Jump to:
Fig and Apple Crumble Recipe – Fig Apple Crumble Dessert
This Fig Apple Crumble Dessert combines the natural sweetness of ripe figs with tender apples, creating a delightful autumn treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The golden, buttery crumble topping adds texture and warmth to this comforting dessert that serves six people beautifully.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet figs and tart apples creates complex flavors that complement each other wonderfully
- Simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry make this an accessible weeknight dessert
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for unexpected guests
- Versatile serving options work well with cream, custard, or enjoyed on its own
- Make-ahead friendly recipe that tastes even better the next day when flavors meld together
Why This Fig Apple Crumble Dessert Works
The magic happens when fresh figs meet crisp apples in this perfectly balanced dessert. Figs bring natural sweetness and a unique texture, while apples provide that classic crumble foundation we all love.
The cinnamon and lemon juice enhance the fruit flavors without overpowering them. Meanwhile, the oat-enriched crumble topping creates a satisfying contrast with its golden, crunchy texture that gives way to the tender fruit beneath.
This combination works because the cooking times align perfectly. Both fruits soften at similar rates, ensuring even cooking throughout. The brown sugar in the topping caramelizes beautifully, creating those irresistible crispy edges.
What You’ll Need for This Fig Apple Crumble Dessert
Ingredients
- 300g apples, peeled and cored
- 350g fresh figs, stems removed
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar (superfine)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 175g plain flour (all-purpose)
- 125g light soft brown sugar
- 50g porridge oats
- 125g cold butter, from fridge
Tools
You’ll need a pie dish, mixing bowls, and basic kitchen tools. A sharp knife for cutting fruit and a pastry cutter or your fingers for the crumble mixture work perfectly.
Choose a pie dish that’s about 9 inches wide for even cooking. Glass or ceramic dishes work best as they distribute heat evenly. Having separate bowls for fruit preparation and crumble mixing keeps the process organized.
Keep your butter cold until ready to use. This ensures the perfect crumbly texture that makes this fig and apple dessert so special.
How to Make Fig Apple Crumble Dessert
| Step 1: | Wash the figs and cut off the stem, then cut into quarters |
| Step 2: | Peel and core the apples, cutting into pieces half an inch or 1.5 centimeters |
| Step 3: | Place apple pieces in a bowl and stir in lemon juice to coat completely |
| Step 4: | Arrange figs and apples in pie dish in an even layer |
| Step 5: | Mix caster sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over fruit |
| Step 6: | Combine flour, oats, and brown sugar in a bowl |
| Step 7: | Cut cold butter into small pieces and rub into flour mixture until combined |
| Step 8: | Spread crumble mix over fruit in an even layer |
| Step 9: | Preheat oven to 220°C/425°F/200°C Fan/Gas 7 |
| Step 10: | Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown on top |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choose figs that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t mushy for the best texture in your finished dessert
- Cut fruit pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout the crumble
- Don’t skip the lemon juice as it prevents apple browning and adds brightness to balance the sweetness
- Rub butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger pieces for texture
- Check doneness by looking for golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit juices around the edges
Serving and Storage Tips for Fig Apple Crumble Dessert
Serving Tips
Serve this Fig Apple Crumble Dessert warm for the best experience. The contrast between the hot, tender fruit and cool accompaniments creates a perfect balance.
Vanilla custard, fresh cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complement the warm spices beautifully. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 180°C oven for 10 minutes.
This dessert actually improves overnight as flavors meld together. Consider making it a day ahead for dinner parties. Like our ultimate chicken casserole, it’s a make-ahead winner.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Fig Apple Crumble Dessert
Don’t use overripe figs as they’ll turn mushy during baking. Choose figs that are soft but still hold their shape when cut.
Avoid cutting fruit pieces too large or too small. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking. Large pieces won’t cook through, while tiny pieces become mushy.
Never use warm butter for the crumble topping. Cold butter creates the flaky, crispy texture that makes this dessert special. Room temperature butter will create a dense topping.
Don’t pack the crumble mixture down when spreading over fruit. A light, even layer allows proper browning and maintains the characteristic crumbly texture.
You Must Know
- Fresh figs work best, but you can substitute with dried figs soaked in warm water for 15 minutes if needed
- Any apple variety works, but Granny Smith or Bramley apples hold their shape better during baking
- The crumble can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
- If your oven runs hot, reduce temperature by 20°C and extend cooking time by 5-10 minutes for even browning
Suggestions for Fig Apple Crumble Dessert
Transform this basic recipe by adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor depth.
Try different spice combinations like cardamom and ginger, or add orange zest for a citrus twist. These variations work wonderfully with the fig and apple base.
For special occasions, drizzle warm custard or caramel sauce over individual servings. This fig preserve variation offers another delicious approach.
Consider serving alongside other comfort desserts like our keto cloud cake for variety at dinner parties.
FAQs:
Yes, you can assemble the crumble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. You can also bake it completely and reheat before serving.
Look for a golden-brown crumble topping and bubbling fruit juices around the edges. The fruit should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Yes, freeze the baked crumble for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 180°C oven for 15-20 minutes.
Pears, plums, or even dried figs work well. Adjust sugar quantities based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit substitute.
This usually happens when butter is too warm or the mixture is packed down too tightly. Use cold butter and sprinkle the topping lightly over the fruit.
Conclusion
This Fig Apple Crumble Dessert brings together the best of autumn flavors in one comforting dish. With its perfect balance of sweet figs, tart apples, and golden crumble topping, it’s destined to become a family favorite.
The simple preparation and flexible serving options make it ideal for both weeknight treats and special occasions. Whether served warm with cream or enjoyed cold the next day, this dessert delivers satisfaction in every bite.
More Easy Recipes Recipes:
- 30-Minute Low Carb Pizza Bowls Without the Crust
- Crispy Ranch Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Ranch Parmesan Chicken
- Zucchini Corn Chowder Recipe – Easy Creamy Summer Soup
- Best Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe – Easy
Recommended
📖 Recipe Card
Fig Apple Crumble Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minute
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A delightful autumn dessert combining sweet figs with tender apples under a golden, buttery crumble topping that’s ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 300g apples, peeled and cored
- 350g fresh figs, stems removed
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar (superfine)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 175g plain flour (all-purpose)
- 125g light soft brown sugar
- 50g porridge oats
- 125g cold butter, from fridge
Instructions
- Wash the figs and cut off the stem, then cut into quarters
- Peel and core the apples, cutting into pieces half an inch or 1.5 centimeters
- Place apple pieces in a bowl and stir in lemon juice to coat completely
- Arrange figs and apples in pie dish in an even layer
- Mix caster sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over fruit
- Combine flour, oats, and brown sugar in a bowl
- Cut cold butter into small pieces and rub into flour mixture until combined
- Spread crumble mix over fruit in an even layer
- Preheat oven to 220°C/425°F/200°C Fan/Gas 7
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown on top
Notes
- Choose figs that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t mushy for the best texture
- Cut fruit pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout the crumble
- Don’t skip the lemon juice as it prevents apple browning and adds brightness
- Use cold butter and rub into flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs
- Fresh figs work best, but dried figs soaked in warm water for 15 minutes can substitute
- The crumble can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (serves 6)
Keywords: autumn fruit crumble, fig dessert recipe, apple crumble variations, easy fruit desserts, seasonal baking recipes, comfort food desserts, make-ahead desserts, British pudding recipes
