Jamie Oliver Apple Crumble with Oats Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s apple crumble with oats is a timeless British dessert that brings warmth, texture, and comfort to the table. Soft, gently spiced apples bake down into a rich, spoonable filling, while the oat crumble topping turns golden and crisp, adding contrast in every bite. This is the kind of pudding that feels familiar, reassuring, and always welcome.

Inspired by Jamie Oliver, this apple crumble keeps things simple while focusing on balance. The apples are not overly sweet, allowing their natural flavour to come through, and the oat topping adds a rustic touch that makes the dessert more satisfying than a standard crumble.

This recipe serves 6 people and takes around 50 minutes from start to finish. Below, you’ll find clear, detailed steps and practical tips to help you achieve tender apples and a properly crisp topping every time.

What Makes This Recipe Worth Making

• Classic comfort food – A dependable dessert that suits all ages and occasions.
• Oats add texture – The topping has more bite and flavour than plain crumble.
• Balanced sweetness – Apples remain the star without being drowned in sugar.
• Simple preparation – No complicated techniques or special equipment needed.
• Easy to adapt – Works well with different apples and flavour additions.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble with Oats?

Jamie Oliver’s apple crumble with oats is a baked dessert made by layering sliced apples with sugar and spice, then topping them with a buttery oat crumble.

As it bakes, the apples soften and release their juices while the topping turns crisp and golden, creating a clear contrast between soft fruit and crunchy crumble.

Jamie Oliver Apple Crumble with Oats Ingredients List

For the apple filling

• Cooking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• Light brown or caster sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Lemon zest or lemon juice
• Small knobs of butter

For the oat crumble topping

• Plain flour
• Rolled oats
• Cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• Light brown sugar
• A small pinch of salt

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Apple Crumble with Oats – Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Place the sliced apples into a baking dish and spread them out evenly. Sprinkle over the sugar and cinnamon, then add the lemon zest or juice to brighten the flavour. Dot small pieces of butter over the apples to help them soften as they bake.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it in using your fingertips until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs. Leave some larger, uneven pieces, as these will give the topping a better texture once baked.

Step 3: Assemble the Crumble

Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Make sure the fruit is well covered, but do not press the topping down. Keeping it loose allows heat to circulate and helps it crisp properly.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The crumble is ready when the topping is golden, and the apple filling is bubbling up around the edges.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Remove the crumble from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the filling settle slightly and makes serving easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble with Oats

• Using soft dessert apples only, which can turn mushy.
• Butter that is too warm, stopping the topping from crisping.
• Pressing the topping down results in a dense texture.
• Removing from the oven too early leaves the apples undercooked.

Delicious Sides to Serve With Jamie Oliver Apple Crumble with Oats

• Hot custard – A traditional pairing that adds creaminess.
• Vanilla ice cream – Melts into the crumble and balances warmth.
• Lightly whipped cream – Keeps the dessert simple and smooth.
• Greek yoghurt – Adds a gentle tang that offsets sweetness.

Expert Tips to Get This Jamie Oliver Apple Crumble with Oats Just Right

• Use mostly cooking apples – They hold structure and flavour.
• Keep everything cold – Especially the butter for the topping.
• Avoid overloading sugar – Apples should still taste like apples.
• Bake until clearly bubbling – This signals fully cooked fruit.

How to Add More Flavour to Apple Crumble with Oats

• Add nutmeg or ground ginger – Deepens warmth without overpowering.
• Mix chopped nuts into the topping – Adds crunch and richness.
• Use mixed apple varieties – Creates better flavour balance.
• Drizzle honey or maple syrup over apples – Adds gentle sweetness.

Best Way to Store Apple Crumble with Oats Leftovers

• Allow to cool completely – Prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Cover and refrigerate – Keeps the crumble fresh.
• Use within 2 days – Best texture and flavour.

Best Ways to Reheat Apple Crumble with Oats Leftovers

• Oven reheating – Restores crispness to the topping.
• Air fryer reheating – Works well for small portions.
• Avoid microwaving – Softens the crumble too much.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~360 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~52 g
• Protein: ~4 g
• Fat: ~16 g

FAQs

Which apples work best for Jamie Oliver’s apple crumble with oats?

Cooking apples such as Bramley are ideal because they soften well and provide a gentle tartness that balances the sweet crumble. You can also mix cooking apples with sweet apples for more depth and texture.

Why is my oat crumble topping not crispy?

A crumble topping becomes soft if the butter is too warm or the topping is pressed down. Always use cold butter, keep the topping loose, and bake until the apples are clearly bubbling and the top is golden.

Can I prepare apple crumble with oats in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the crumble a few hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving to keep the topping crisp and the apples perfectly tender.

Can I freeze apple crumble with oats?

Yes, apple crumble freezes well before baking. Assemble the dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, allowing extra time until the topping is golden and the filling is hot.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s apple crumble with oats shows how a few simple ingredients can create something deeply comforting. With soft apples, a crisp oat topping, and gentle sweetness, this dessert delivers warmth, familiarity, and a sense of home—perfect for sharing straight from the oven.

More recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Thai Red Curry
• Jamie Oliver Pear Chutney
• Jamie Oliver Chicken Tray Bake
• Jamie Oliver Hodgepodge Pie

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