I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble. It was a rainy afternoon, the kind where you just want something warm and comforting. I had a few plums that were ripening quickly and needed to be used, so I searched through my recipe collection for something simple but satisfying. That’s when I stumbled across Jamie’s Plum Crumble recipe.
The process felt like a little adventure in itself. The smell of roasted plums, sugar, and the buttery crumble topping filled my kitchen, and with every bite, I was reminded of why some recipes just hit the spot. It’s a perfect dessert for those moments when you want to indulge without too much fuss.
This crumble recipe is everything you want in a dessert: warm, sweet, a bit tart, and with a perfect crunchy top. And what’s even better is that Jamie’s approach makes it easy to pull together with ingredients that most people already have on hand.
Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble stands out for a few reasons. The simplicity of the ingredients, the focus on letting the fruit shine, and the balance of flavors make it a timeless treat. But what makes it really special is the texture. The plums soften and become jammy in the oven, creating a natural sauce, while the crumble topping adds just the right amount of crunch.
I’ve made this recipe for friends, family, and even for myself when I’m craving a bit of comfort food. It always gets rave reviews. Jamie’s method is straightforward, and the result is consistently delicious.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plums (about 1 kg/2 lbs) – Fresh plums work best. If they’re not quite ripe, that’s okay; they’ll still soften up in the oven.
- Butter (100g) – Unsalted butter for a rich flavor. The key is to get it cold so that the crumble texture stays light and crumbly.
- Plain Flour (200g) – This is the foundation of your crumble topping. It provides structure.
- Sugar (150g) – A mix of caster sugar for sweetness and a bit of dark brown sugar for depth. You can adjust this depending on how sweet or tart your plums are.
- Oats (100g) – These give the crumble topping an extra bite and a bit of texture.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Optional, but I love how it adds a subtle warmth that complements the plums.
- Lemon (1) – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble
Making the crumble is surprisingly easy, and it all comes together quite quickly.
- Prepare the Plums: Start by halving and pitting the plums. Cut them into wedges and place them in a baking dish. Toss them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to bring out their natural juices.
- Make the Crumble: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Cut the cold butter into cubes and rub it into the dry mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. The key is not to overwork it, as that can make the crumble dense rather than light.
- Assemble: Evenly spread the crumble topping over the plums. Don’t press it down too much; the topping needs room to become golden and crunchy.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the fruit should be bubbling.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s dive into a little food science here, because each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in making it as amazing as it is.
- Plums are naturally high in pectin, which helps the fruit thicken as it cooks. This creates that luscious, jam-like texture that coats the crumble topping.
- Butter adds moisture and richness to the crumble topping. It also helps with the formation of small, light pockets in the topping as it bakes, creating that sought-after crispy texture.
- Flour serves as the base of the crumble. The gluten it contains helps the mixture hold together, while the butter and oats ensure it doesn’t become too dense.
- Oats not only add crunch but also absorb some of the juices from the plums, making the bottom layer of the crumble less soggy.
- Sugar provides sweetness, but it also helps the fruit caramelize in the oven. Brown sugar, in particular, adds a deeper, almost molasses-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the plums.
Expert Tips
- Chill the butter: If you want a super crumbly topping, make sure your butter is cold. If you have time, freeze it for 10-15 minutes before working it into the dry ingredients.
- Use different fruit: While plums are the star here, you can mix in other fruits like apples, peaches, or berries. Just be mindful of their water content – berries might release more juice, so you may need to adjust the sugar and baking time.
- Add nuts: A handful of chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts can add an extra layer of texture and flavor to the crumble topping.
- Don’t skip the lemon: A little acid from the lemon balances the sweetness of the fruit and adds brightness to the dish.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat to help bind the crumble.
- Spiced Crumble: Add a bit of nutmeg or allspice to the crumble mix for extra warmth.
- Ginger Plum Crumble: Add some grated fresh ginger to the plums before baking for a zesty twist.
- Crumble Bars: If you’re looking for a more portable version, turn this crumble into bars. Layer the plums and crumble topping in a baking tray, then bake and cut into squares.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble is an experience I keep coming back to. Whether I’m whipping it up for a family dinner or just for a quick treat, there’s something so comforting about the process. The combination of soft fruit and crunchy topping makes for the perfect balance, and you can’t beat that freshly baked aroma that fills your kitchen.
This recipe is flexible enough to allow you to experiment with other fruits or tweak the flavors to suit your taste. But even if you follow it exactly as Jamie intended, you’ll end up with a dessert that feels like a warm hug.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble Special?
Jamie Oliver’s plum crumble stands out because of its simple ingredients and fresh, natural flavors. The juicy plums are complemented by a buttery crumble topping that’s perfectly crisp.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Plum Crumble Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the crumble ahead of time. Just assemble it, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving for a fresh, hot dessert.
What Can I Substitute For Plums In Jamie Oliver’s Crumble Recipe?
You can swap the plums with other fruits like peaches, apples, or even mixed berries. Adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit.