Introducing a classic dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh fruit with a crisp, buttery topping, this peach crumble offers a delightful twist on traditional treats.
Perfect for an afternoon snack or a simple dessert, this recipe requires no pastry base, making preparation quicker and easier.
The crumble topping is prepared with a creamy butter that enriches the texture and flavor, creating an inviting dish for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the crumble topping:
- 50 grams of soft butter
- 150 grams of all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 50 grams of sugar (regular or cane sugar)
For the fruit filling:
- 8 ripe peaches
- 50 grams of cane sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
Preparation Steps
Prepare the peaches:
Start by peeling the peaches and removing the pits. Slice the fruit into thin pieces to ensure even cooking and softness in the final dessert.
Cook the fruit:
Place the sliced peaches in a pan and add the cane sugar along with vanilla sugar. Gently cook the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process softens the fruit and infuses it with sweetness.
Prepare the baking dish:
Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a suitable baking dish or pie pan. Once the peach mixture is ready, spread it evenly across the base.
Make the crumble topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, and egg. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the ingredients until a coarse, crumbly dough forms. Initially, the dough may appear compact, but break it apart into rough crumbs by gently squeezing it.
Assemble the crumble:
Evenly distribute the crumble mixture over the peach layer in the baking dish, covering the fruit completely.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the assembled dish inside and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Allow to cool slightly:
Once baked, let the crumble rest for about 10 minutes to set, which makes it easier to serve.
Enhance with accompaniments:
For a refreshing contrast, especially during warmer months, serve each portion with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla-flavored ice cream.
Storage Instructions
Cool completely:
Before storing, ensure the crumble has fully cooled to prevent condensation.
Refrigeration:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dessert can be kept fresh for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
To enjoy again warm, reheat individual servings in a microwave or oven until heated through, preserving the crunchy topping as much as possible.
Recipe Variations
Alternative fruits:
Substitute peaches with other fruits such as blackberries or apples. Clean and prepare these fruits similarly by cooking with sugar until soft before layering them in the dish.
Add nuts or spices:
For added crunch, mix chopped almonds or other nuts into the crumble topping. A sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the aroma and gives a warm flavor, especially fitting for autumnal versions.
Use canned fruit:
When fresh fruit is unavailable, canned fruit drained well can be used. Slice or dice the canned fruit and skip peeling and pitting steps. Adjust sugar quantity depending on the sweetness of canned fruit.
Additional Tips
Preparing crumble dough in advance:
If preparing ahead, store the crumble dough in the refrigerator until ready to use. This helps maintain the right texture for a crisp finish.
Layering options:
For a richer dessert, consider adding a layer of cream or custard between the fruit and crumble topping. Alternatively, a thin crumble layer can be pressed onto the base before adding fruit and topping, creating a crumbly cake effect.
Cooking tools:
Use a non-stick or well-buttered ceramic or glass dish for even baking and easy serving.
In Summary
This peach crumble recipe offers an effortless yet flavorful dessert that will delight Lykkers with its balance of tender fruit and crisp topping. Versatile and adaptable, it can be customized with various fruits, nuts, and spices to suit different tastes and seasons. Whether served warm with creamy accompaniments or enjoyed on its own, this crumble is a timeless choice for a comforting treat at any time.
