Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble is a delightful, homey dessert that combines the tartness of plums with the sweetness of a buttery, golden crumble topping. Known for her classic British cooking, Mary Berry’s version of this beloved dish takes the traditional crumble to new heights with her perfected balance of flavors and textures. The plums are often slightly stewed to bring out their natural sweetness, creating a soft, melt-in-the-mouth fruit layer, while the crumble topping is crisp, crumbly, and indulgent. What sets her recipe apart is the careful attention to the right balance of fruit, sugar, and butter, which results in a comforting dessert that’s perfect for both a weeknight treat and a show-stopping dish for dinner parties.
Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble highlights the essence of British comfort food, often enjoyed with a dollop of thick double cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a dessert that can be made year-round but is particularly loved during the autumn months when plums are in season, offering a perfect opportunity to showcase the fruit’s natural beauty. Simple yet refined, it exemplifies Mary Berry’s timeless style of cooking, blending ease with elegance.
Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For The Plum Filling
- Plums (about 6-8 medium-sized) – Plums are the star of the dish, offering a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. They should be ripe but not overly soft, as you need them to hold their shape when baking.
- Caster Sugar (3-4 tablespoons) – To sweeten the plums just enough to complement their natural tartness. Caster sugar dissolves easily, making it ideal for the fruit filling.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the plums’ depth and complements the sweetness of the crumble topping.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) – A touch of acidity from the lemon juice helps balance the sugar in the filling and brightens up the plums’ flavors.
- Cornflour (1 tablespoon) – Helps to thicken the fruit juices, ensuring that the filling isn’t too runny once baked.
For The Crumble Topping
- Butter (175g, cold and cubed) – The butter provides richness and helps the crumble topping to crisp up as it bakes.
- Plain Flour (225g) – The base of the crumble topping, forming the structure and texture.
- Golden Caster Sugar (100g) – This sugar has a subtle caramel flavor that adds extra depth to the crumble. It also helps to achieve that lovely golden color when baked.
- Rolled Oats (50g) – Oats add an extra level of crunch and texture to the topping, giving it a more rustic and hearty feel.
- Ground Almonds (25g) – A nice addition for extra flavor and texture. They lend a subtle nuttiness to the crumble topping that pairs beautifully with the plums.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you will need a few essential tools and equipment:
- Oven – Essential for baking both the fruit filling and the crumble topping. Preheat it to 180°C (350°F).
- Baking Dish – A medium-sized (roughly 25cm x 20cm) ovenproof dish will work perfectly for this recipe. It needs to be deep enough to contain both the plums and the crumble topping.
- Mixing Bowls – One for mixing the fruit filling and one for the crumble topping. You’ll need to combine the plums with sugar and cinnamon, then prepare the crumble mixture in another bowl.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork – A pastry cutter works best for cutting the butter into the flour mixture for the crumble topping. If you don’t have one, a fork will do just fine.
- Sharp Knife – For cutting the plums and ensuring even pieces that cook uniformly.
- Measuring Spoons and Weighing Scales – Accuracy is important to ensure the correct balance of ingredients, especially when making the crumble topping.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble
Step 1: Prepare The Plums
Start by washing and halving the plums, removing the stones. Cut the halves into smaller wedges if desired, but not too small- you want them to hold their shape while cooking. Place the chopped plums in a mixing bowl.
Next, sprinkle over the caster sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice, and gently toss the plums to coat them evenly. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve slightly, and the juices from the fruit to start releasing.
Sprinkle the cornflour over the plums and stir gently again. This will help thicken the fruit juices during baking.
Step 2: Make The Crumble Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, sift the plain flour to break up any lumps. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. This process should take a few minutes and is the key to getting a crisp, flaky topping.
Add the golden caster sugar, rolled oats, and ground almonds to the flour-butter mixture. Stir everything together, making sure that the oats and almonds are evenly distributed throughout the crumble.
Step 3: Assemble The Crumble
Transfer the plum mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the crumble topping generously over the plums, ensuring an even layer covering all of the fruit. Don’t press down too hard- the crumble should stay light and fluffy.
