Discover the ultimate fruit crumble recipe—crispy, golden topping over a warm, juicy fruit filling—perfect for a cozy dessert any time of year!
In New Zealand, fruit crumble is a beloved staple pudding, cherished for its simplicity and comforting taste. Whether it’s a classic apple crumble, a tangy feijoa twist, or a summer berry mix, Kiwis have long embraced this dessert as a go-to treat for family and cozy nights in. With its golden, buttery topping and warm, fruity filling, crumble is often served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, or good slosh of cream, or a drizzle of custard. Its versatility and use of fresh, locally grown fruit make it a timeless favorite in Kiwi households, bringing a taste of home with every bite.
When the temperatures drop and the wind rattles the windows, there’s nothing quite as delicious as a comforting bowl of fruit crumble. This classic Kiwi pudding is the perfect way to warm up after a brisk winter’s day, combining the sweet and tangy flavors of seasonal fruits with a golden, buttery topping. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a well-made fruit crumble is the ultimate winter treat.
New Zealand is home to an abundance of delicious winter fruits that make for the perfect crumble base. Apples, pears, and feijoas bring a natural sweetness, while tart berries or rhubarb add a pop of color and zest. The beauty of a fruit crumble is its adaptability—you can mix and match whatever fruit you have on hand, making it an excellent way to use up any lingering produce.
A good crumble topping should be the perfect balance of crispy and buttery, with a satisfying crunch that contrasts the soft, warm fruit beneath. Many Kiwis love a traditional mix of flour, butter, and brown sugar, but for an extra layer of texture, try adding oats, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut. The topping can be lightly spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the cozy, aromatic experience.
What makes fruit crumble so special is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and some seasonal fruit, you can create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. It’s also a fantastic dish to prepare with the kids—let them get their hands messy rubbing the butter into the flour or sprinkling the crumble over the fruit. Plus, the anticipation as it bakes and fills the kitchen with its sweet, spiced aroma is half the delight!
Serving Suggestions
Straight from the oven, a fruit crumble is deliciously warm and comforting. Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a drizzle of custard for the ultimate winter indulgence. You can also make your crumble seasonal by using whatever fruit is freshly available—whether it’s apples in autumn, feijoas in winter, or berries in summer.
It’s pretty much cereal isn’t it?!
Leftovers (if there are any!) make for a cheeky breakfast treat the next day, paired with a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Stew your own Fruit!
Check out this recipe on how I stew my own fruit. Perfect for popping crumble on top and making your pudding extraordinary!
A fruit crumble is more than just dessert—it’s a celebration of seasonal produce, a reminder of childhood memories, and a simple pleasure that brings warmth to winter nights. So next time the rain is falling and the southerly wind is howling, whip up a batch of this cozy classic and enjoy a hug in a bowl.
A Thoughtful Gift
Crumble mix also makes a wonderful homemade gift. Simply place the mixture in a clean jar, tie it with a pretty bow, and pair it with a jar of preserves or tinned fruit for a thoughtful and delicious present. Whether for a housewarming, a thank-you gift, or just because, this little homemade touch is always appreciated.
What’s your favorite fruit combination for a crumble? Let us know in the comments!
A Winter Warming Fruit Crumble
Equipment
- 1 Oven safe dish (20cm x 15cm)
Ingredients
- ½ cup of flour (75 grams)
- ½ cup of rolled oats (40 grams)
- ½ cup of coconut (50 grams)
- ¼ cup of brown sugar (50 grams)
- ½ tsp of cinnamon
- ½ tsp of mixed spice
- 75 grams of softened butter (cubed)
- 500 grams of stewed, preserved or tinned fruit
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170 degrees fan-bake.
- Place the fruit in the bottom of a oven safe dish (approximately 20cm x 15cm)
- Rub the soft cubed butter into the dry ingredients.
- You can so this several ways. You could place everything into your kitchen whizz and blitz, or in your cake mixer with the whisk attachment, or you could simply use clean dry hands to rub the butter into a crumb mixture.
- Sprinkle the crumb evenly onto the prepared fruit and place into the oven for twenty minutes or until the it is golden brown and the liquid is bubbling up through the crumble.