0 Shares

There’s something utterly comforting about the aroma of baked fruit wafting through the house, especially when it’s wrapped in a golden, crunchy crumble. I first discovered Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble on a cozy Sunday afternoon, and it quickly became a go-to recipe for those moments when I crave a warm dessert without the hassle. With minimal prep and a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, this crumble is perfect for using up frozen fruits lingering in your freezer or enjoying the seasonal produce available at your local market.

As I pulled the bubbling dish from the oven, the sound of the crunchy topping meeting the softer fruits was enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a centerpiece for a family gathering, this dish manages to impress without demanding a chef’s expertise. Grab your favorite fruit, and let’s create a dessert that’s both fuss-free and downright delicious!

Why Love Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble?

Comforting Aroma: The warm scent of baking fruit fills your home, evoking cozy memories and making it impossible to resist a slice.
Effortless Preparation: This crumble requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something sweet.
Versatility: Use any mix of frozen or fresh fruits you have on hand, allowing for creativity with seasonal flavors.
Perfectly Crunchy Topping: A buttery, crunchy crust beautifully complements the soft, juicy fruit underneath, providing delightful contrast.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Serve it warm with ice cream or custard to wow your friends and family at gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves happy.
For more delightful tips, check out my storage tips to keep your crumble fresh and ready for enjoyment!

Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble Ingredients

• Here’s what you need to create this delightful crumble!

For the Fruit Filling

Frozen Fruit – 1kg; a sweet and juicy base; consider a mix like Black Forest or berries for varied flavor.
Granny Smith Apples – 2; provides tartness that balances the sweetness; can substitute with similar tart apples.
Caster Sugar – 4 tbsp; enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit; granulated sugar works in a pinch.
Ground Mixed Spice – 1 tsp; adds warmth and complexity to the filling; can also use a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy touch.
Vanilla Bean Paste – 2 tsp; infuses rich vanilla flavor; for convenience, use vanilla extract instead.
Lemon Zest – Finely grated from 1 small lemon; brightens and elevates the overall flavor profile of the crumble.

For the Crumble Topping

Butter – 150g cold, diced; crucial for achieving a rich, crumbly texture; make sure it’s cold for better results.
Plain Flour – 150g; the foundation of the crumble, giving it structure.
Rolled Oats – 80g; adds chewiness and texture; quick oats can be used, though they may slightly alter the final texture.

Enjoy whipping up Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble—a dessert that’s a breeze to prepare and sure to delight!

How to Make Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C/Gas 6) and prepare a deep baking dish, approximately 27 × 23cm, for the crumble to bake in.
Layer the Fruit: In the baking dish, evenly spread 1kg of frozen fruit, such as Black Forest or your chosen mix, then scatter the chopped Granny Smith apples on top.
Sprinkle the Flavors: Evenly sprinkle 4 tablespoons of caster sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground mixed spice, and the finely grated zest of 1 lemon over the fruit. Dot with 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste for added richness.
Make the Crumble Topping: In a bowl (or food processor), combine 150g of cold, diced butter, 4 tablespoons of caster sugar, and 150g of plain flour. Mix until you achieve a crumb-like texture and then gently stir in 80g of rolled oats.
Cover the Filling: Crumble the mixture generously over the fruit, ensuring the fruit is fully covered. This will create that delightful crunchy topping we all love.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and crunchy, and the fruit starts to bubble.
Cool and Serve: Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a pour of hot custard, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of fresh cream.

Optional: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble Variations

Feel free to personalize this delicious dish and explore delightful twists to suit your taste!

Fresh Fruit: Swap frozen fruit for seasonal fresh options like apples, pears, or summer peaches for a garden-fresh flavor burst.
Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish celiac-friendly without losing the crumble’s charm.
Nutty Crumble: Add 50g of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the crumble mixture for an extra layer of flavor and a crunchy texture.
Spice It Up: Boost the warmth with a pinch of ginger or cardamom mixed in with the ground spice for a unique flavor twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your dessert by drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled crumble for a decadent finish that’s sure to impress.
Coconut Flakes: Toss in 30g of desiccated coconut with the oats—this adds a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with fruity fillings.
Maple Sweetness: For a deeper flavor, replace caster sugar with maple syrup; this adds a lovely richness that transforms the whole experience.
Bourbon Vanilla: Use bourbon vanilla extract instead of standard vanilla for a sophisticated, aromatic twist that elevates the filling’s natural sweetness.

