Sweet & Tangy Plum Crumble Recipe: A Homestyle Treat

Sweet summer afternoons invite a delightful plum crumble that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Juicy fruits nestled beneath a golden, crumbly topping promise pure satisfaction.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through this simple dessert, beckoning you closer.

Rustic and unpretentious, each bite tells a story of seasonal abundance.

Local plums bring vibrant color and unexpected depth to this classic treat.

Warm spices dance gently among tender fruit chunks, creating an irresistible aroma.

Discover why this uncomplicated dessert might become your new weekend favorite.

Why Delia Smith Plum Crumble Is A Cozy Favorite

• Rescue Weeknight Desserts: Tackle this simple plum crumble with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for novice bakers wanting a delicious homemade treat.
• Celebrate Seasonal Bounty: Transform fresh summer plums into a warm, comforting dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and vibrant colors of ripe fruit.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Serve this crowd-pleasing dessert for casual family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings where everyone craves a delightful sweet ending.
• Quick Comfort Solution: Prepare this dessert in under an hour, making it an ideal last-minute option when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything Needed For Delia Smith Plum Crumble

• Plums: Sweet stone fruits that provide the main flavor and juicy texture for the dessert.

• Sugar, Flour: Create a sweet and thickened base for the fruit mixture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crumble together.
• Cream: Provides moisture and smoothness to the crumble texture.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
• Pecans: Brings a nutty crunch and additional depth to the dessert topping.

• Ice Cream: Optional serving companion that adds creamy contrast to the warm crumble.

Step By Step For Delia Smith Plum Crumble

Step 1: Warming Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect cozy environment for your delicious dessert.

Step 2: Preparing Plum Mixture

Grab your juicy plums and gently coat them with sugar and flour, ensuring each piece is lovingly dressed for baking.

Step 3: Creating Crumble Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry crumble ingredients, whisking them together to form a delightful sandy texture.

Step 4: Blending Crumble Ingredients

• Softened butter
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Stir everything until the mixture transforms into a wonderfully crumbly consistency.

Step 5: Adding Nutty Crunch

Fold in crunchy pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the crumble mixture for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Step 6: Preparing Baking Dish

Generously butter a 14-by-9-inch baking dish, creating a non-stick surface for your fruity creation.

Step 7: Assembling the Crumble

Spread the plum mixture into the prepared dish, then lavishly sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit.

Step 8: Baking to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.

Step 9: Serving with Flair

Pull out your masterpiece and serve warm, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Baking Tips For Delia Smith Plum Crumble

• Perfectly Select Plums: Choose ripe, slightly firm plums that are deep in color and give slightly when gently pressed for the best flavor and texture.
• Control Sweetness Levels: Adjust sugar based on plum ripeness; less sweet plums need more sugar, while very ripe ones require minimal sweetening.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground almonds beneath the fruit mixture to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp base.
• Boost Crumble Texture: Toast pecans briefly before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and create a crunchier texture.
• Serve Temperature Matters: Allow crumble to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to let filling set and develop deeper flavors before serving with cold vanilla ice cream.

Try These Variations Of Delia Smith Plum Crumble

• Gluten-Free Plum Crumble: Replace flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Plum Dessert: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based cream, and replace eggs with flax seed mixture for dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Berry Alternative: Substitute plums with mixed berries and reduce sugar content, using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for diabetic-friendly version.
• Nutty Oatmeal Upgrade: Add rolled oats to crumble topping, include different nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra protein and crunchy texture.

Pairing Suggestions For Delia Smith Plum Crumble

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Rich, smooth vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm plum crumble, creating a heavenly temperature contrast with cool and hot sensations.
• Complement Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti to match the dessert's fruity sweetness, enhancing the plum's natural flavor profile.
• Enhance Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Whip fresh cream with a dash of ground cinnamon to dollop alongside the crumble, adding warm spice that beautifully complements the plum's tartness.
• Sip Smooth Chai Tea: Brew a fragrant chai tea with its warming spices like cardamom and ginger, which harmonize wonderfully with the nutty pecans and sweet plum elements.

Storage Tips For Delia Smith Plum Crumble

• Store leftover plum crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled crumble securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid adding ice cream before freezing.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove crumble from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning, then warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power.

FAQs On Delia Smith Plum Crumble

• Can I use frozen plums for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen plums. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mixing with sugar and flour to prevent a watery filling.

• How do I know if the plums are ripe enough?

Choose plums that are slightly soft when gently squeezed and have a deep, rich color. Avoid plums with bruises or hard spots.

• What if I don't have pecans?

You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or skip nuts entirely. The crumble will still have a delicious texture and flavor.

• Is this dessert good for make-ahead preparation?

You can prepare the plum mixture and crumble topping separately ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Plum Crumble Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Plum Crumble beckons with rustic charm, blending sweet summer fruit and buttery streusel topping. Comforting flavors dance together, promising a warm dessert that welcomes you to savor each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Fruits:

• 5 lbs (2,250 g) firm red plums, pitted and quartered

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 g) flour
• 1/3 cup (40 g) flour
• 4 tablespoons (58 g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (150 g) chopped pecans

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 g) melted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
2. Gently combine sliced plums with sugar and flour in a mixing bowl, coating the fruit evenly to help thicken the filling.
3. In a separate bowl, blend the dry crumble ingredients until thoroughly mixed.
4. Incorporate softened butter, cream, and vanilla into the dry mixture, using a fork or pastry cutter to create a textured, crumbly consistency.
5. Fold chopped pecans into the crumble topping, distributing them uniformly throughout the mixture.
6. Generously grease a 14-by-9-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
7. Spread the seasoned plum mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
8. Sprinkle the pecan-studded crumble topping over the plums, covering the entire surface.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit filling becomes bubbling and slightly caramelized.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Choose ripe, slightly soft plums for the best flavor and natural sweetness, avoiding overly firm or bruised fruits.
• Experiment with different nut variations like almonds or walnuts to customize the crumble’s texture and taste.
• Reduce sugar for a less sweet version by using tart plums or adding a touch of lemon zest to brighten the dessert.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 41 g
• Sodium: 97 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 26 mg