Crumble Recipes - Mixed Berry, Mango Pineapple and Apple
There is something timeless and comforting about a warm fruit crumble. With its bubbling, jammy filling and golden, buttery topping, crumble is one of those desserts that feels both rustic and indulgent. Whether you prefer classic apples, bright berries, or tropical flavors, a good crumble recipe adapts beautifully to the seasons—and to whatever fruit you have on hand.
Below are three irresistible fruit crumble recipes: a traditional apple crumble, a mixed berry crumble, and a tropical mango-pineapple crumble. Each one delivers rich flavor, a crisp topping, and that perfect contrast between tender fruit and crunchy crumbs.
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## 1. Classic Apple Crumble
Few desserts are as beloved as a warm apple crumble. Think of it as a simpler cousin to Apple Pie—no rolling pins, no pie crust, just layered comfort in a baking dish.
### Ingredients
**For the filling:**
* 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well), peeled and sliced
* ½ cup brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
**For the crumble topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* ½ cup rolled oats
* ½ cup brown sugar
* ½ teaspoon cinnamon
* ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
* Pinch of salt
### Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
3. Spread evenly in a greased 9-inch baking dish.
4. In a bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
7. Bake 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
### Why It Works
The tartness of the apples balances the sweetness of the crumble topping. Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the warmth, making it perfect for cooler evenings. The oats add texture, giving the topping that satisfying crunch.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.
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## 2. Mixed Berry Crumble
Bright, juicy berries create a vibrant crumble bursting with color and flavor. Inspired by summer desserts like Cobbler, this version uses a buttery crumb instead of biscuit dough for a lighter finish.
### Ingredients
**For the filling:**
* 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
* 1 cup blueberries
* 1 cup raspberries
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**For the crumble topping:**
* 1 cup flour
* ½ cup brown sugar
* ½ cup rolled oats
* ½ cup sliced almonds (optional but delicious)
* ½ cup cold butter, cubed
* Pinch of salt
### Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, gently combine berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
3. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
4. Combine flour, sugar, oats, almonds, and salt in another bowl.
5. Cut in butter until crumbly.
6. Sprinkle topping evenly over fruit.
7. Bake 35–40 minutes until topping is golden and berries are bubbling thickly.
### Why It Works
Different berries provide layers of sweetness and tartness. Blueberries add depth, strawberries bring sweetness, and raspberries give a slightly tangy bite. Lemon zest brightens the entire dessert.
If using frozen berries, don’t thaw them first—just add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to absorb excess juice.
This crumble is excellent served slightly warm with Greek yogurt for a lighter option or classic vanilla ice cream for indulgence.
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## 3. Tropical Mango-Pineapple Crumble
For a sunshine-inspired dessert, try this tropical variation featuring juicy mango and pineapple. The flavor combination is reminiscent of the fruit-forward profile you might find in desserts from Jamaica or other Caribbean islands, where mangoes and pineapples thrive.
### Ingredients
**For the filling:**
* 2 ripe mangoes, diced
* 1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
* ½ cup brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
**For the crumble topping:**
* 1 cup flour
* ½ cup shredded coconut
* ½ cup brown sugar
* ½ cup cold butter, cubed
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
### Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss mango, pineapple, sugar, lime juice, cornstarch, and ginger together.
3. Spread evenly into a greased baking dish.
4. Mix flour, coconut, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Cut in butter until crumbly.
6. Sprinkle topping evenly over fruit.
7. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
### Why It Works
Mango provides sweetness and a soft texture, while pineapple adds acidity and juiciness. Lime juice brightens the filling, and ginger enhances the tropical warmth. The coconut in the topping adds both texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve with coconut ice cream.
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## Tips for the Perfect Crumble
No matter which fruit you choose, a few simple techniques guarantee success:
### 1. Use Cold Butter
Cold butter ensures the topping stays crumbly rather than turning into a paste.
### 2. Balance Sweetness
Taste your fruit before adding sugar. Very sweet fruit may need less sugar; tart fruit may need more.
### 3. Don’t Skip Thickener
Cornstarch (or flour) prevents the filling from becoming watery. This step keeps the crumble rich and spoonable rather than soupy.
### 4. Let It Rest
Allow the crumble to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the juices thicken properly.
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## Make-Ahead and Storage
* **Refrigerator:** Store covered for up to 4 days.
* **Freezer:** Freeze baked crumble for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
* **Make Ahead:** Prepare topping separately and refrigerate for up to 3 days before assembling.
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## Customizing Your Crumble
Once you master the basic formula, you can experiment endlessly:
* Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
* Stir in spices such as cardamom or cloves.
* Mix fruits together—peach and blueberry is a favorite.
* Swap part of the flour for almond flour for extra richness.
You can even make mini crumbles in ramekins for individual servings—perfect for dinner parties.
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## Final Thoughts
Fruit crumbles are wonderfully forgiving, endlessly adaptable, and deeply comforting. Whether you’re baking a traditional apple crumble reminiscent of Apple Pie, a vibrant berry blend, or a tropical mango-pineapple variation inspired by the flavors of Jamaica, each version delivers warmth, sweetness, and satisfying crunch.
With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh fruit, you can create a dessert that feels homemade in the best possible way—simple, rustic, and full of flavor.
Further Reading
Strawberry Banana Pastries & Treats
https://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Banana-Pastries-Treats-Desserts-ebook/dp/B0FTTF17LY/
Yeast Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Yeast-Recipes-Montego-Bay-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0D1K6SPRR/
The Hot Sauce Garden
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Sauce-Garden-Peppers-Healthy-ebook/dp/B0FFFMLRCP/
Delicious Jamaican Rum Recipes and Coffee Syrup Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Delicious-Jamaican-Recipes-Coffee-Syrup-ebook/dp/B0D6X34DKR/
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