenly throughout the crumb mixture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Grease a ceramic or glass baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the marinated plums evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the fruit, ensuring complete coverage. Place in a preheated oven.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the plum crumble in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit edges as indicators of doneness. The kitchen will fill with a warm, inviting aroma.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the crumble from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible dessert.

Quick Tips For Nigella Plum Crumble Lovers

• Select Ripe Plums: Choose plump, fragrant plums that give slightly when pressed for the most delicious flavor and natural sweetness.
• Prevent Soggy Topping: Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs under the fruit to absorb excess moisture and keep the crumble crisp.
• Enhance Fruit Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the plums for deeper, warmer notes that complement the fruit's natural tartness.
• Adjust Sweetness Smartly: Taste your plums first – if they're very ripe and sweet, reduce sugar; if tart, increase sugar slightly in the topping.
• Serve with Flair: Pair the warm crumble with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic dessert that elevates the simple fruit dish.

Fun Variations For Nigella Plum Crumble

• Low-Sugar Berry Swap: Replace plums with mixed berries and reduce sugar for a lighter, tangy dessert.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free oats in the crumble topping for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of traditional sweeteners.
• Spiced Autumn Remix: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom to enhance the warm, seasonal flavor profile of the crumble.

What Goes Well With Nigella Plum Crumble

• Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Cool, creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm plum crumble, creating a heavenly contrast between hot dessert and cold scoop.
• Complement with Earl Grey Tea: Bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea offers elegant citrus notes that beautifully enhance the sweet-tart plum flavors and buttery crumble texture.
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: A chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti brings light, fruity sweetness that harmonizes wonderfully with the rich, baked plum dessert.
• Serve with Whipped Mascarpone: Soft, silky mascarpone cheese adds luxurious creaminess and subtle tang that elevates the crumble's rustic fruit and crispy topping.

Keep Nigella Plum Crumble Tasting Fresh

• Store covered in the dish for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Place cooled crumble in a freezer-safe container. Seal well and freeze for up to 2 months. Protect from freezer burn by using a double layer of wrap.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed. Enjoy slightly warm for best texture and flavor.

All Your Nigella Plum Crumble Questions Covered

• Can I use different types of plums for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any variety of plums like Santa Rosa, Damson, or Italian plums. Just ensure they’re ripe and sweet for the best flavor.

• Do I need to peel the plums before baking?

No need to peel the plums. The skin adds beautiful color and texture to the crumble, and it softens during baking.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to create a gluten-free version of the crumble.

Plum Crumble Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Plum Crumble brings rustic charm to summer desserts with juicy seasonal fruit nestled beneath a crisp, buttery topping. Sweet-tart plums mingle with golden crumbly layers, creating a simple yet irresistible treat you’ll crave after every meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Fruits:

• 8 ripe plums, sliced

Sweeteners and Flavors:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Dry Ingredients and Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gently coat sliced plums with tangy lemon juice and aromatic vanilla, allowing flavors to meld for 10 minutes.
2. Combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Cut cold butter into small cubes and work into the dry ingredients using fingertips until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Incorporate chopped nuts into the crumble mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Arrange macerated plums in a lightly greased baking dish, creating an even layer.
6. Sprinkle the prepared crumble topping generously over the fruit, covering the entire surface.
7. Transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and fruit bubbles around the edges.
8. Remove from oven and let the crumble rest for 15 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

• Choose ripe, slightly soft plums for the best flavor and natural sweetness, avoiding overly hard or bruised fruits.
• Adjust sugar levels based on plum ripeness and personal preference, tasting the fruit before adding sweetener.
• Toast nuts briefly before adding to the crumble topping to enhance their nutty depth and crunchiness.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic dessert that balances the plums’ tartness.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30-35 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 308 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg