Fruit Crumble
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups/154 grams instant oats
see Tip
- 3/4 cup/150 grams sugar
- 1/2 cup/56 grams chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon chai spice or ground cinnamon
see Tip
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 cup/114 grams unsalted butter
at room temperature
- 2 pounds fruit
such as berries, pears, apples, peaches, plums or a combination
- 1/2 cup/100 grams sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
see Tip
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
- 1
Prepare the crumble: Heat oven to 375 degrees with a rack in the center.
- 2
Mix the oats, sugar, nuts, chai spice and salt in a medium bowl. Cut the butter into cubes the size of dice and toss in. Use your fingers to smush the butter into the dry ingredients until no yellow bits remain and the blend forms clumps. Refrigerate uncovered while you prepare the fruit (or covered for up to 3 days).
- 3
Prepare the fruit: If you’re using big fruit, scrub it well, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces, about the same size as small blackberries or big blueberries. Throw out any pits, seeds or stems.
- 4
In a large bowl, mix the sugar and cornstarch. Add all the fruit, then the lemon juice and stir until well mixed. Scrape the fruit and any juices into a 9- or 10-inch ovenproof skillet and spread evenly.
- 5
Scatter the chilled crumble mixture evenly over the fruit, breaking any large clumps into smaller pebbles. Place the skillet on a sheet pan to catch any dripping fruit juices.
- 6
Bake until the fruit is bubbling, the liquid has thickened and the top is nicely browned, about 45 minutes. If the crumble darkens too much before the fruit mixture is thick, place a sheet of foil loosely on top. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Fruit Crumble
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 474 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s effortlessly elegant and surprisingly simple? This easy Fruit Crumble delivers on all fronts, perfect for a cozy night in or a celebratory gathering.
What sets this Fruit Crumble apart is its buttery, gluten-free oat and nut topping that bakes up consistently nubby and crunchy, never soggy. The thoughtful inclusion of fruit with the peel on—such as apples, pears, and stone fruit—not only streamlines prep but also adds a delightful, pleasant chewiness to the jammy filling, a detail often overlooked in other recipes.
Prepare for your kitchen to be filled with the irresistible aroma of warm spices swirling with sweet, bubbling fruit. Each spoonful offers a delightful contrast: the crisp, golden crumble bursting with oats and nuts, perfectly complemented by the tender, juicy fruit underneath. The subtle tang of lemon juice brightens the overall flavor, while your chosen spices—be it a fragrant chai blend, classic cinnamon, or aromatic cardamom—add a comforting warmth to this naturally gluten-free treat. It’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and remarkably wholesome.
Feel free to get creative with your fruit blend; a mix of fresh berries, apples, pears, peaches, or plums all work beautifully. If you're going for an all-berry crumble, stick with fresh berries for the best texture, though thawed frozen berries are fine when mixed with sturdier fresh apples and pears. For the topping, swap pecans for walnuts or vice versa. While chai spice adds a unique depth, classic ground cinnamon or cardamom are equally delicious options. You can also use cornstarch or flour as the thickener for the fruit filling.
This warm Fruit Crumble is a delightful finish to any meal, whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering. For the ultimate indulgence, serve generous scoops with a dollop of creamy ice cream, allowing it to melt into the sweet, jammy fruit.