Step 4: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. You might want to place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips from the bubbling fruit.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the plum crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of double cream.
Tips And Tricks
- Use Seasonal Plums: For the best flavor, make sure you use ripe, in-season plums. Victoria plums are particularly sweet and flavorful, making them a great choice for this recipe.
- Texture of the Crumble: If you like a chunkier crumble topping, you can use your hands to rub the butter into the flour until it’s coarser, rather than finely breadcrumb-like.
- Add Spices: If you want to add some extra warmth to the crumble, a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg can complement the cinnamon and enhance the overall flavor.
- Make Ahead: The crumble topping can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a day or two. You can even freeze it for up to a month, so all you need to do is prepare the fruit and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Mixing Fruits: While plums are the star of this dish, you can also add other fruits to the filling for a unique twist. Apples, pears, or blackberries are great additions that pair well with plums and give the crumble a deeper flavor.
Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble is a timeless dessert that brings together the simplicity of fruit with the indulgence of a buttery crumble topping. It’s a dish that showcases the comforting qualities of British cuisine, balancing sweetness with tartness in perfect harmony. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this crumble is sure to please everyone. With easy-to-follow instructions, it’s an approachable recipe even for beginners, and the results are consistently delicious. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a heartwarming slice of Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble- it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season and end any meal on a sweet note.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble
Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble is already a masterpiece on its own, but why not explore a few easy and delightful variations that can elevate this comforting dessert? By experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, you can tailor this classic to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or simply add a fresh twist to an old favorite.
1. Spiced Plum Crumble
For an autumnal, warming flavor, introduce spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger into the filling. A dash of ground cloves can also lend a deep, aromatic warmth that complements the sweetness of the plums. This variation works particularly well when plums are in season, and the colder months start creeping in. Adding spices will make your crumble feel even more indulgent and cozy, perfect for chilly evenings.
2. Almond And Oat Crumble Topping
Instead of the classic flour-based topping, you can create a more texturally interesting crumble by mixing oats and ground almonds into the flour. The oats add a heartier, chewy bite, while the almonds infuse the topping with a subtle, nutty richness. Toasting the almonds beforehand will enhance their flavor, giving the crumble an extra layer of depth. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a more robust crumble texture and a little nuttiness with their fruit filling.
3. Rhubarb And Plum Crumble
For a sweet-tart contrast, consider mixing plums with rhubarb. The rhubarb’s sharpness pairs beautifully with the naturally sweet plums, creating a vibrant flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The tangy rhubarb also helps to balance out the sugary crumble topping, ensuring the dessert isn’t overly sweet. This variation is particularly delightful in the spring and early summer months when both plums and rhubarb are in season.
4. Gluten-Free Plum Crumble
For those following a gluten-free diet, Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble can easily be adapted by swapping regular flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also use gluten-free oats in the topping. To further enhance the flavors, adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling gives a subtle yet lovely depth to the fruit’s sweetness. This variation ensures everyone can enjoy the dessert without compromising on taste.
5. Plum And Blackberry Crumble
If you’re looking to add a bit more berry flair to the crumble, combining plums with blackberries is an excellent choice. The juicy blackberries add both sweetness and a slight tartness, which complements the plums beautifully. Together, they create a luscious, berry-filled base that’s bursting with flavor. This combination is especially delicious in late summer and early fall, when blackberries are abundant and perfectly ripe.
6. Plum And Orange Zest Crumble
To give your crumble a citrusy lift, you can introduce a little zest of orange or lemon into the plum filling. The citrus zest brightens up the fruit, enhancing its natural sweetness and offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery crumble topping. You could even add a splash of orange juice into the filling to round out the flavors, creating a perfect marriage of tart and sweet. This variation works wonders when you want to add a fragrant, fresh twist to the traditional plum crumble.
Storing Leftovers
Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble is a dessert that’s almost as enjoyable the next day as it is fresh from the oven. However, proper storage is key to preserving its flavor and texture.