With these variations, you’re just one step away from creating a fruit crumble masterpiece uniquely yours! Enjoy experimenting!

Storage Tips for Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble

Fridge: Store baked crumble in an airtight container for up to 3 days; chilling keeps it fresh while preserving that delicious fruit flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions of the crumble for up to 3 months; cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, allowing the topping to regain its delightful crunch.

Unbaked Crumble: You can prepare the crumble ahead of time and keep it unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours; pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a fresh dessert!

Make Ahead Options

Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble is an excellent choice for meal prep! You can prepare the filling (frozen fruit, apples, sugar, spices, and lemon zest) up to 24 hours in advance, simply refrigerating it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Additionally, you can make the crumble topping ahead of time by mixing the cold butter, flour, and oats, then storing it in the fridge as well. When you’re ready to bake, combine the prepped components in your baking dish, top with the crumble, and bake directly from the refrigerator. This approach ensures your dessert stays just as delicious while saving you precious time on busy evenings!

What to Serve with Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble?

There’s nothing quite like a warm dessert that brings joy to the table, curling up with family and good friends. The crumble’s sweetness pairs beautifully with delightful accompaniments.

Creamy Custard: This classic pairing brings warmth and richness, enhancing the fruity notes while creating a silky, delicious contrast with the crumble.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy treat melts beautifully over the crumble, adding extra sweetness and a refreshing chill to balance the warm, crunchy topping.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luscious touch that complements the crumble’s texture, creating a delightful cloud of sweetness.
Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries served alongside adds an extra layer of freshness and brightness, making every bite even more vibrant and flavorful.
Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea cleanse the palate, offering a soothing end to a rich dessert and enhancing the fruity essence of the crumble.
Apple Crisp Cocktail: For a fun twist, whip up a cocktail inspired by the flavors of the crumble. This refreshing drink combines apple cider, cinnamon, and a splash of sparkling water for a lovely pairing.
Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can transform your crumble into a decadent dessert, adding an indulgent richness that pairs fantastically with the tartness of the fruits.
Caramel Sauce: A warm caramel drizzle over the fruit crumble adds a sweet, buttery richness that heightens the entire dessert experience.

Imagine enjoying your freshly baked crumble with these delicious companions, creating a full meal that delights the senses!

Expert Tips for Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble

Cold Butter: Ensure butter is cold before mixing to achieve a flakier crumble. Warm butter can lead to a dense topping.
Fruit Sweetness: If using fresh fruit instead of frozen, consider reducing sugar as fresh fruit often carries more natural sweetness.
Resting Period: Allow the crumble to cool slightly after baking; this helps the flavors meld and the fruit to settle perfectly.
Topping Variation: Add chopped nuts or coconut flakes to the crumble topping for added texture and a delightful crunch.
Serving Ideas: Serve your crumble warm with custard, ice cream, or cream for an irresistible finishing touch to Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble!

Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble Recipe FAQs

What type of fruit is best for this crumble?
Absolutely! For Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble, frozen fruit works beautifully—try a mix like Black Forest or berries for a burst of flavor. If you’re using fresh fruit, opt for seasonal varieties such as peaches, apples, or pears, and be sure to adjust sugar based on their sweetness level.

How long does the crumble last in the fridge?
Very! Baked crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain its deliciously soft fruit and crunchy topping, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Can I freeze the crumble?
Definitely! To freeze Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble, make sure it’s fully cooled. Portion it into suitable containers, wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, as this prevents freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for about 40-45 minutes until heated through.

What should I do if the topping turns out too dense?
If the crumble topping is dense rather than light and crunchy, it’s often because the butter was too warm or it was over-mixed. Next time, make sure to use cold butter and mix until just combined. Also, check that you’re adding enough oats, as they add texture. Don’t be discouraged—baking is all about learning!

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily modify this recipe. To make it gluten-free, simply replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts. If you’re serving this dessert to pets, remember that certain fruits may not be safe for them. Always check if the fruits used are pet-friendly!

Can I prepare the crumble in advance?
Of course! You can prepare Tom Kerridge’s Simple Fruit Crumble ahead of time by keeping the unbaked mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven to enjoy a fresh, warm dessert straight away.