I remember the first time I made apple crumble. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I wanted something warm, comforting, and simple. After a bit of searching, I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s ’Simple Apple Crumble’ recipe. The beauty of it wasn’t just in the taste but how effortlessly it came together. No fancy techniques. No crazy ingredients. Just pure, delicious comfort food.
That was a few years ago, and since then, this recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. The apples are tender, the crumble is crispy, and it’s always a hit with friends and family. Whether it’s for a Sunday dinner or a last-minute dessert, it delivers every time.
Jamie Oliver’s Simple Apple Crumble Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s version of apple crumble is just what the name suggests: simple, easy, and delicious. It’s built on a foundation of wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Plus, he keeps it pretty foolproof, which is perfect for those of us who don’t want to stress over complicated steps.
His apple crumble is all about balance-the sweetness of the apples, the richness of the butter, and the slight crunch of the crumble topping. What makes it stand out is how he uses a bit of orange zest and cinnamon, which elevate the flavors without overpowering the simplicity.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cozy dessert:
- 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Bramley work well)
- 100g butter (unsalted)
- 150g plain flour
- 100g sugar (caster sugar is best, but you can use brown sugar for extra depth)
- 50g rolled oats (optional for some extra texture)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
- A pinch of sea salt
You’ll notice that the ingredients list is pretty straightforward. There’s nothing too extravagant or hard to find. That’s one of the things I love most about this recipe-everything feels accessible.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Simple Apple Crumble
I’ll break it down step-by-step because sometimes it’s those little details that make the difference:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the crumble will bake evenly once it’s ready.
- Peel and core the apples, then chop them into small chunks. I find the size of the pieces really matters. You want them small enough to cook through but large enough to hold their shape.
- Toss the apples in a bit of sugar (about 2 tbsp) and cinnamon. Add the orange zest here too. This mixture will start releasing juices, which will make a nice syrup when baked.
- Make the crumble topping by rubbing the butter into the flour with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, oats, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Fill an ovenproof dish with your sugared apples. Then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top.
- Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling underneath.
- Serve warm with a dollop of custard or vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
There’s something magical about how such simple ingredients can transform into a warm, comforting dessert. Let’s dig into some of the science behind this:
- Apples: They’re the star of the show, and their sweetness or tartness can really affect the final flavor. Granny Smith apples are tart, which balances the sweetness of the crumble topping, while softer apples like Bramley break down into a lovely mush. The acids in apples also help prevent the crumble from becoming too soggy by maintaining the filling’s texture.
- Butter: This is what gives the crumble its richness and moisture. When you rub it into the flour, the fat coats the flour particles, preventing too much gluten from forming, which keeps the topping crumbly, not chewy.
- Cinnamon and Orange Zest: These ingredients don’t just add flavor. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, and orange zest adds a citrusy brightness that complements the earthiness of the apples. The zest helps to bring out the natural oils in the fruit, giving the whole dish more aromatic depth.
- Oats: The oats add texture, making the crumble topping slightly chewy and not just crunchy. It also gives a bit of heartiness to the dish.
Expert Tips
Here are a few insider tricks that can make your apple crumble even better:
- Use a mix of apples: Don’t just stick to one variety. A blend of tart and sweet apples creates a more balanced, layered flavor. I love using a combo of Granny Smith for tang and Braeburn for sweetness.
- Chill your butter: If you want the perfect, crisp crumble topping, make sure your butter is cold. This helps create those flaky bits that are the hallmark of a good crumble.
- Add a bit of vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla can add a surprising depth of flavor, and it complements the cinnamon and orange zest beautifully.
- Serve with something extra: A dollop of thick, homemade custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can take this dessert over the top. The warmth of the crumble with the cold custard is a classic combo.
Recipe Variations
While the basic recipe is perfect on its own, there are some fun variations you can try out depending on your taste or what you have in the pantry:
- Pear and Ginger Crumble: Switch out the apples for pears and add a little ground ginger for a spicy twist. The sweetness of pears pairs beautifully with ginger’s warmth.
- Mixed Berry Crumble: If you’re craving a berry crumble, use a mixture of fresh berries instead of apples. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are great choices and add a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the crumble.
- Nutty Crumble: Add some chopped nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or pecans) to the crumble topping for a deeper flavor and extra crunch.
- Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and replace the sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Simple Apple Crumble is one of those recipes you’ll return to time and again. It’s a reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. In fact, some of the best dishes come from using what’s in season and treating those ingredients with respect.
The joy in making this crumble isn’t just in the eating but in the way it fills your kitchen with the comforting smells of cinnamon and apples. It’s a recipe for moments that feel simple and cozy, and it’s bound to become a favorite.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Simple Apple Crumble?
You’ll need apples, butter, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Optional ingredients include cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Can I Use Different Fruits For The Crumble?
Yes! You can swap apples for pears, berries, or even rhubarb. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble Take To Bake?
It takes around 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F), but keep an eye on it. The crumble should be golden and the fruit bubbling.