Ina Garten’s Crumbly Plum Crumble Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Plum crumble represents the quintessential summer dessert that transforms humble fruit into a magical culinary experience.

Juicy, ripe plums nestled beneath a crisp, golden-brown topping create an irresistible contrast of textures and flavors.

Sweet-tart stone fruits meld beautifully with warm, buttery crumble layers that promise comfort in every bite.

Home bakers will adore how simple ingredients combine to craft something spectacularly delicious.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance between tender fruit and crunchy, caramelized topping.

The aroma wafting from your kitchen will signal something extraordinary is happening.

Professional and home cooks alike appreciate how this dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into an elegant, rustic treat: dive in and savor the magic.

Why Plum Crumble Is Comfort in a Dish

• Savor Seasonal Sweetness: This plum crumble captures the essence of late summer's juicy, ripe plums, transforming simple fruit into a stunning dessert that celebrates seasonal produce.
• Create Effortless Elegance: The recipe offers a foolproof method for baking that requires minimal technical skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want to impress without stress.
• Enjoy Textural Harmony: Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the soft, tender plums and the crisp, crumbly topping, providing a satisfying sensory experience that keeps you coming back for more.
• Elevate with Simple Enhancements: The addition of warming spices like cinnamon and ginger, along with bright lemon zest, transforms a basic fruit dessert into a complex and aromatic treat that feels sophisticated yet comforting.

What Goes Into the Perfect Plum Crumble

• Plums: Sweet summer fruit that provides the main flavor and juicy texture of the dessert, ripe and firm plums work best.
• Lemon: Bright citrus that adds freshness and helps balance the sweetness, use fresh for best zest and juice.

• All-Purpose Flour, Almond Flour: Creates the tender, crumbly texture of the topping, use fresh and sifted for smooth consistency.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the crumble.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind the crumble ingredients, cold butter works best for flaky texture.

• Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger: Warm spices that enhance the plum's natural flavor, use ground spices for even distribution.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit juices and create a smooth filling, prevents a watery dessert.

How to Bake Up That Fruity Warmth

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 375°F/190°C, creating the perfect cozy baking environment.

Step 2: Create Crumble Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Almond flour
• Granulated sugar

Gently break cold butter into small pieces and work them into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles rough, sandy crumbs.

Step 3: Prepare Plum Filling

Carefully slice plums in half, remove the stones, and chop into bite-sized chunks. Transfer the plum pieces to a baking dish.

Step 4: Season the Plums

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Allspice
• Ground ginger
• Cornstarch

Toss gently to ensure every plum piece gets an even coating of spices.

Step 5: Add Citrus Brightness

Zest a fresh lemon and squeeze its juice over the plum mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the bright, tangy flavors.

Step 6: Assemble the Crumble

Spread the seasoned plums evenly across the baking dish. Carefully sprinkle the prepared crumble topping, making sure to cover the entire fruit layer completely.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit juices as signs of doneness.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the crumble to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. The brief cooling helps the filling set and prevents burning your tongue.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

• Fresh cream
• Creme fraiche
• Vanilla ice cream

Pro Tip: The crumble tastes best when enjoyed shortly after baking, when the topping is crisp and the fruit is warm and juicy.

Tips for Crumble Topping Success

• Plum Picking Perfection: Select deep-colored, slightly soft plums that give slightly when gently pressed for the most delicious crumble.
• Topping Transformation: Swap almonds or pecans for a unique crunch, or mix in rolled oats to create a more rustic, hearty texture.
• Lemon Balancing Act: Add a splash more or less lemon juice to control the tartness and complement the plums' natural sweetness.
• Serve with Flair: Scoop the warm crumble over vanilla ice cream or dollop with fresh whipped cream for an irresistible dessert experience.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the crumble earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

Store It Right for Next-Day Yum

• Refrigerator Method: Seal completely cooled crumble in an airtight glass container to maintain maximum freshness. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent soggy texture and preserve crisp crumble topping.
• Freezer Method: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking, ensuring optimal quality within three months.
• Room Temperature Method: Keep uncovered at cool room temperature for up to 12 hours after baking. Place on a wire rack away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent potential bacterial growth and maintain crumble's delightful texture.

Add a Twist: Nuts, Spice, or More Fruit

• Seasonal Stone Fruit Swap: Replace plums with peaches, nectarines, or apricots for a vibrant summer dessert that highlights seasonal produce.
• Berry Blissful Blend: Combine plums with raspberries or blackberries to create a more complex, tangy fruit base that adds depth to the crumble's flavor profile.
• Nutty Texture Boost: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the crumble topping for extra crunch and a rich, toasted nutty undertone that complements the soft fruit.
• Spice-Infused Edition: Experiment with alternative spices like cardamom or star anise instead of the original spice mix to create a more exotic and unexpected flavor dimension.

Crumble Bliss Concludes Here

Sweet summer memories dance through this Ina Garten plum crumble, where simplicity meets extraordinary flavor.

Seasonal plums mingle with warm spices, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and celebration.

Home kitchens sparkle with golden-brown crumble edges and jewel-toned fruit beneath.

Rustic charm emerges from each spoonful, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence.

Generous servings invite sharing with cherished companions around family tables.

Passionate bakers and casual dessert enthusiasts alike will find pure joy in this classic recipe – so grab your spatula, sprinkle some love, and share this delectable discovery with friends who savor life’s simple pleasures.

Snap a photo, spread the recipe’s magic across social media, and let culinary connections bloom.

Ina Garten Plum Crumble Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s plum crumble brings rustic French countryside charm to dessert tables with juicy local plums nestled under a golden, buttery oat topping. Sweet-tart fruit mingles with crisp crumble, creating a simple yet elegant finale you’ll want to savor slowly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb plums
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup almond flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cut into small pieces)

Sweeteners:

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ lemon zest

Spices and Extras:

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 375°F (190°C), ensuring even temperature distribution.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, and granulated sugar, creating a uniform dry base.
3. Cut cold butter into small cubes and gently incorporate into the flour mixture, using fingertips to create a textured, crumbly consistency.
4. Carefully slice plums in half, removing the central stone, then chop into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
5. Transfer the diced plums into a ceramic or glass baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
6. Sprinkle a mixture of white sugar, ground cinnamon, allspice, ground ginger, and cornstarch over the plums, thoroughly coating each piece to prevent excess liquid.
7. Zest a fresh lemon directly over the plum mixture, then squeeze its juice, stirring to distribute the bright, citrusy notes evenly.
8. Distribute the crumble topping across the plum layer, creating a complete coverage that will transform into a golden, crisp surface.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit juices.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the filling to set and cool slightly.
11. Serve warm, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream, a spoonful of creme fraiche, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Plum Selection Matters: Opt for deeply colored, slightly soft plums that yield gently when pressed, ensuring peak ripeness and intense flavor.
• Topping Texture Tricks: Combine rolled oats with chopped almonds or pecans to create a crunchy, multilayered crumble with rich nutty undertones.
• Acidity Balance: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the plums’ natural sweetness and prevents excessive sugary notes.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious dessert experience.
• Storage Wisdom: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to three days, gently reheating in the oven to restore the topping’s delightful crispness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg