Mary Berry Winter Crumble Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food to warm you up during the chilly months, then Mary Berry’s winter crumble recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries, it’s not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a cozy, heartwarming dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Mary Berry’s simple yet delicious recipe combines the ideal balance of sweet and tart, topped with a buttery, crispy crumble that’s impossible to resist. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your home with delightful aromas and makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which is always a win when you’re craving something homemade without spending too much time in the kitchen!.

Mary Berry Winter Crumble Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble, you’ll need to gather a blend of comforting seasonal fruits and a crumbly, buttery topping. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Fruits

   • Apples (such as Bramley or Granny Smith): These are ideal because of their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well when baked. They provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
   • Pears: Ripe but firm pears complement apples wonderfully, adding a soft, juicy contrast to the apples’ firmer bite.
   • Frozen Berries (such as mixed or blackberries): Frozen berries are a great choice for a crumble as they release their juices during baking, creating a lovely depth of flavor. The berries also add a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing.
   • Dried Fruits (optional): Some variations of the crumble might include dried fruits like sultanas or raisins, which infuse the dish with an additional layer of sweetness and a chewy texture.

2. Crumble Topping

   • Plain Flour: This is the base of the crumble topping, providing structure and helping to create the right texture when mixed with the butter.
   • Butter: The key ingredient for a rich and crumbly topping. Ideally, it should be cold and cut into small pieces to create the perfect crumble consistency.
   • Caster Sugar: This finely ground sugar dissolves easily and adds a slight sweetness to the topping. It helps create a light and golden-brown crisp when baked.
   • Oats: Oats add texture to the crumble and give it a heartiness that pairs beautifully with the soft fruits beneath.
   • Ground Almonds: This optional ingredient introduces a nutty flavor and a little extra richness, elevating the crumble topping to something special.
   • Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that pairs wonderfully with the fruits, especially apples and pears, adding a cozy winter flavor.
   • Lemon Zest (optional): A hint of zest can bring brightness and freshness to balance out the richness of the crumble and the sweetness of the fruits.

Equipment Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble, a few essential pieces of kitchen equipment will make the process smooth and enjoyable:

1. Oven: A standard kitchen oven, preheated to the correct temperature, is necessary for baking the crumble. The ideal temperature ensures that the fruits cook through while the crumble topping turns golden and crisp.

2. Baking Dish: A medium-sized baking dish, such as a 9-inch round or square dish, works best for this recipe. Choose one that allows the fruit and crumble topping to bake evenly.

3. Mixing Bowls: You will need a large mixing bowl for combining the fruit and smaller bowls for preparing the crumble topping and any dry ingredients, like sugar or ground almonds.

4. Pastry Cutter or Food Processor: While you can mix the crumble topping by hand, using a pastry cutter or food processor helps to achieve a quick, even crumble texture. It’s ideal for making sure the butter gets fully incorporated into the flour and oats.

5. Peeler and Knife: A sharp knife and a vegetable peeler are essential for peeling and chopping the apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. The fruit should be uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

6. Grater: If you are using lemon zest or grating any other ingredients, a microplane or zester will provide the best results, finely grating the zest to release the oils and flavor.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble

Making Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble is an incredibly satisfying and simple process that results in a dish that’s both warming and comforting. Here’s how to make it step by step:

1. Prepare The Fruit

   • Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples and pears into bite-sized chunks. If using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just add them straight to the dish.
   • Place the prepared fruit in a mixing bowl. For a touch of flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar over the fruit, tossing them lightly to coat. If desired, add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the fruit’s natural flavors.

2. Make The Crumble Topping

   • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, ground almonds (if using), sugar, and cinnamon. Mix them gently to combine the dry ingredients.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs or a coarse crumble. If you’re using a food processor, pulse the ingredients together for a few seconds until you achieve the right texture.

3. Assemble The Crumble

   • Transfer the prepared fruit into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   • Sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit, ensuring an even coverage. The crumble should form a nice layer, thick enough to cover the fruit completely.

4. Bake

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) or 350°F. Once it’s up to temperature, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling and cooked through.
   • If the topping starts to brown too quickly before the fruit is fully cooked, you can cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.

5. Serve

   • Once baked, remove the crumble from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes it easier to dish out.
   • Serve the crumble with a dollop of thick cream, custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Expert Tips

1. Fruit Variations: If you’re not a fan of certain fruits, feel free to adjust the mix. Swap the apples for plums or add in rhubarb for a tangy twist. Just be mindful of the fruit’s cooking time – firmer fruits take longer to soften.

2. Perfect Crumble Texture: For the ultimate crumble texture, use cold butter and don’t overwork the mixture. The key is a loose, sandy texture that will bake up into a crisp, crumbly topping.

