This apple and plum crumble is a delicious way to utilize an abundant apple and plum harvest. The blend of tart apples and sweet plums makes a comforting flavorful taste. Enhanced by a crispy crumble topping and baked in the oven until it reaches golden brown perfection.
Discover how to craft an irresistible apple and plum crumble from scratch. Find tips, step-by-step instructions, and dietary substitution suggestions for this classic end of summer dessert.
My beloved crumble is getting a new twist – introducing the Apple and Plum Crumble (similar to a crisp recipe). If you’ve enjoyed my other recipes like the Blackberry and Apple Crumble, Apple and Blueberry Crumble, or the Peach Crisp and Strawberry Crumble, then you’re going to love this! As always you can easily customize the ingredients for a gluten and dairy free diet!
Ingredients For A Perfect Apple and Plum Crumble
There are 2 components in this apple and plum crumble recipe: the apple and plum layer (as the filling) and the crumble topping. To create this mouthwatering dessert, you’ll need:
For Apple And Plum Filling
- Plums – opt for black, purple, red, or yellow colored skin. They all work well. Inside, the flesh of plums should be moderately soft and juicy.
- Apples – you can use just one variety or, for added depth of flavor, use an assortment of varieties. I used gala apples due to their crisp texture and mellow sweetness. The sweeter they are the less sugar you need to add.
- Arrowroot flour – or any starchy flour, it helps absorb moisture and thicken the juices so that your filling isn’t too runny.
- Lemon juice – to increase the tartness (but it’s optional if you’re using tart plums).
- Maple sugar + Cinnamon – as sweetner, coconut sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup also works. Add less if your fruits are really ripe and sweet. Cinnamon is used for flavor depth and aroma.
The secret to a perfect plum and apple crumble is in the quality of the ingredients. Choose organic apples and plums, if possible, for the best flavor.
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Crumble Topping Ingredients
- Rolled oats – rolled oats (not steel cut or quick oats). For a healthier adaptation, I use gluten free organic rolled oats.
- Flour – use one plain type or a mix (your choice). Finer (starchier) flours will yields a more golden brown surface. Whole grain flours are healthier but they will change the texture and flavor a bit.
- Butter – use grass fed butter, ghee or use vegan butter / coconut oil – to keep it vegan & dairy free.
- Maple sugar – to keep the recipe refined sugar free. Brown sugar or coconut sugar are also wonderful.
- Walnuts – provide crunch and a rich sweet taste. Feel free to use your favorite nuts or omit them.
- Spices: cinnamon, cardamom and a touch of salt.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How To Make A Plum and Apple Crumble
Before you start, place your butter in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
Step 1. Make the crumble topping:
- If you have a food processor: add the cold (frozen) butter and the flour to the bowl of a food processor and pulse the mixture until you have a chunky / crumb like mixture.
- To the butter and flour mixture, add the spices, sugar, crushed walnuts and rolled oats, mix by hand or with a spatula until combined. For step-by-step instructions and extra tips see my crumble topping recipe.
Tip: If you prefer a clumpy crumble topping (instead of a sandy texture) then after mixing everything, let it sit at room temperature for 5-8 minutes ant then use your hand to clutch and squash the mixture. The heat from your hand will help create lumps.
Step 2. Prepare the filling:
- Peel and slice your apples and plums into thin pieces. The tart apples and sweet plums balance each other perfectly in this crumble.
- Place the sliced fruit into the prepared baking dish (9-inch square pan) along with maple sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and flour and toss to coat. I used the same pan for mixing that I’m using for baking (to reduce the dirty dishes).
- Spread the apple and plum filling in an even layer.
Step 3. Assemble the plum and apple crumble and bake:
- Preheat the oven to 360°F.
- Scatter the oat crumb evenly over the surface of the apple and plum layer.
- Bake in the oven for about 35-38 minutes, or until the topping is slightly golden brown.
Step 4. Cool and serve!
- Remove the apple and plum crumble from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and the crumble to set a bit.
