I’ll never forget the first time I made a crumble. I was about 18, staying at a friend’s place for the weekend, and we decided to bake something simple but comforting. She suggested a plum crumble, something her grandmother used to make. I had no idea what went into it, but the combination of tart plums and the buttery crumble topping sounded like magic. When it came out of the oven, the smell was incredible-sweet, warm, and inviting. That first bite felt like home. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on crumbles, especially plum ones, and Jamie Oliver’s version of this classic has become a favorite in my kitchen.
Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble Recipe
Jamie Oliver is known for his laid-back, easy-to-follow recipes, and his plum crumble is no exception. This recipe takes a traditional dish and gives it a modern twist, using fresh, seasonal plums and a simple but indulgent crumble topping. What I love about Jamie’s approach is how accessible it is. He keeps things straightforward, letting the ingredients shine without overcomplicating the process. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete novice, this recipe is designed for everyone.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to bring this delicious plum crumble to life:
- Plums (fresh, ripe): Jamie uses about 1 kg of plums. The plums should be ripe, but not too soft, as you want them to hold their shape during baking.
- Sugar (caster or granulated): About 100g to 150g, depending on how sweet your plums are. This helps balance out the tartness.
- Cinnamon: A pinch to bring warmth and depth to the fruit filling.
- Butter (unsalted): 100g for the crumble topping. The colder, the better, as it helps create a crumbly texture.
- Flour (plain): 200g. This is the base of the crumble topping.
- Oats (optional): A handful to add crunch and texture to the topping.
- Brown sugar: About 50g. This gives the topping a lovely golden color and caramel flavor.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble
Making this plum crumble is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). You’ll want the oven hot to get that perfect golden crumble top.
- Prepare the plums: Slice the plums in half, remove the stones, and cut them into smaller chunks. Toss them into a baking dish, sprinkle over the sugar, and add a little cinnamon. Set aside.
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Make The Crumble Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, and brown sugar. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add in the oats, if using, and mix to combine.
- Assemble the crumble: Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the plums in your baking dish.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until the crumble is golden and the plums are bubbling away.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of thick cream for the perfect finish.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of the things I find most fascinating about Jamie Oliver’s plum crumble is how the ingredients interact on a scientific level. Here are a few highlights:
- Plums: These fruits are high in pectin, which is a natural gelling agent. This means when you cook them, they help create a thick, syrupy sauce that binds everything together. It also gives the crumble filling that irresistible, jammy consistency.
- Butter and flour (for the crumble): The key to the crumble topping is creating the right texture. Cold butter is essential because it helps prevent the flour from absorbing too much, leading to a flaky, crumbly topping rather than a dense one. The cold butter also causes the fat to form tiny pockets within the flour, which expand in the oven to create airiness.
- Sugar: Both the fruit and the crumble topping use sugar, but for different reasons. In the plums, it helps balance their tartness and promotes caramelization. In the crumble topping, sugar helps to create that golden, slightly crisp texture on top.
Expert Tips
- Use a mix of plums: Different varieties of plums can bring different flavors. Try using a combination of sweet and tart plums to give your crumble more depth.
- Chill the butter: For the crispiest, crumbliest topping, make sure your butter is chilled. You could even freeze it before adding it to the flour.
- Don’t skip the oats: Oats add texture to the topping, so don’t leave them out unless you’re strictly gluten-free. They give it that extra crunch and nuttiness that makes a good crumble great.
- Check the sugar level: Depending on how sweet your plums are, you may need to adjust the sugar. Taste the plums before baking, and if they’re too tart, add a little extra sugar to balance the flavors.
Recipe Variations
One of the things I love about crumbles is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few fun variations you could try:
- Berry Crumble: Swap the plums for a mix of berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a refreshing summer dessert.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the crumble topping for a spiced twist.
- Nuts: Toasted almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts can be added to the topping for extra crunch and a bit of nuttiness.
- Coconut: Shredded coconut can be added to the topping to give it a tropical flavor and chewy texture.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s plum crumble isn’t just about baking-it’s about creating something that’s comforting, warm, and full of love. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a simple treat after a busy day, this crumble is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and flexible enough to suit different tastes and occasions.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble Recipe Special?
Jamie’s recipe uses a mix of sweet and tart plums along with a buttery crumble topping that gives a perfect balance of flavors.
Can I Use Frozen Plums For The Crumble?
Yes, frozen plums work well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble Gluten-free?
You can swap the flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour for the crumble topping.