3. Make Ahead: If you’re preparing the crumble ahead of time, you can assemble the dish, cover it with cling film, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the crumble unbaked for up to three months. Simply bake it from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s cooked through.

4. Serving Suggestions: Serve the crumble with a variety of accompaniments. If you’re serving it as a dessert, custard or whipped cream is an excellent pairing. For a lighter touch, try it with Greek yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious contrast to the warm crumble.

Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble is a delightful, comforting dessert that brings the best of seasonal fruits together with a rich, buttery topping. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family dinner, a festive gathering, or simply to indulge in something sweet, this crumble never disappoints.

Its simplicity, versatility, and deeply satisfying flavors make it a timeless classic for any occasion. Whether you follow the traditional apple and pear combination or experiment with other fruits, this crumble is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. With a few expert tips and careful attention to the crumble’s texture, you can create a dessert that’s as impressive as it is comforting.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble

Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble is a delightful and comforting dessert that encapsulates the essence of cozy, chilly evenings. While the classic crumble is already a crowd-pleaser, there are several easy and creative variations you can try to give it a unique twist or cater to different dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas to customize this warm dessert:

1. Fruit Combinations

   • Apple & Pear: Instead of sticking to just apples, combine them with pears for a sweet and subtly floral flavor. Pears add a delicate sweetness and an extra layer of texture to the dish, balancing perfectly with the tangy apples.
   • Berry Medley: A mix of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries can create a rich, fruity filling with vibrant colors. Berries are great for adding a tart element to balance the sugary crumble topping.
   • Rhubarb & Orange: Rhubarb’s tartness paired with the zest of orange can add a zesty, refreshing twist. The citrus gives the dish a lovely brightness, while rhubarb provides a unique tang.
   • Plum & Almond: For a more indulgent variation, plums and a dash of almond extract work wonderfully together. The natural sweetness of plums, combined with the nutty aroma of almonds, creates a rich flavor profile that’s deeply satisfying.

2. Topping Variations

   • Nuts and Seeds: Adding crushed nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts to the crumble topping can provide a crunchy texture and a nutty richness. You can also throw in some sunflower or pumpkin seeds for an added earthy flavor.
   • Oats and Coconut: Oats are a traditional addition to crumbles, but you can elevate the texture by mixing in shredded coconut. This combination lends the dish a slight tropical feel while maintaining its comforting warmth.
   • Spices and Herbs: Infuse your crumble topping with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. These warming spices complement the winter theme beautifully. For a more unexpected twist, try adding finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the topping, which will add a subtle herbal note that pairs wonderfully with apple or pear.

3. Vegan And Gluten-Free Options

   • Vegan Crumble: To make Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble suitable for a vegan diet, swap butter for plant-based alternatives such as coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to sweeten the fruit filling.
   • Gluten-Free Crumble: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for the crumble topping. Almond flour or rice flour can also be used for a nutty flavor and crumbly texture that’s naturally gluten-free. Additionally, gluten-free oats can be used in the topping to keep the texture intact.

These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your specific tastes or dietary needs while still retaining the charm of Mary Berry’s original recipe. Whether you’re seeking more complexity in flavors, a healthier twist, or a simple fruit update, there’s a variation for everyone!

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers properly is essential to maintain the quality and freshness of your Winter Crumble. Here are some best practices for keeping your delicious dessert for later:

1. Cooling Before Storing

   • Allow the Winter Crumble to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. Storing it while still hot can cause condensation to form inside the container, leading to a soggy topping when reheated. Cooling it also helps preserve the texture of both the fruit filling and the crumble topping.

2. Use An Airtight Container

   • Place the leftover crumble in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in, which can affect the quality and freshness. An airtight container also keeps other smells from the fridge from affecting the flavor of your dessert.

3. Refrigeration

   • Leftover Winter Crumble can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cool environment will help preserve the fruit filling and crumble topping for several days without compromising the flavor or texture too much.

4. Freezing For Longer Storage

   • If you don’t think you’ll eat the leftover crumble within a few days, freezing it is a great option. Allow the crumble to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
   • When frozen properly, the Winter Crumble can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. This preserves the topping’s crispiness and the fruit’s soft texture.

5. Reheating

   • To reheat your leftover crumble, the best method is to use an oven rather than a microwave. This will help maintain the crumble topping’s crispy texture. Place it in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated thoroughly. If using the microwave, cover the dish loosely with a paper towel and heat in short bursts to prevent the crumble from becoming too soggy.

