Baking with Burns: How to make fruit crumble

As we mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day this weekend, it would be fitting to make a pudding which came into its own during the Second World War.

Some puddings certainly stand the test of time and one of these is the humble fruit crumble.

This lovely sweet dessert came into its own during the Second World War when rationing took its toll. Families struggled to get by on their weekly rations, which led to many growing their own fruit and veg. 

British households had a limited access to basic ingredients like flour and sugar, so families had to make sure they went a long way. In a bid to create some tasty dishes with the limited number of ingredients available, the fruit crumble flourished.

Crumbles have only really been made in Britain since the Second World War when it emerged as a preferred dish to pie during rationing due to shortages of pastry ingredients.

It was, and still is, one of the tastiest, quickest and cheapest comfort foods to make.

It can be served with custard, cream or ice cream and is great at any time of year.

Ingredients 

Serves 6-8

1kg/2.2lb frozen berry fruits (strawberries, blackberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, blueberries, raspberries)

115g/4oz soft light brown sugar, plus another 50g/2oz for the crumble

115g/4oz unsalted butter

115g/4oz plain flour

50g/2oz medium porridge oats

Method 

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6.

2. Spread the frozen fruit in a large ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with 4oz of the sugar. Leave to rest.

3. Meanwhile, to make the crumble, dice the butter into small cubes in a large bowl and rub into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

4. Add the oats and 50g/2oz of the brown sugar.

5. Continue to rub in until the mixture begins to stick together, forming large crumbs.

6. Cover the fruit with the crumble topping.

7. Put in the hot oven and cook for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 190C/375F/gas mark 5 and cook for a further 30 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out hot.

8. Serve warm with custard, cream or ice cream.

How about a competition?

This week we are giving away a Magical Princess Cupcake Kit, courtesy of Meri Meri.

Yummy cupcakes are essential for a happy party, so make yours look extra special with this magical princess kit. Featuring beautifully illustrated toppers and cases fit for royalty!

Visit merimeri.co.uk for their unique range of treats, kits and dressing up bits.

To win the cupcake kit just answer the following question:

When did the fruit crumble first become popular?

DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATION WE WILL ONLY BE RECEIVING COMPETITION ENTRIES VIA EMAIL.

Email your answer and full contact details to: competitions@questmedianetwork.co.uk. 

The closing date is Thursday 20 August.