Delia Smith Apple Crumble Recipe

The Delia Smith Apple Crumble Recipe is a timeless British dessert featuring tender baked apples beneath a crisp, buttery crumble topping. It’s the sort of comforting pudding that feels perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday lunches or whenever you’re craving a traditional homemade dessert.

A good apple crumble should have soft, juicy apples with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, topped with a golden, crunchy crumble that contrasts beautifully with the fruit beneath. Rubbing cold butter into the flour creates the signature light, crumbly texture, while a touch of cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the apples. Served warm with custard, cream or ice cream, this classic dessert is simple, comforting and always a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 900g Bramley apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 75g caster sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp water

For the Crumble Topping

• 175g plain flour
• 110g cold unsalted butter, diced
• 75g demerara sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

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How to Make Delia Smith Apple Crumble Recipe

Prepare the Apple Filling

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Place the sliced apples into a baking dish and toss with the caster sugar, ground cinnamon and water until evenly coated.

Make the Crumble Topping

Combine the plain flour and salt in a large bowl. Rub in the cold butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the demerara sugar until evenly mixed.

Assemble the Crumble

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, making sure the fruit is completely covered.

Bake the Crumble

Bake for 35–40 minutes until the topping is crisp and golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.

Check for Doneness

If needed, bake for a further 5 minutes until the topping is beautifully golden and the apples are tender.

Cool Slightly

Leave the crumble to stand for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken slightly.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with custard, pouring cream or vanilla ice cream.

Final Touch

The finished apple crumble should have a crisp, buttery topping with a wonderfully soft and juicy apple filling beneath. The gentle warmth of cinnamon perfectly complements the sweet-tart apples, creating a comforting, traditional dessert that’s perfect for any time of year.

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Recipe Tips

• Use cold butter straight from the fridge — warm butter will melt into the flour, resulting in a dense topping rather than a light, crumbly one.
• Choose Bramley apples for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking.
• Rub the butter into the flour until no large lumps remain — this ensures a uniform texture in the crumble.
• Cover the apples completely with the topping to prevent them from drying out in the oven.
• Check the crumble at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking — an overbaked crumble will be too hard, and the apples may become mushy.
• Let the crumble cool slightly before serving — this helps the juices thicken and enhances the flavour.

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Healthy Alternatives / Variations

• Add a handful of chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Include a teaspoon of vanilla extract in the apple mixture for added depth of flavour.
• Mix in some raisins or sultanas with the apples for a fruity twist.
• Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg over the apples for a warm, spicy note.
• Use a mix of apples and pears for a different fruit combination.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Substitute demerara sugar with light brown sugar for a softer crumble.
• Use gluten-free flour in place of plain flour for a gluten-free version.
• Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option.
• Swap Bramley apples with Granny Smiths for a slightly sweeter taste.

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How to Serve

Serve the Delia Smith Apple Crumble Recipe warm, straight from the oven. It’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous pour of custard, which complements the tart apples beautifully.

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Pairing Ideas

Pair this apple crumble with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. A glass of dessert wine or a sweet cider can also enhance the flavours of the dish, making it a lovely end to a meal.

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How to Store Leftovers

Room Temperature

Store any leftover crumble at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer

You can freeze the baked crumble for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To refresh the crumble, warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

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Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g

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FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use different types of apples, but Bramley apples are recommended for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking.

How can I make the crumble topping extra crunchy?

To make the topping extra crunchy, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or oats to the mixture before baking.

Can I prepare the crumble in advance?

You can prepare the crumble topping in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the crumble just before serving for best results.

What can I serve with apple crumble?

Apple crumble pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream. These accompaniments enhance the flavours and provide a creamy contrast to the crunchy topping.