Jamie Oliver’s Crumble with Oats is a cozy, comforting dessert that combines juicy, sweet fruit with a crunchy, buttery topping. The oats add a bit of texture to the traditional crumble topping, making it extra satisfying. It’s like a classic fruit crumble but with a wholesome twist. What’s great about this recipe is how customizable it is. you can use any fruit in season or that you have on hand. It always tastes amazing. It’s perfect for a family dinner or even as a sweet treat after a Sunday roast.
Jamie Oliver Crumble With Oats Recipe
Ingredients Needed
You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to make Jamie Oliver’s crumble. Here’s a breakdown:
- Fruit: Jamie’s recipe works well with a mix of fruits. Apples and berries are commonly used but you could throw in some pears, plums or even rhubarb depending on what you like. You’ll need about 1.5kg (3-4 cups) of fruit in total.
- Sugar: A bit of caster sugar (superfine sugar) for sweetening the fruit. You could also use brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor if you prefer.
- Butter: About 100g (7 tablespoons) of unsalted butter, softened. This helps create that rich, crumbly texture.
- Oats: The star of the topping. You’ll need rolled oats (about 100g). They make the crumble extra hearty and add that satisfying crunch.
- Plain flour: Around 150g. It’s mixed with the butter to create that classic crumble texture.
- Baking powder: A teaspoon to give a little lift to the crumble.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon (optional but highly recommended) to add warmth and depth to the fruit and oats.
- Lemon zest: A little zest from a lemon can help balance the sweetness and brighten up the fruit.
- A dash of salt: To bring out all the flavors and help everything come together.
Equipment Needed
Making Jamie Oliver’s Crumble with Oats doesn’t require much but having the right tools makes the process smooth and easy:
- Baking dish: A medium-sized baking dish (roughly 25cm x 25cm) works perfectly for this recipe. It needs to be big enough to hold all your fruit and crumble topping comfortably.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need one for the fruit and one for the crumble topping. It’s easier to mix separately.
- Knife and chopping board: For cutting the fruit into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about precision. it’s a rustic dessert!
- Grater or zester: If you’re using lemon zest, a zester or fine grater is a good tool for the job.
- Wooden spoon or pastry cutter: For mixing the crumble topping, either will do. If you want to make it more rustic, just use your fingers!
- Oven: The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F) for the perfect bake.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Crumble With Oats
Making the crumble is pretty straightforward and it’ll fill your kitchen with the most amazing scents. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Prepare the fruit: Start by washing and peeling (if necessary) your fruit. Chop it into small chunks and place them in a mixing bowl. Toss with a bit of sugar and, if you like, a touch of cinnamon. If you’re using apples, a squeeze of lemon juice will help stop them from browning.
- Toss the fruit into the baking dish: Transfer your prepared fruit to your baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure all the fruit is nicely packed in.
- Make the crumble topping: In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt. Add the softened butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. You’ll want it to be crumbly and slightly clumpy. don’t worry if it’s not uniform.
- Top the fruit: Once your crumble topping is ready, sprinkle it evenly over the fruit in the baking dish. Make sure it covers the fruit completely.
- Bake: Pop your dish into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling up around the edges.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This crumble is perfect with a dollop of cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a splash of custard.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s crumble was an absolute treat. What stood out most was how versatile it is. You can really experiment with whatever fruits you have at home, making it a great way to use up overripe fruit or to celebrate the season’s harvest. The oats in the crumble topping were a game-changer too-they added a surprising texture that made the dessert feel a bit more substantial.
Another key takeaway was how simple it is to put together. There’s no need for fancy techniques, just basic mixing and a bit of patience while it bakes. The beauty of the recipe is in its rustic simplicity. It doesn’t have to be perfect. it’s about creating something that feels homey and comforting.
Lastly, I was reminded of how satisfying it is to eat a warm dessert right out of the oven, especially when the smell of baked fruit and butter fills the house. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like everything is right in the world, even if just for a moment.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Crumble With Oats
Jamie Oliver’s crumble with oats is a classic but you can easily give it your personal twist. Start with the basics-oats, butter, flour, sugar. but don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients.
- Add some nuts: Walnuts, almonds or pecans can bring in a nice crunch. Just chop them up and toss them into the crumble topping for an extra layer of texture.
- Spices are key: Cinnamon and nutmeg are great but you can try ginger, cardamom or even a pinch of cloves to really elevate the flavor. You could even use a dash of vanilla extract for a rich, fragrant sweetness.
- Fruit swaps: While Jamie’s crumble works perfectly with apples and pears, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fruits. Raspberries and blackberries work well or even stone fruits like peaches and cherries. For a twist, mix a little lemon zest or orange juice into the filling for a zesty contrast to the sweetness.
- Sweetener alternatives: Instead of regular sugar, you could use brown sugar or honey to add depth. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, try maple syrup or coconut sugar. For a more decadent treat, add a bit of dark chocolate into the topping. It melts beautifully and brings a rich, gooey texture.
- Gluten-free option: If you need a gluten-free version, swap out the regular flour for almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Be mindful to also pick a certified gluten-free oat.
Small tweaks like these don’t just change the flavor, they can turn an already great recipe into something that feels entirely your own.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers after enjoying Jamie Oliver’s crumble, don’t stress. it can last and taste just as delicious after a day or two. Here are some storage tips:
- Cool down: Let your crumble cool completely before storing it. This prevents moisture from building up which could make the topping soggy.
- Store in an airtight container: Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps the crumble fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge.
- Freeze it: Crumble freezes beautifully. After cooling, you can portion it out into small containers and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for a crispy topping.
- Reheat properly: To reheat, place it in the oven at around 160°C (320°F) for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too. just be cautious not to heat it for too long or you’ll lose that nice crisp topping.
One pro tip: if you’re reheating it from frozen, it might need a little extra time in the oven to crisp back up and heat through properly.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Crumble With Oats?
A crumble is comforting and indulgent on its own but pairing it with something can take it to the next level.
- Ice cream or custard: Classic but for good reason. The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream or a smooth custard complements the warm, crisp crumble beautifully.
- Greek yogurt: If you’re looking for something less indulgent, a dollop of thick Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast and cuts through the sweetness.
- Cream: Whipped cream or double cream is another classic. It’s rich and luxurious, adding a silky element to the crunch of the oats.
- Cheese: Sounds odd but a sharp cheese like a mature cheddar can pair surprisingly well with sweet crumbles, especially if you’ve added something like pears or apples.
- A fruit compote: Adding extra fruit on the side can amplify the flavor and texture experience. This works especially well if you want something with a bit of tartness to balance the sweetness of the crumble.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Crumble With Oats Different From A Regular Crumble?
The oats add a chewy, hearty texture and a slight nutty flavor, making it more filling and rustic.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Fruit For Jamie Oliver’s Crumble With Oats?
Yes! You can swap in apples, pears, or mixed berries depending on what you like or have on hand.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Crumble With Oats Ahead Of Time?
Definitely! You can prep it and store it in the fridge or freeze it for later. Just bake it when you’re ready.
