Welcome to the cozy world of fall baking, where warmth, aroma, and deliciousness combine to create unforgettable desserts. This season, we’re diving into a classic comfort food with a delightful twist: the Apple and Plum Crumble. Far from being just another fruit dessert, this recipe celebrates the harvest season, blending the familiar comfort of apples with the vibrant, tart sweetness of ripe plums. It’s a simple yet spectacular dish, bursting with the authentic flavors of autumn, culminating in a magnificent dessert that promises to be a highlight of any meal.

Picture this: tender, juicy fruits, gently spiced and baked to perfection under a golden, buttery streusel topping. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a crisp fall day. This Apple and Plum Crumble isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s an experience for all your senses. And for a truly indulgent touch, serve it warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream – a pairing we absolutely insist on!

If you’re a fan of crumbly delights, you might also enjoy these Mixed Berry Crumble Bars, another fantastic recipe to satisfy your craving for fruit-filled baked goods.

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The Great Crumble Debate: To Ice Cream or Not To Ice Cream?

My household, like many others, has its own quirky culinary preferences. For instance, my husband has an undeniable soft spot for pies – any pie, pastry, or crumble, really, but apple crisp holds a special place in his heart, second only to a classic apple pie. He appreciates the wholesome, rustic nature of these desserts, especially when they feature his favorite fruit.

However, when it comes to serving these warm, comforting dishes, we find ourselves on opposite sides of a delicious debate. I confess, I’m not the biggest crumble enthusiast on my own, but pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and suddenly, it becomes irresistible. The contrast between the warm, sweet-tart fruit and the cold, melting ice cream is, to me, pure perfection.

My husband, on the other hand, staunchly believes that crumbles and crisps should be enjoyed as they are – no ice cream necessary. He argues that the pure flavors and textures of the baked fruit and topping are best appreciated without the addition of a cold dairy element.

Yet, for me, a warm dessert is almost always elevated by a dollop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. The way it slowly melts into the warm fruit, creating a creamy, luxurious sauce, adds another layer of indulgence that is simply too good to pass up. So, where do you stand on this delicious dilemma? Are you Team Ice Cream, or do you prefer your crumbles unadorned? Either way, rest assured, this Apple and Plum Crumble is undeniably fabulous!

Embracing Seasonal Flavors: The Magic of Apples and Plums

One of the greatest joys of baking is embracing seasonal ingredients. The other day, while browsing the produce aisle, I stumbled upon a bounty of beautiful plums, still perfectly in season until early October. They were calling my name, and I knew I had to stock up before they disappeared for the year. Three pounds of these juicy gems later, and they found their perfect destiny in this incredible Apple Plum Crumble.

Plums are not just a treat for the palate; they’re a feast for the eyes too. When baked, their skins turn a gorgeous, deep ruby hue, infusing the dessert with a vibrant color that’s simply captivating. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, plums offer a unique tartness that beautifully complements the sweet, slightly softer texture of baked apples. This dynamic duo creates a harmonious flavor profile, a delightful balance that keeps each bite interesting and fresh. The acidity of the plums cuts through the richness of the crumble topping, creating a truly balanced and addictive dessert.

At the heart of any great fruit crumble lies two essential components: first, truly delicious, fresh fruit, and second, arguably the most crucial element, a perfectly crafted crumble topping. This is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a textural and flavorful masterpiece.

Our crumble topping is a masterpiece in itself, created with a blend of all-purpose flour, rich brown sugar, a hint of warming ground cardamom, and hearty Flahavan’s Irish Oatmeal, all bound together with luxurious unsalted butter. The oats add a wonderful chewiness and a nutty depth that elevate the traditional streusel. This same delectable crumble forms the base of our popular Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, proving its versatility and universal appeal.

Crumble, Crisp, or Cobbler: Understanding the Differences

The world of baked fruit desserts can sometimes be a little confusing, with terms like “crumble,” “crisp,” and “cobbler” often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle but distinct differences that set them apart.

Crisp: Like a crumble, a crisp is a baked fresh fruit dessert. The key distinguishing feature of a crisp is its streusel-like topping, which is typically lighter in texture and almost always includes oats, resulting in a “crispy” texture once baked.
Crumble: A crumble features a streusel topping made from flour, sugar, and butter, which forms a dense, crumbly, and sometimes clumpy texture when baked. While some crumbles may include oats, they are not always a defining characteristic, making the topping generally richer and more cake-like than a crisp.

Given that our recipe prominently features oats in its streusel topping, it technically possesses characteristics often associated with a “crisp.” However, many bakers, myself included, use “crumble” as a broader term for these delectable baked fruit desserts with a streusel topping. So, while it could be argued it’s a crisp, we’re happily calling this delightful Apple and Plum creation a crumble!

Now, a “cobbler” is an entirely different category altogether, distinguished by its topping of biscuit dough or batter, which gives it a more pie-like or dumpling-like appearance on top. Regardless of what you call it, the end result is always a comforting, fruit-laden treat.

Crafting the Perfect Fruit Base: Tips for Success

For this Apple and Plum Crumble, I prefer to cut the apples and plums into slightly larger pieces, roughly 1 inch thick. This isn’t just a matter of preference; it’s a deliberate choice that contributes to the overall texture of the final dessert. Larger fruit pieces hold their shape better during baking, preventing them from completely breaking down into a mushy consistency. Instead, you’re left with hearty, distinct chunks of fruit that offer a satisfying bite and wonderful textural contrast against the crumbly topping.

To truly elevate the flavor of our fruit filling, we add a generous punch of quality vanilla extract. While the original recipe highlights Rodelle Kitchen Vanilla, the key takeaway is to invest in good quality vanilla. If you’re anything like me, a bottle of pure vanilla extract doesn’t last long in your pantry, especially once the cooler weather sets in and holiday baking ramps up.

A critical side note for all aspiring bakers: please, for the love of delicious desserts, do not purchase imitation vanilla. It simply doesn’t compare to the depth and complexity of pure vanilla extract. Spending a couple of extra dollars for the quality stuff makes an immense difference in the overall flavor profile of your baked goods. As Ina Garten wisely implies, “store-bought is fine, but homemade with good ingredients is always better.” And that definitely applies to your vanilla!

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make This Apple Plum Crumble?

To create this irresistible Apple and Plum Crumble, you’ll need two main sets of ingredients – one for the luscious fruit filling and another for the perfectly golden, crumbly topping.

For the Topping:

All-purpose flour
Brown sugar, for deep caramel notes
Ground cardamom, to add a warm, aromatic spice
A pinch of salt, to balance the sweetness
Hearty oats, for texture and nutty flavor
Unsalted butter, melted, to bind it all together

For the Filling:

Fresh apples, firm and flavorful
Ripe plums, sweet and slightly tart
Granulated sugar, to enhance the fruit’s sweetness
Cornstarch, to thicken the juicy filling
Fresh lemon juice, for a bright, acidic lift
High-quality vanilla extract, for aromatic depth

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Crumble

Creating this Apple and Plum Crumble is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding baking experience.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Topping:

Into a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cardamom, salt, and oats. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
Pour in the melted unsalted butter and mix with your hands or a fork until large, cohesive crumbles begin to form. Avoid overmixing; some larger clumps are desired for that perfect streusel texture.

Filling:

In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced apples, pitted and sliced plums, granulated sugar, cornstarch, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Ensure the fruit is evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture.
Carefully pour the fruit mixture into a 3-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Evenly scatter the prepared crumble topping over the fruit layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 55-60 minutes, or until the crumble topping is beautifully golden brown and the fruit mixture underneath is bubbling enticingly.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLE AND PLUM CRUMBLE

What kind of apples can I use for this crumble?
- You have a lot of flexibility here! You can use almost any apple variety you like. However, keep in mind that tart apples, such as Granny Smiths, will result in a tarter crumble, which some people absolutely love. For a perfectly balanced flavor, I recommend using a combination of a sweet apple (like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp) and a slightly tart one (like Braeburn or Pink Lady). This blend offers both sweetness and a refreshing tang.
Can I substitute other fruits for the plums?
- Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. If plums aren’t available or simply not your preference, feel free to substitute them with other seasonal fruits. Berries (like raspberries or blackberries), cherries, pears, peaches, or even cranberries would all make fantastic additions or replacements, offering their own unique flavors and textures to the crumble.
What are the best serving suggestions for this crumble?
- While my personal favorite is a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, this crumble is also fantastic with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of warm custard, or even a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier contrast. It’s also wonderfully delicious all on its own, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea.

Beyond apples, plums are remarkably versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of other fruits. They complement other stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and apricots, enhancing their natural sweetness and juiciness. Plums also work wonderfully with a range of berries, including cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, creating complex and delightful flavor combinations in any dessert.

This Apple and Plum Crumble is Bursting with Juicy Fruit and a Buttery Streusel Oat Topping!

Apple and Plum Crumble

Yield:
8 servings

Prep Time:
13 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 13 minutes

Not only is this Apple and Plum Crumble gorgeous, it’s simple and bursting with delicious fall fruit. The crumble topping brings it all together to create one magnificent dessert! Top it with vanilla ice cream for a real treat!

Ingredients

Topping:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Flahavan’s Irish Oatmeal
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
3 apples, cored and sliced 1 inch thick
5 plums, pitted and sliced 1 inch thick
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Rodelle Gourmet Vanilla Extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Topping:

Into a medium bowl combine flour, sugar, cardamom, salt and oatmeal. Stir in melted butter and mix until large crumbles form.

Filling:

Into a large bowl, toss together apples, plums, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and vanilla extract.
Pour into a 3 quart baking dish and top with crumble.
Bake in oven for 55-60 minutes or until top is golden brown and fruit mixture is bubbly.

Why This Apple and Plum Crumble Will Be Your New Fall Favorite

Crumbles are truly one of the easiest and most gratifying desserts to make, and this Apple and Plum Crumble is no exception. With its minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’d be crazy not to give this recipe a try! It’s the quintessential fall dessert, bringing together the best of the season in one warm, bubbly, and utterly satisfying dish.

Perhaps you’re not a huge fan of plums, or maybe you simply don’t have them on hand? No problem at all! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily substitute the plums with other stone fruits like nectarines or pears, or even go all-in and use a larger quantity of apples for a classic apple crumble experience. The beauty of crumbles lies in their flexibility, allowing you to customize them to your taste and what’s available seasonally.

And no matter what fruit combination you choose, remember to top it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Because, as we’ve discussed, the wife is always right when it comes to dessert pairings, LOL! The contrast between the warm fruit and the cold, melting ice cream truly takes this crumble from delicious to absolutely divine.

More Apple-Inspired Delights

As you embark on your fall baking journey, don’t miss out on other incredible apple recipes that celebrate the versatility of this beloved fruit. Apples are not just for dessert; they can elevate savory dishes and breakfast treats too!

Apple Cinnamon Scones with Maple Butter
One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Cinnamon
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Apple, Bacon and Caramelized Onion Pizza
Stuffed Apples with Cheddar and Sausage

Be sure to explore these and many other fantastic apple-focused recipes from our fellow food bloggers, showcasing the endless possibilities this fruit offers in the kitchen!

Additional Apple Recipes from Our Friends:

Apple & Chipotle Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs by Faith, Hope, Love & Luck
Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Cider Vinaigrette by Everyday Eileen
Apple Sausage Skewers by The Cookaholic Wife
Apple Pie Granola by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Apple Pie Jam by Tip Garden
Apple Jamon Fontina Grilled Cheese by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Easiest Apple Strudel Recipe by The Anthony Kitchen
Baked Apple Pancake by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Banana Apple Curry Soup by The Saucy Fig
Bavarian Sauerkraut by Palatable Pastime
Bourbon Apple Fizz Cocktail by Girl Abroad
Bulgogi-Inspired Oven Beef Jerky by Culinary Adventures With Camilla
Butterscotch Apple Oat Cookies by Family Around the Table
Caramel Apple Salad by Daily Dish Recipes
Caramelized Apple Wheatberry Porridge with Pepitas and Cranberries by The Baking Fairy
Chai Spiced Apple Waffles by Jonesin’ For Taste
Cider Glazed Roast Chicken by Kate’s Recipe Box
Creamy Apple Cider Chicken Skillet by House of Nash Eats
Chicken Sausage Stuffed Baked Apples by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Cinnamon Sponge Charlotte Cake With Caramel Apples by Cooking With Carlee
Creamy Beet & Apple Salad by Savory Moments
Copy Cat Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard by An Affair from the Heart
French Apple Cake by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Glazed Chocolate Chip Apple Cake by Who Needs A Cape?
Grandma’s Apple Butter by The Freshman Cook
Granny Smith Pizza by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Instant Pot Apple Butter by Soulfully Made
Pan Apple Mini Cakes by Seduction in the Kitchen
Pork Tacos with Sweet Apple Slaw by The Redhead Baker
Quick Applesauce for One by Shockingly Delicious
Turkey Breast Roulade with Apple, Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing by Books n’ Cooks

Golden Apple Plum Crumble