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While traditional Christmas desserts like mince pies, puddings, and Yule logs hold a special place on the table, there’s always room for something a little different.
Enter the festive crumble—a warm, comforting dessert that’s both easy to make and bursting with seasonal flavours.
Here’s how to create a festive crumble that will have your family and friends reaching for seconds.
The Base: Festive Fruits
The foundation of any good crumble is its fruit filling. For a Christmas twist, consider a medley of:
Apples: Their sweetness and texture make them the perfect base.
Cranberries: Add a tart, jewel-like burst of flavour.
Pears: For a soft, juicy contrast.
Dried Fruits: A handful of raisins, sultanas, or chopped dates can add a rich, festive note.
Spices: Mix your fruits with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves for that unmistakable Christmas aroma.
For an extra festive touch, add a splash of orange juice and a grating of orange zest to the fruit mixture. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey can enhance the natural sweetness.
The Crumble Topping: A Seasonal Upgrade
The crumble topping is where you can truly make your dessert shine. While the classic combination of flour, butter, and sugar is always a winner, adding festive ingredients elevates it to Christmas-worthy status:
Oats: Add texture and a wholesome crunch.
Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds bring a lovely nuttiness.
Spices: Mirror the filling with cinnamon and nutmeg in the topping.
Brown Sugar: For a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Crumble Extras: Mix in crushed ginger biscuits or a handful of desiccated coconut for added festive flair.
Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, then sprinkle it generously over the fruit.
The Baking and Serving
Bake your festive crumble in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp, and the fruit is bubbling beneath.
To serve, pair your crumble with:
Custard: A classic choice, perhaps infused with a hint of vanilla or brandy.
Cream: Whipped or pouring, it adds a lightness to the rich dessert.
Ice Cream: A scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream offers a delightful contrast to the warm crumble.
A Festive Centrepiece
For added flair, consider baking individual crumbles in ramekins or a large crumble in a decorative dish. Garnish with a sprig of holly (non-toxic varieties only!) or a dusting of icing sugar to mimic snow.
This festive crumble is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s favourite flavours. It’s a perfect way to bring warmth and comfort to your Christmas celebrations, leaving everyone with a sweet memory of the season.
Happy baking and Merry Christmas!