Easy Oat Crumble Topping
Oat crumble topping
Oat crumble topping
Ingredients
- Porridge oats (140g)
- Golden caster sugar (50g)
- Butter (100g)
- Ground cinnamon (optional) – a good pinch
Instructions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the oats and sugar, using your fingers or a whisk to break up any clumps. Toss everything for about 30 seconds until the sugar is evenly speckled through the oats and no dry streaks remain. That’s your crumble base, ready for the next step.
Step 2
For the crumble topping, cut your butter into small chunks first so it melts evenly. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat it in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until it’s completely liquid and smooth—usually about 45 seconds. If you’re using a saucepan, keep the heat low and pull it off the stove as soon as the butter has just melted, before it starts to brown. Let it cool for a minute or two before stirring it into your oat mixture.
Step 3
In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, sugar, and cinnamon (if you're using it) until everything is evenly distributed. Pour the melted butter over the top and mix with a fork or your fingertips—keep working it until every oat is coated and the mixture looks like damp, crumbly sand. You'll know it's ready when it clumps together easily when you press it in your palm; leave a few pea-sized lumps for that perfectly craggy, crunchy topping.
Step 4
Now it's time to add the finishing touch to your dish. To spread the oat crumble topping evenly, start by giving it a quick stir to loosen any clumps that may have formed. Then, take a spoon or your fingers and gently scatter the topping over your precooked fruit, making sure to cover the entire surface. As you spread it out, aim for a layer that's about 1/2 inch thick, and don't worry if it's not perfect - we're going for a rustic, homemade look here.
Step 5
Now it's time to bring your oat crumble to life. To do this, you'll want to preheat your oven to 190C, or 170C if you're using a fan oven, or gas mark 5 if you have a gas stove. Once your oven is ready, pop your crumble in and bake for about 20 minutes, keeping an eye on it until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the fruit underneath is bubbling away. You'll know it's done when the crumble is nicely toasted and the fruit is tender, so keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when it looks just right.
Nutrition Information
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My Tip
To get the perfect crumble, make sure to mix the melted butter into the oats and sugar until they're just combined - overmixing can lead to a dense topping.
Leftovers
Store your oat crumble topping in an airtight container to keep it crispy, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore its golden crust.
Make It Your Own
Try swapping butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free twist.