Mary Berry’s Plum Crumble is a delightful dessert that encapsulates the essence of home cooking. This dish combines the tartness of plums with a sweet, buttery crumble topping, making it perfect for any season but especially wonderful in late summer when plums are at their peak. Suitable for a family dinner or as a heartwarming treat, this recipe promises simplicity and deliciousness in every bite.
Serving 6-8 people, this plum crumble can be whipped up in about an hour, including preparation and cooking time.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of making Mary Berry’s iconic Plum Crumble, sharing essential tips and tricks to enhance your baking experience.
What is Mary Berry Plum Crumble?
Mary Berry Plum Crumble is a classic British dessert featuring ripe plums tucked under a crisp, golden topping. The contrast between the juicy, slightly acidic fruit and the sweet, crunchy crumble makes it a perennial favorite.
Other Crumble Recipes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes everyday ingredients to create a comforting treat.
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps, suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive meals.
- Deliciously Tart and Sweet: The natural tartness of plums balances beautifully with the sweet crumble.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different fruits or toppings according to your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Plum Crumble
To begin, gather the following ingredients:
- Plums: 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs), pitted and halved
- Granulated Sugar: 100g (3.5 oz), for the fruit mixture
- Brown Sugar: 75g (2.6 oz), for the crumble topping
- All-purpose Flour: 200g (7 oz), for the crumble
- Butter: 100g (3.5 oz), cold and diced
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp, adds a warm spice
Useful Equipment
- Large Baking Dish: To assemble and bake the crumble.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the fruit mixture and crumble topping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For pitting and halving the plums.
- Pastry Blender or Fork: Mix the crumble topping to the right consistency.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Plum Crumble
Step 1: Preparing the Fruit
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange the plums in the bottom of the baking dish and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Toss gently to coat.
Step 2: Making the Crumble
- Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
- Add the diced butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or a fork, blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the sugared plums.
Step 3: Baking the Crumble
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the plums are bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Plum Crumble?
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds a creamy texture that complements the warm crumble.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop on top enhances the dessert’s richness.
- Custard: A traditional British side that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the plums.
- Plain Yogurt: For a lighter, tangier accompaniment.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Plum Crumble
- Choose Ripe Plums: The riper the plums, the more flavorful your crumble will be.
- Keep the Butter Cold: For a flakier topping, make sure your butter is chilled before mixing it into the crumble.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the crumble topping just until it forms clumps; overworking it can make it tough.
- Check for Doneness: The crumble should be golden brown, and you should see the plum juices bubbling around the edges of the dish.
- Let It Rest: Allow the crumble to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to help set the fruit layer.
Variations of Mary Berry Plum Crumble
- Add Nuts: Mix chopped almonds or walnuts into the crumble topping for added texture.
- Use Different Fruits: Try mixing plums with apples or pears for a different taste profile.
- Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or allspice to the crumble mixture for extra warmth and spice.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Sweeten It Differently: Experiment with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
How do I Store Mary Berry Plum Crumble Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Keep Covered: Ensure the crumble is well covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
- Separate Portions: If possible, store portions separately for easy reheating.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Plum Crumble Leftovers?
- Oven Recommended: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave Briefly: For a quick option, microwave on high for a few minutes, but be careful not to make the crumble soggy.
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top before reheating to help the topping crisp up again.
Nutrition Values (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 280
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 3g
FAQs
What Types of Plums Are Best for Making Plum Crumble?
The best types of plums for making a plum crumble are those that are ripe yet firm, such as Victoria, Damson, or Italian prune plums. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and offer a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
Can I Make Mary Berry Plum Crumble Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry Plum Crumble ahead of time. Assemble the crumble and refrigerate it covered for up to one day before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you start with a cold dish from the refrigerator.
Is Mary Berry Plum Crumble Suitable for Freezing?
Mary Berry Plum Crumble is suitable for freezing, both baked and unbaked. For unbaked, assemble the crumble and freeze it. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed. For baking, cool it completely, then cover it tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to serve.
How Can I Make a Vegan Version of Mary Berry Plum Crumble?
To make a vegan version of Mary Berry Plum Crumble, substitute the butter in the crumble topping with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Ensure that any other ingredients, like sugar, are certified vegan. This substitution will maintain the texture and flavor while making it suitable for vegan diets.
Final Words
Creating this plum crumble not only indulges the senses with its delightful flavors but also brings the warmth of homemade dessert to your table. Enjoy the process of baking as much as you relish the sweet, comforting results. This Mary Berry-inspired plum crumble is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness.