The Ultimate Crumble Topping Recipe
There’s something timeless about a fruit crumble. It’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. The secret to elevating it from “nice” to “unforgettable” lies in the topping. This crumble topping is buttery, textured, and lightly spiced — the perfect companion for whatever fruit is in season. Whether you’ve got a basket of berries, apples from the orchard, or even stone fruit in summer, this topping will take your dessert to the next level.
Ingredients
(Makes enough to generously cover a 20–23cm / 8–9 inch dish)
90g rolled oats (not quick oats, for better texture)
140g plain/all-purpose flour
150g soft light brown sugar
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
130g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Pinch of flaky sea salt
Method
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt.
Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture starts clumping together.
Scatter the crumble evenly over your prepared fruit filling.
Bake for 25–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Top Tips
Fruit base: Don’t overthink it. Use whatever fruit is in season. Apples, pears, plums, peaches, or berries all work beautifully. If the fruit is particularly tart, sprinkle with a little extra sugar before adding the topping.
Texture boost: A few chopped nuts (like almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans) mixed into the topping give added crunch.
Make ahead: The crumble mix can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving suggestion: A warm crumble deserves a cool contrast — serve with vanilla ice cream, double cream, or custard.
With this topping in your back pocket, you’ll always have a no-fuss, impressive dessert ready to go.