For the crumble topping
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
7 tbsp unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
½ cup light brown sugar
¾ cup rolled oats

For the filling:
1lb 5oz (600g) plums, pitted and halved
maple syrup or honey, to drizzle

Method:
1 Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). To make the crumble topping, place the flour in a large mixing bowl.

2 Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Do not make it too fine or your crumble will have a soggy top. Stir in the sugar and the oats.

3 Place the plums in a medium ovenproof dish, drizzle with the maple syrup, and top with the crumble.

4 Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the plum juices are beginning to bubble.

PREPARE AHEAD:
The crumble mix can be made 1 month in advance and kept frozen until ready to use.

BAKER’S TIP:
Though a homey dessert, there are few more welcome sights on the dinner table than a crumble. Use a recipe when making a crumble topping: it may seem like child’s play, but it is easy to include too much fat, creating a topping that “melts” when baked, or too little, resulting in a dry crumble.

Plum Crumble Recipe