1. Room Temperature Storage
If you’re planning on eating the leftovers within a day or two, it’s perfectly fine to store the plum crumble at room temperature. Simply cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Leftover crumble will stay fresh for up to 2 days this way. It’s best to consume it within this time frame to ensure the fruit filling maintains its vibrant flavor and the crumble topping doesn’t become too soggy.
2. Refrigeration
For longer storage, placing your leftover crumble in the fridge is your best bet. After it’s cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap. In the refrigerator, it will keep for 3-4 days. While refrigeration preserves the dessert’s shelf life, the crumble topping may lose some of its original crispness.
3. Freezing
If you have more crumble than you can eat, freezing it is an excellent way to extend its lifespan. To freeze the crumble, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes to restore some of the crispness of the topping.
4. Reheating Tips
For the best results, always reheat plum crumble in the oven, as this will help revive the crispiness of the topping. Cover it loosely with foil to avoid burning the edges, and heat it at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds, though the topping may not be as crispy.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble?
Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can turn a simple dessert into something extraordinary. Whether you’re after a creamy contrast or something with a little extra bite, these options will elevate your crumble experience.
1. Custard
Nothing quite beats a warm, rich custard served alongside a fruit crumble. The creamy texture and delicate sweetness of custard provide the perfect contrast to the tangy plums and crunchy crumble. Whether you opt for homemade custard or a store-bought variety, it’s an absolute classic pairing.
2. Ice Cream
For a colder option, creamy vanilla ice cream is a dreamy choice to serve with your plum crumble. The cold ice cream melts slightly into the warm crumble, adding a silky texture to each bite. You could also try other flavors like cinnamon or salted caramel for an added twist, but vanilla is always a safe and classic option.
3. Whipped Cream
If you’re looking for a lighter, fluffier topping, freshly whipped cream is a great option. It’s simple, quick to make, and adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the crumble. A dollop of cream can provide the perfect touch of sweetness without overwhelming the fruit flavors.
4. Greek Yogurt
For those who prefer a tangy, slightly healthier option, Greek yogurt is an excellent accompaniment. Its smooth texture and subtle tartness complement the sweetness of the plums, and it adds a refreshing contrast to the buttery crumble topping. You can even drizzle a little honey on top of the yogurt to add extra sweetness if desired.
5. Clotted Cream
For an indulgent touch, clotted cream is the ultimate luxury when paired with plum crumble. Rich, thick, and utterly decadent, clotted cream adds a velvety element that makes the dessert feel even more special. This pairing is perfect for those who want to go all out with their crumble experience.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble is a timeless, comforting dessert that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore creative variations like adding spices, mixing in other fruits, or tweaking the topping, the crumble is sure to please. The ease of preparation combined with its delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors makes it a go-to dessert for any occasion.
If you have leftovers (though they’re hard to resist), storing them properly ensures you can enjoy this treat over the following days. And if you’re looking to take your crumble to the next level, consider pairing it with accompaniments like custard, ice cream, or whipped cream. Whether served warm or cold, with a little cream or a lot, Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble is a dessert that brings warmth, joy, and a touch of nostalgia to any meal.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients For Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble?
Mary Berry’s plum crumble recipe requires the following main ingredients: plums, sugar, butter, flour, and oats. The plums are typically pitted and sliced, and they are combined with sugar to enhance the natural sweetness. The crumble topping is made by combining butter, flour, and oats, which creates a deliciously buttery and crunchy topping that contrasts with the soft, juicy plums.
Can I Use Frozen Plums For Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble?
Yes, you can use frozen plums for Mary Berry’s plum crumble. However, it’s important to thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. This helps avoid a soggy crumble. Additionally, frozen plums might require a slightly longer baking time to ensure they cook through evenly.
How Do I Make The Crumble Topping For Mary Berry’s Recipe?
To make the crumble topping for Mary Berry’s plum crumble, simply rub cold butter into plain flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Then, stir in the sugar and oats to add texture and sweetness. Some people also like to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping for extra flavor. Once the crumble topping is ready, scatter it evenly over the plums before baking.
