Fruit Crumble

Fruit Crumble: a delicious, easy-to-make dessert full of charm

Fruit crumble is a dessert that has won the hearts of many, being both versatile and easy to make. This recipe combines the flavor of fresh or frozen fruits with a crunchy topping that simply appeals to any sweet lover. Whether you enjoy it warm, straight from the oven, or cold, alongside a scoop of ice cream, this crumble will quickly become a favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 eggs
- 170 g sugar (may vary depending on the sweetness of the fruits)
- 400 g flour + 2 tablespoons (for the crumble)
- 1 packet of vanilla essence
- 1 pinch of salt
- 5 g baking powder
- 500 g of berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, red currants - fresh or frozen)
- 1 jar of sour cherry jam (about 200 g)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth and airy cream.

2. Making the butter cream: In a large bowl, add the diced butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored cream. This step is essential, as the incorporated air will make the dough lighter and tastier.

3. Adding the eggs: While continuing to mix, add the eggs one at a time. It is important to add each egg gradually and mix well after each addition to achieve a homogeneous composition.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the salt and baking powder. These ingredients will give structure and stability to the crumble. Start incorporating the dry mixture into the butter cream, mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed, until there are no traces of flour.

5. Adding the vanilla essence: Finally, add the vanilla essence for an extra flavor boost. The vanilla will perfectly complement the taste of the fruits.

6. Preparing the crumble dough: Take a portion of the dough (about 1/4) and mix it with the 2 additional tablespoons of flour. This mixture will constitute the crunchy topping on top.

7. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Dust a baking dish with flour, ensuring it is well covered to prevent sticking.

8. Assembling the dessert: Spread the remaining dough evenly in the baking dish, using a spatula or simply your hands. Mix the frozen fruits (or fresh, if you have them) with the sugar. If you prefer a slightly sour taste, adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Sprinkle the fruits evenly over the dough, then add the sour cherry jam, which will add extra moisture and flavor.

9. Topping with crumble: Use the reserved dough and grate it directly over the fruits. This will create a crunchy and delicious texture.

10. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the crumble turns golden and the aroma spreads throughout the house. You will notice that the cake will puff up slightly during baking, but don’t worry; once it cools, it will return to its original size.

11. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cake cool slightly in the dish before cutting it into servings. It is delicious served warm, but many say that once cooled, the flavors intensify, making it even better.

Serving suggestions

For a perfect culinary experience, serve the crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweet cream. The vanilla flavor will highlight the taste of the fruits and add a touch of indulgence.

Variations and useful tips

- Fruits: You can experiment with various fruit combinations. For example, peaches, apples, or strawberries are excellent and can be added alongside the berries.
- Whole wheat flour: If you want a healthier version, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Sugar: Experiment with sweetening alternatives, such as honey or maple syrup, to reduce the amount of refined sugar.

Nutritional benefits

Fruit crumble brings a lot of nutritional benefits. Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support the immune system and overall health. Additionally, consuming fruits in desserts can help satisfy sweet cravings in a healthier way.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh fruits instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh fruits are excellent, but make sure they are well washed and properly cut.

2. How much sugar should I use?
The amount of sugar may vary depending on the sweetness of the fruits. Start with 170 g and adjust to taste.

3. How can I tell if the cake is done?
Check if the crumble is golden and if, when touched, it is firm in the middle.

4. Can I prepare the crumble in advance?
You can prepare the dough and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.

Fruit crumble is a dessert that brings joy and comfort in every bite. Try this simple recipe and treat yourself to a moment of culinary pleasure. Enjoy your meal!