How to make a crumble

Raymond Blanc pre-cooks his topping in this crumble to avoid a gluey, uncooked end result and retain the texture of the fruit. This technique creates a really biscuity topping, and as it's already crunchy and cooked before being spooned over the fruit, you don't risk any sogginess.

Quick and easy crumble

Crumble doesn't have to be complicated. Wow your guests with this super-speedy crumble using a mixture of fruit, sugar, butter and flour. It takes just 20 mins to whip up, and can be left in the oven while you enjoy your main course. No time to chop? Opt for our frozen fruit crumble, which makes the most of shop-bought frozen summer berries or other fruit.

What is crumble topping made of?

Typically, a basic crumble topping is made up of just three ingredients:

• Flour
• Butter
• Sugar

Porridge oats

We love adding porridge oats for extra chewiness, as in these recipes for very-berry oat crumble and American-style apple crisp.

Chopped nuts

Chopped and toasted nuts such as pecans, almonds or hazelnuts also make a lovely addition to a traditional crumble, for taste as well as texture. Sprinkle flaked almonds or other nuts of your choice over this gooey toffee apple crumble for an irresistible caramelised topping.

If you can't decide on the best topping, our next-level apple crumble gives a variety of options, as well as an additional spice mix to sprinkle over.

For more inspiration, try our best crumble toppings.

How to make an apple crumble

Our most popular crumble by far is this foolproof apple crumble. The filling is a simple combination of Bramley apples and golden caster sugar, and the topping is classic flour, butter and sugar crumb. Sprinkle over rolled oats and demerara sugar for extra texture, if you like.

If you want to make the filling slightly less tangy, we recommend sweetening the apples with apricot jam and orange juice, as in this apple flapjack crumble recipe. You could also add a little syrup to the oaty crumble to make moreish, chewy clusters. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based spread to make the topping, as in our vegan apple crumble.

What are the best crumble filling combinations?

Choosing the perfect crumble to go with your fruit is an art in itself:

• Sweet, caramelised apples will be better showcased with a more savoury topping.
• Tart rhubarb and sharp gooseberries are complemented with a sweet-yet-simple topping, like in this gooseberry crumble recipe. Teaming warming spices with fruity mixtures also gives them an extra flavour dimension.
• Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg or even star anise all work well with autumnal berries, as in our spiced plum & blackberry crumble.
• You could also incorporate spices in the topping – try our rhubarb & apple crumble with a hint of ginger in the crumble mixture.
• Or why not combine fruit and nuts with sticky caramel, like in our pear and pecan caramel crumble?

Make the most of seasonal fruits

While crumbles are typically enjoyed in the colder months, there's no reason not to enjoy them all year round!

• Whip up a juicy cherry crumble or tart gooseberry crumble for a superb summertime dessert.
• When autumn swings around, it's time to celebrate hedgerow harvests with recipes such as our damson crumble, apple & blackberry crumble and pear crumble.
• Frozen fruit crumbles come into their own throughout winter.
• A tangy rhubarb crumble is the perfect way to welcome in the spring.

For more seasonal ideas, read our guide to crumble recipes for every season.

Adding booze to crumble

Take your crumble to the next level with a boozy kick. Our caramelised pear, rum & coconut crumble makes for an impressive, grown-up dessert. Or for something sweeter, add a splash of port to this tangy rhubarb crumble to give the fruit filling an extra kick. Chilly nights have never been so comforting!

Alternative crumble flavours

We love a classic crumble, but sometimes it's worth experimenting with some less obvious ingredients. Pears and chocolate already make a winning dessert duo, so why not use this combination in a crumble? This fabulous pear & chocolate flapjack crumble couldn't be easier – simply combine tinned pears with chopped chocolate, oats, butter and golden syrup, then bake until crisp. We also love the unusual yet winning combination of a salty peanut butter topping with the tart blueberry and raspberry filling in this peanut butter berry crisp.

Alternative cooking method: air-fryer crumble

Why not use your air-fryer to make a crumble? Try our air-fryer Bramley apple crumble for a classic filling with dried fruit, then try more air-fryer desserts.

What to serve with crumble?

It really comes down to personal preference but we think crumbles are best enjoyed with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, whipped double cream, clotted cream or custard.

Readers' tips for making the perfect crumble

Our Facebook and Twitter followers got in touch to tell us their thoughts:

Mark Bowerman says: "Rub the butter in fairly quickly, and not too perfectly – a fine, dusty texture at this stage spoils the fun. Use a shallowish dish if you've got a wet fruit mixture, otherwise the crumble will start to dissolve before it's baked. Custard. Yum."

Amanda Forster-Searle says: "I'm dairy and wheat intolerant and make scrummy crumbles with gluten-free flour, ground almonds, soft brown sugar and goat's butter – have had lots of happy tums! Also, I use eating apples so [I can] use less sugar that way."

Sandra Wilson says: "Dollops of marmalade on rhubarb, and a couple handfuls of porridge oats in the crumble mix."

Gemma Smelt says: "No scrimping! None of that 'lots of fruit and a pathetic amount of crumble on top' – it's all about the crumble, the clue's in the name!"

Miriam Waller says: "My son. Not as a filling, mind. He manages to make the perfect crumble mixture every time."

Get creative with more crumble ideas...

Crumble recipe collection
Apple crumble recipe collection
Our best crumble toppings
Crumble recipes for every season

We'd love to hear your tips for making the perfect crumble, and what you prefer to serve with it. Leave a comment below...