Apple crumble holds a very special place in my heart. I still remember the first time I made it. I was a teenager, helping my mum in the kitchen on a cool autumn evening. The warm aroma of stewed apples, cinnamon, and buttery crumble filled our home and made everything feel so cozy. Over the years, I’ve tried many versions of this classic dessert, but Jamie Oliver’s classic apple crumble has become my absolute favorite. It’s simple, rustic, and incredibly satisfying.
What I love most about this recipe is that it doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need to. The sweetness of the apples, the slight tang from lemon juice, and the crunchy golden topping all come together beautifully. It’s a dessert that reminds me of family dinners, celebrations, and those quiet nights when all I needed was a spoonful of something warm and comforting.
I always keep a mental note of how quickly this dessert disappears every time I serve it. It’s one of those dishes where seconds are guaranteed and leftovers are rare. Whether I’m making it for a dinner party or just because I have a bowl of apples begging to be used, this recipe never fails me. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser, and one that tastes just as good reheated the next day if you’re lucky enough to have any left.
So if you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s delicious, unfussy, and wrapped in nostalgia, let me walk you through how I make Jamie Oliver’s classic apple crumble. I’ll share all my personal touches and little tips along the way. Trust me, this is one dessert you’ll want to come back to again and again.
What is Jamie Oliver Classic Apple Crumble?
Jamie Oliver’s classic apple crumble is a traditional British dessert made with tart, juicy apples cooked down until tender, then topped with a rich, buttery crumble made of flour, butter, and sugar. It’s baked until the top is golden and crisp, while the fruit underneath becomes soft and bubbling. It’s rustic, simple, and full of heart.
Why you should try this recipe?
You should try this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. The crumble topping is buttery and crisp, and it complements the warm apple filling in the most comforting way. It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and works for every occasion — from casual family meals to festive get-togethers.
Ingredients needed to make Jamie Oliver Classic Apple Crumble
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6 large Bramley or Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
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2 tablespoons caster sugar
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Juice of ½ lemon
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the crumble topping:
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200g plain flour
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100g unsalted cold butter (cut into cubes)
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100g caster sugar
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A pinch of sea salt
Instruction to make Jamie Oliver Classic Apple Crumble
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Place the sliced apples in a baking dish, sprinkle them with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Toss gently to combine and spread them evenly.
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In a large bowl, mix the flour and a pinch of salt. Add the cubed butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
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Stir in the sugar until the topping is evenly combined.
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Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apples without pressing it down.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling up at the edges.
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Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Jamie Oliver Classic Apple Crumble
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the sliced apples in a baking dish, sprinkle them with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Toss gently to combine and spread them evenly.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and a pinch of salt. Add the cubed butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the sugar until the topping is evenly combined.
- Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apples without pressing it down.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling up at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutritional value
One serving of classic apple crumble (based on 6 servings) contains approximately:- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugars: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
What goes well with Jamie Oliver Classic Apple Crumble
This crumble pairs beautifully with custard, vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. I also enjoy it with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy contrast. If I’m feeling indulgent, I drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top — it’s absolute bliss.
My tips to make the best Jamie Oliver Classic Apple Crumble
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Use a mix of apple varieties for more depth of flavor.
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Chill the butter before using it to get the perfect crumble texture.
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Don’t overwork the topping — a few larger chunks of butter add great crunch.
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Add a handful of oats or chopped nuts to the topping for extra texture.
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Taste the apples before baking. If they’re too tart, add a touch more sugar.
Easy variations of Jamie Oliver Classic Apple Crumble
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Swap apples for pears or a mix of apples and berries.
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Add ginger or nutmeg for a spiced twist.
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Use brown sugar in the topping for a richer, caramel-like flavor.
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Mix rolled oats into the crumble for a more rustic texture.
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Add chopped walnuts or pecans to give it a nutty crunch.
Best way to store Jamie Oliver Classic Apple Crumble
Let the crumble cool completely, then cover it with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for a minute until hot.
Nutritional value
One serving of classic apple crumble (based on 6 servings) contains approximately:
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 50g
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Sugars: 30g
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Fat: 12g
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Protein: 2g
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Fiber: 4g
These values are rough estimates and may vary depending on the type of apples and serving size.
FAQs
Can I make this crumble gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free flour blend for the topping.
What apples are best for crumble?
I prefer Bramley or Granny Smith for their tartness and texture.
Can I freeze apple crumble?
Absolutely. Freeze it either before or after baking. If unbaked, bake straight from frozen for an extra 10–15 minutes.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes. Assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I need to peel the apples?
I always do for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic finish.
Conclusion
This apple crumble has become a signature dessert in my kitchen. There’s just something magical about the way it transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something so deeply satisfying. It brings back memories, creates new ones, and never fails to bring comfort on a cold day or sweetness to a celebration.
Every time I bake it, I’m reminded of that first crumble I made with my mum. We waited impatiently for it to come out of the oven, and our spoons clinked against the baking dish as we devoured it together. Now, I get to recreate that same joy every time I serve it to friends or family.
Jamie Oliver’s recipe has just the right balance of ease and elegance. It doesn’t ask for fancy ingredients or perfect technique. That’s probably why I come back to it so often. With the little tweaks and additions I’ve learned along the way, I can confidently say it’s my go-to dessert for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, soul-warming dessert that always delivers, this classic apple crumble is exactly what you need. Whether you serve it with custard, ice cream, or just on its own, I promise it will be met with smiles and second helpings. And who knows, maybe it will become a part of your own tradition just like it has in mine.
Now go on, grab those apples and let’s bake something wonderful.
