Plum Graham Cracker Crumble

Published Date: September 2, 2020

Total Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes prep | 30 minutes baking)

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) black plums (about 4 large plums), pitted and chopped into ½-inch pieces (approximately 2½ cups)

• 5 tablespoons (55 grams) packed brown sugar

• ¼ cup (35 grams) plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 sleeve (9 sheets) / 145 grams graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs (yields approximately 1½ cups when processed or crushed in a sealed bag with a rolling pin)

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In an 8-inch square or round baking dish, combine the pitted, chopped plums, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gently toss to ensure even coating of the fruit with sweeteners and thickeners, taking care not to bruise the plums. Set aside to allow flavors to meld briefly.

Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham cracker crumbs (1½ cups), remaining ¼ cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients, ensuring no dry pockets remain.

Step 3: Moisturize and Combine the Crumb Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the melted, room-temperature butter with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Pour this butter-vanilla mixture into the graham cracker crumb base. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold and press the crumbs until they form a damp, cohesive mixture (similar to moist sand, holding together when lightly squeezed).

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the moistened crumb mixture evenly over the fruit filling in the baking dish. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or palms to create a compact, even crust layer.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and hardened, and the plum filling bubbles vigorously along the dish edges. The plums’ natural pectin will cause their juices to gel slightly during baking, creating a rich, cohesive texture.

Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Thickening Adjustments

Plums naturally gel due to high pectin content, but for fruits with lower pectin (e.g., peaches), add 2–3 tablespoons of a thickener (cornstarch, flour, or King Arthur Flour’s “Clear Gel”) mixed with 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar to the fruit filling before baking.

Alternative Thickener: Instant Tapioca

For a foolproof texture, use 1–2 tablespoons instant tapioca mixed with sugar and stir into the fruit filling. Let rest 15 minutes to activate before assembling—the tapioca absorbs moisture and creates a silky, stable crumble.

Kid-Friendly Vegetable Twist

Mix chopped plums with equal parts butternut squash (or sweet potato) for a hidden veggie addition. The plum juice subtly tints the veggies, and the squash’s natural sweetness complements the dessert, making it more appealing to picky eaters.

Berry Substitution

Avoid plums? Replace with mashed mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) in equal volume. Coarsely mashed berries work best, as puréed versions may make the filling too watery.

Ripe Fruit Adjustment

For overly sweet plums, reduce brown sugar in the filling by 1–2 tablespoons (e.g., use 2 tablespoons instead of 3) to balance flavor.

Community Comments & Adaptations

• Crumb Measurement: A user requested cup measurements for crushed graham crackers: 1 sleeve (9 sheets) yields ~1½ cups of fine crumbs.

• Peach Success: A reader noted peaches need extra thickening; add 2–3 tablespoons cornstarch/tapioca to the fruit filling with sugar.

• Tapioca for Stability: Instant tapioca, mixed with sugar and added to the fruit filling 15 minutes before baking, is a reliable thickener.

• Winter Squash & Whipped Cream: Pair with spiced whipped cream (pumpkin purée + cinnamon/nutmeg) for an autumnal finish.

Enjoy this versatile crumble as-is, or experiment with seasonal fruits and veggies for endless flavor variations!