Plum Crumble Recipe

The Juicy Plum Crumble Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Sweet summer memories dance through this rustic plum crumble that captures nostalgic flavor profiles.

Ripe fruits nestled beneath a golden, crispy topping create pure comfort on a plate.

Seasonal plums burst with juicy intensity, promising a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft, caramelized edges hint at the delectable experience waiting to unfold.

Buttery crumble layers melt effortlessly against tender fruit, creating a symphony of textures.

Seasonal ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Surprising depth and simplicity converge in this irresistible treat that you’ll want to savor slowly.

Mary Berry Plum Crumble Question Guide

  • Can I use other fruits instead of plums?

Yes, you can substitute plums with other stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, or apricots. Adjust sugar levels based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

  • How ripe should the plums be?

Choose plums that are slightly firm but have some give when gently pressed. Overripe plums will become too mushy during baking.

  • Do I need to peel the plums?

No, you don’t need to peel plums for this recipe. The skin adds color, texture, and extra nutrients to the crumble.

  • What if I don't have Demerara sugar?

Regular granulated sugar or brown sugar can be used as a substitute. Demerara adds a nice caramel-like crunch, but the crumble will still be delicious with alternative sugars.

Why Mary Berry Plum Crumble Is So Loved

Why Mary Berry Plum Crumble Is So Loved
  • Craft a Comforting Dessert: This plum crumble brings warmth and joy to your kitchen with minimal effort, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Bounty: Showcase fresh plums in a delightful dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat everyone will love.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal prep work means you can create a delicious dessert in under an hour, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings or family dinners.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this crumble warm with custard, cream, or ice cream, allowing everyone to customize their dessert experience.

What You’ll Need For Mary Berry Plum Crumble

Fruit Base:
  • Plums: Juicy stone fruits that provide the sweet and tangy foundation of the dessert.
  • Orange Zest: Bright citrus flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the plums.
  • Orange Juice: Adds moisture and a subtle citrusy brightness to the fruit mixture.
  • Sugar: Helps to sweeten and balance the natural tartness of the plums.
Crumble Topping:
  • Flour: Creates the base for the crispy, golden crumble texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crumble mixture.
  • Demerara Sugar: Provides a caramel-like sweetness and creates a crunchy topping.
Serving Options:
  • Custard, Cream, Ice Cream: Delicious accompaniments that complement the warm, fruity crumble.

Steps To Make Mary Berry Plum Crumble

Steps To Make Mary Berry Plum Crumble

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 400°F (200°C) for standard ovens or 360°F (180°C) for fan-assisted ovens. This ensures a perfectly heated environment for your crumble.

Step 2: Prepare Plum Mixture

Gather your ingredients:
  • Fresh plums
  • Orange zest
  • Orange juice
  • Granulated sugar

Slice plums into even pieces and combine them with orange zest, juice, and sugar. Let the mixture sit and develop flavors while you prepare the crumble topping.

Step 3: Create Crumbly Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cold butter
  • Demerara sugar

Use your fingertips to rub butter into flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in Demerara sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble The Crumble

Transfer the plum mixture into a baking dish. Evenly scatter the crumble topping over the fruit, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit underneath.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite accompaniment like vanilla custard, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.

Baking Tips For Mary Berry Plum Crumble

  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs under the plums to absorb excess moisture and keep the base crisp.
  • Select Perfect Plums: Choose ripe but firm plums that are slightly soft when gently pressed, ensuring the best flavor and texture for your crumble.
  • Boost Fruit Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the plum mixture to enhance the natural sweetness and depth of the fruit.
  • Adjust Crumble Texture: For a crunchier topping, add rolled oats or chopped nuts to the flour mixture, creating more interesting layers and crispness.
  • Dietary Swap: Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free flour to make this dessert suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Recipe Twists For Mary Berry Plum Crumble

  • Vegan Plum Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of sugar. Swap traditional flour with almond or oat flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Spiced Berry Variation: Substitute plums with mixed berries and add ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the crumble topping for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
  • Nutty Plum Crunch: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the crumble mixture for added texture and a rich, toasted note. Sprinkle extra nuts on top before baking.
  • Low-Sugar Fruit Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Select ripe, naturally sweet plums to enhance the dessert's flavor without added sugar.

Pairing Ideas For Mary Berry Plum Crumble

  • Pair with Warming Vanilla Custard: Rich, creamy vanilla custard perfectly complements the tart plums and buttery crumble, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Enhance with Cinnamon Spiced Tea: A fragrant, warming tea with hints of cinnamon beautifully balances the sweet and tangy flavors of the plum crumble.
  • Match with Smooth Almond Ice Cream: Creamy almond ice cream adds a nutty undertone that elevates the dessert's fruity and crumbly texture, providing a delightful contrast.
  • Sip Dessert Wine Pairing: A sweet Sauternes or late harvest Riesling cuts through the crumble's richness, offering a sophisticated wine companion that highlights the plum's natural sweetness.

How To Store Mary Berry Plum Crumble Safely

  • Store leftover plum crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap the cooled crumble tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm individual portions at 180C for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning and maintain moisture. Uncover for last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
  • Zap single servings for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Let stand for a minute to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water to keep crumble from becoming too dry.
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Plum Crumble Recipe

Plum Crumble Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sweet summer memories come alive with this rustic Plum Crumble, blending juicy ripe plums and a golden-brown buttery streusel topping. Warm spices and crumbly texture invite you to savor each delightful bite of this classic seasonal dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit:

  • 900 grams (2 pounds) fresh plums, halved and stoned
  • 1 orange, finely grated rind
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice

Dry Ingredients:

  • 175 grams (6.2 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 175 grams (6.2 ounces) plain flour
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) Demerara sugar

Fats:

  • 75 grams (2.6 ounces) butter, cubed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, adjusting to 180°C for fan-assisted ovens.
  2. Combine plums with fragrant orange zest, freshly squeezed juice, and granulated sugar, allowing the fruits to macerate and release their natural sweetness.
  3. Create the crumble topping by gently working cold butter into flour using fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  4. Incorporate Demerara sugar into the crumble mixture, ensuring an even distribution for caramelized texture.
  5. Transfer the macerated plums into a baking dish, spreading them evenly to create a uniform fruit base.
  6. Generously sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the plums, covering the entire surface.
  7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling fruit underneath.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly, letting the flavors meld and the topping crisp up.
  9. Serve warm, accompanied by a dollop of silky custard, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or a generous pour of fresh double cream.

Notes

  • Swap fresh plums with frozen varieties for year-round enjoyment, ensuring even thawing before mixing with sugar.
  • Adjust sweetness by selecting ripe, naturally sweet plums or adding extra sugar for tarter fruit types.
  • Prevent soggy bottom by pre-baking fruit mixture for 10 minutes before adding crumble topping, creating a perfectly crisp texture.
  • Experiment with gluten-free flour blends or ground nuts like almonds in the crumble for dietary alternatives without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 258 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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