Warm and inviting, this classic apple crumble Jamie Oliver style combines soft, stewed Bramley and eating apples with a golden, buttery topping that is satisfyingly crisp. The gentle tang of lemon zest lifts the sweetness, creating a comforting dessert that promises a deliciously homely feel in every bite.
By Jamie OliverFrom Jamie Oliver Recipes
This classic apple crumble scores a Nutri-Score C, reflecting moderate levels of sugar and fat balanced by beneficial fibre from fresh apples. It provides an enjoyable dessert option that’s best savoured occasionally, keeping the balance with healthier everyday choices.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg mixed apples (half Bramley, half eating apples)
- 150 g golden caster sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 50 g unsalted butter (cold)
- 100 g plain flour
Customise
- Ripe pears work wonderfully in place of apples—just peel, core, and chop into chunks.
- If no lemon is available, substitute with orange or lime zest for a citrus twist.
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6).
This will ensure it’s nicely hot and ready for the crumble. - Prepare the fruit.
Peel, core, and chop the apples into 3cm chunks. Place them in a saucepan with 100g of the sugar and a good sprinkle of lemon zest. - Cook the apples.
Put a lid on the saucepan and gently stew the apples over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft but still holding shape. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly. - Make the crumble topping.
Cube the cold butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Then mix in the remaining sugar to add a lovely crunch and texture. - Assemble your crumble.
Transfer the stewed apples to a baking dish roughly 25cm by 30cm. Evenly sprinkle your crumble mixture all over the top. - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Pop the dish in the oven and bake until your crumble topping is golden and the filling is bubbling with sweetness. - Serve warm.
Enjoy it with vanilla custard, a spoonful of Greek yoghurt, ice cream, or crème fraîche with a touch of lemon zest to brighten every mouthful.
What Can You Serve With This
- Vanilla custard – A classic pairing that adds creamy warmth to the tart apple filling.
- Low-fat Greek yoghurt – Adds a tangy contrast and a lighter touch to the crumble.
- Vanilla ice cream – Melts into the warm crumble, blending cold and hot textures beautifully.
- Crème fraîche with lemon zest – Enhances brightness and adds a luscious creaminess to each bite.
FAQs for Classic Apple Crumble
- Can I use pears instead of apples? Yes, ripe pears make a great substitute; just peel, core, and chunk them.
- Do I have to peel the apples? Peeling is traditional to achieve a smooth texture, but leaving skins on adds fibre and a rustic feel.
- Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the topping in advance and keep it chilled until ready to use.
- How do I store leftover crumble? Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days; reheat gently in the oven before serving.
- What’s the best type of apple to use? A mix of Bramley for tartness and eating apples for sweetness works best.
- Can I freeze apple crumble? Yes, freeze before baking and bake from frozen or thaw first.
Nutri-score Health Check
This classic apple crumble ranks a Nutri-Score C, which means it’s moderately indulgent with some positive nutritional points balanced by elements to moderate.
Positive Factors
- Apples provide valuable fibre and vitamins.
- The recipe uses unsalted butter and limits added sugar to balance flavour without excess.
Negative Factors
- The crumble topping contains plain flour and butter contributing to fat and calories.
- Sugar content is moderate, typical for dessert choices.
The Nutri-Score is automatically calculated based on ingredients and serves as a helpful guide to keep indulgences balanced within a healthy lifestyle.