Fruit Crumble Variaties / Recipes To Try
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple and plum crumble warm, cold or room temperature. I find that if you let it cool a bit the juices harden and get a caramelized texture, which looks absolutely fantastic when served with some ice cream (vegan vanilla ice cream) or a drizzle of dairy-free custard (find it in this post for banana pudding recipe).
Storing Your Crumble
If you’re preparing this ahead of time, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap it tightly and it can last for up to 3 months.
Pairing
Pair your crumble with a glass of dessert wine, a cool glass of homemade tea lemonade or a hot cup of chamomile tea for a cozy, delicious experience.
What Else Can You Make With Plums
- Plum Tart: Plums can be arranged on a sweet tart base and baked until tender just like my Apple Crumble Pie/Tart.
- Dairy Free Plum Ice Cream – see my cherry plum version in this post for 6 flavors of whole30 ice cream. It’s a refreshing dessert for hot summer days.
- Plum Cobbler: Similar to a crumble, a cobbler has a biscuit topping.
Recipe FAQs
No. The skin keeps the plums from disintegrating, especially when they are really ripe.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months either baked or un-baked. For best results is best to freeze unbaked and keep the fruits and topping in separate containers. Then combine and bake the apple and plum crumble whenever you’re ready.
No need to thaw. Just place it in your preheated oven (360 degrees F) straight from the freezer and add a few minutes on to the cooking time. To reheat just cover with a foil and reheat at 360°F / 182°C in the oven until warmed through.
Sure, just remove the oats from the recipe and add more flour and nuts to replace the oatmeal. Alternatively you can use whole grain flours like sorghum flour and brown rice or almond flour for a grain free version.
Absolutely. Replace the flour with a gluten free flour mix and use gluten free oats.
Absolutely! Just use a vegan butter to keep it vegan.
With this recipe, I hope you’ll be inspired to explore more crumble options. The versatility of crumbles allows you to experiment with various fruits, toppings, and flavors. See some insipring crumble recipes below!
Printable Recipe
Apple And Plum Crumble
Ingredients
Apple And Plum Filling
- 2 large apples - I used Gala
- 5-6 medium plums
- 4 tbsp maple sugar - or other granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp arrowroot flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice - optional (if the plums are too sweet)
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour - for gluten free see notes
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans - crushed
- 6 tbsp butter - for dairy free / vegan see notes
- ⅓ cup maple sugar - or your favorite granulated sugar
- ¾ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cardamom
Instructions
Step 1. Make the crumble topping
- Before you start, place your butter in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
- If you have a food processor: add the cold (frozen) butter and the flour to the bowl of a food processor and pulse the mixture until you have a chunky / crumb like mixture.
- To the butter and flour mixture, add the spices, sugar, crushed walnuts and rolled oats, mix by hand or with a spatula until combined. For step-by-step instructions and extra tips see my crumble topping recipe.
- If you prefer a clumpy topping (instead of a sandy texture) then after mixing everything let it sit at room temperature for 5-8 minutes ant then use your hand to clutch and squash the mixture. The heat from your hand will help create lumps.
Step 2. Prepare the filling
- Chop the apples and the plums into thin wedges. In the backing pan (9-inch square pan) add the sliced apples and the plums, maple sugar, cinnamon and flour and and toss to coat. I used the same pan for mixing that I’m using for baking (to reduce the dirty dishes).
- Spread the apple and plum filling in an even layer.
Step 3. Assemble the plum and apple crumble and bake
- Preheat the oven to 360°F.
- Scatter the crumb evenly over the surface of the apple and plum layer.
- Bake in the oven for about 35-38 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Once it’s crisp and golden remove from oven and let it cool.Serve the apple and plum crumble warm, cold or room temperature.
What You Need
Notes
Tips For This Apple and Plum Crumble Recipe
- Make It Gluten Free: replace the flour with a gluten free flour mix and use gluten free oats.
- Make It Dairy Free And Vegan: use vegan butter / coconut oil;
- Make It Without Oats: just remove the oats from the recipe and add more flour and nuts to replace the oatmeal. Alternatively you can use whole grain flours like sorghum flour and brown rice or almond flour for a grain free version.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
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