Delia Smith Crumble Apple Recipe

This comforting apple crumble inspired by is a true British classic, featuring tender, lightly spiced apples beneath a golden, buttery topping. The contrast between the soft fruit and crisp crumble creates a beautifully balanced dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly recipe that delivers reliable results every time. From start to finish, you can have it ready in around 1 hour.

Ingredients

For the apple filling

900g cooking apples (such as Bramley), peeled, cored, and sliced
75g caster sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp water

For the crumble topping

175g plain flour
110g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
75g demerara sugar
25g rolled oats (optional, for extra crunch)

How to Make Delia Smith Crumble Apple Recipe

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven so the crumble cooks evenly and the topping turns golden.
Cook the apples: Place the sliced apples in a saucepan with the sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water. Cook gently over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes until the apples begin to soften but still hold their shape.
Prepare the crumble topping: In a large bowl, rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the demerara sugar and oats if using.
Assemble the crumble: Transfer the apple mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering them completely without pressing down.
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the filling thickens slightly.

Tips

How do I keep the crumble topping crisp?

Use cold butter and avoid overworking the mixture. A light, crumbly texture gives the best crisp finish.

Which apples work best for crumble?

Bramley apples are ideal as they soften nicely and provide a tart contrast to the sweet topping.

Can I make the crumble in advance?

Yes, assemble it ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Why is my crumble soggy?

This can happen if the apples release too much liquid. Pre-cooking them helps reduce excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with custard
Pair with vanilla ice cream
Add a drizzle of double cream
Enjoy with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a lighter option

Storage

Room temperature

Keep covered for up to 1 day in a cool kitchen.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Freezing

Freeze baked or unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake or reheat thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sodium: 40mg

Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use eating apples instead of cooking apples?

Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly as eating apples are naturally sweeter and hold their shape more firmly.

Can I add berries to this crumble?

Absolutely. A handful of blackberries or raspberries pairs beautifully with apples and adds extra flavour.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer filling, but you can leave the skins on for a more rustic texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free plain flour blend and ensure your oats are gluten-free.