What Goes Well With Winter Crumble

Winter Crumble, with its comforting warmth and crumbly topping, is delicious on its own, but when paired with the right accompaniments, it becomes a dessert that’s even more indulgent and satisfying. Here are some ideas to elevate your crumble experience:

1. Custard

   • A rich, creamy custard is a classic pairing with crumble. The smooth, velvety texture complements the crispy topping and the sweet, tangy fruit filling beautifully. You can either go for a traditional vanilla custard or experiment with flavors like ginger or cinnamon to match the wintery notes of the crumble.

2. Whipped Cream

   • For a lighter, airy option, a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of your crumble is always a winning choice. If you want to add a twist, lightly flavor the cream with a splash of vanilla extract or even a bit of brandy for a more indulgent finish.

3. Ice Cream

   • Ice cream and warm crumble are a match made in heaven. Vanilla bean ice cream pairs particularly well with the tartness of the fruit filling, while spiced flavors like cinnamon or gingerbread can tie into the winter theme. For something more adventurous, try a scoop of salted caramel ice cream to contrast with the sweetness of the crumble.

4. Greek Yogurt

   • For a slightly healthier option, a spoonful of thick Greek yogurt offers a creamy, tangy balance to the rich crumble. You can even drizzle a bit of honey over the yogurt to add an extra layer of sweetness.

5. Mulled Wine Or Hot Cider

   • If you’re enjoying the crumble as part of a cozy evening, pairing it with a warm beverage like mulled wine or hot apple cider enhances the winter experience. The spices and warmth of these drinks complement the dessert, making for a comforting combination perfect for cold evenings.

6. Cheese

   • For a more unconventional but surprisingly delightful twist, try pairing your Winter Crumble with a sharp, tangy cheese like Cheddar. The contrast between the sweet fruit and the salty cheese adds depth to the flavor profile of the dessert.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble is a quintessential winter dessert that’s loved for its cozy, comforting qualities. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different fruits, toppings, and dietary variations, ensuring that there’s a version for every palate. Whether you’re adding a unique spice, opting for a gluten-free alternative, or creating a fruit medley, you can always put your personal spin on this classic dish.

Storing leftovers properly ensures that your crumble remains just as delightful when reheated, and pairing it with custard, cream, or even ice cream can elevate the experience. With its endless possibilities, Winter Crumble is more than just a dessert – it’s a heartwarming experience perfect for sharing with loved ones.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble will continue to be a go-to winter treat that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to your table.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble?

The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s winter crumble include apples, pears, and other seasonal fruits, such as plums or blackberries. The crumble topping is made with flour, butter, sugar, and oats to create a golden, crunchy texture.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble With Frozen Fruit?

Yes, you can use frozen fruit for Mary Berry’s winter crumble. Just make sure to thaw and drain the fruit before using it to prevent excess moisture, which could make the crumble soggy.

How Do I Make The Crumble Topping Crispy?

To achieve a crispy crumble topping, ensure that the butter is rubbed into the dry ingredients until it resembles breadcrumbs. Adding oats helps to create a crunchy texture. Also, bake the crumble in a hot oven (around 190°C/375°F) to allow the topping to crisp up.

Can I Substitute The Butter In The Crumble Topping With Margarine?

While you can substitute margarine for butter, it might slightly affect the flavor and texture. Butter provides a rich taste and helps create a crispier topping. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you could use a plant-based butter or coconut oil.

What Type Of Apples Are Best For Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble?

A mix of tart and sweet apples works best for the winter crumble. Mary Berry suggests using Bramley apples, which are perfect for baking, as they break down into a soft, flavorful filling. You can also mix them with sweeter varieties like Gala or Cox’s Orange Pippin.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumble in advance. Assemble the fruit and crumble topping, then store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to bake, simply combine the topping with the fruit and cook according to the recipe instructions.

What Should I Serve Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble With?

Mary Berry’s winter crumble is traditionally served warm with custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy accompaniment balances the sweetness and tartness of the fruit, making it a comforting dessert.

How Long Should I Bake Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble?

Mary Berry’s winter crumble should be baked for 35-45 minutes at 190°C (375°F), or until the topping is golden and crisp, and the fruit is bubbling underneath. It’s important to check it during the last few minutes to avoid over-baking.

Can I Add Spices To Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble?

Yes, adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can enhance the flavors of the winter crumble. A pinch of cinnamon is especially popular with the apple and pear filling, giving it a warm, cozy flavor that complements the winter season.

Is Mary Berry’s Winter Crumble Suitable For Vegetarians?

Yes, Mary Berry’s winter crumble is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat or fish. However, to make it vegan, you can substitute the butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil and use a dairy-free alternative for serving, such as coconut cream.