If there’s one thing I can’t resist when developing a recipe, it’s finding a way to add a crumble topping. Sometimes I have to remind myself that other desserts even exist! From buttery, bubbly fruit crumbles to jammy crumble cakes and even a crumble-topped focaccia (!) I truly believe crumble makes everything better. There’s just something about that golden, crisp topping – slightly sweet, a little crunchy, and totally irresistible – that turns simple ingredients into something special. Whether you’re baking with peak summer fruit or leaning into cozy autumn flavours, there’s a crumble here for every mood and every craving. Today I wanted to share some of my all-time favourite crumble recipes – the ones I keep coming back to over and over again. 

A basic crumble is made with ingredients you’ve definitely got in your pantry right now – butter, flour, brown sugar, white sugar and optionally some spices. But from there you can get super creative and adapt your crumble in many different ways. Oh, your vegan friend is coming over? Sub in coconut oil instead of the butter. You want *more* crunch? Add in some rolled oats or nuts. Play with different spices to complement the fruit in your dessert. Play with sweeteners instead of sugar like golden syrup or fructose-free rice malt syrup. Or make it gluten free by playing with alternate ingredients like quinoa flakes and coconut.

Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble Cake

You’re going to see a few crumble cakes in this roundup. Forgive me, I just can’t seem to stop making them! This Rhubarb and Strawberry version was a total crowd pleaser. From the soft cake to the jammy fruit filling, the crunchy crumble and that glaze. Oh, that glaze!! Please add this one to your list to make when rhubarb is in season.

Apple Crumble Filo Pie

If apple crumble and baklava had a baby, it would be this Apple Crumble Filo Pie. This is still one of my favourite desserts that I’ve ever made. And the most viewed video on my TikTok!

Healthy Berry, Coconut and Quinoa Crumble

Perfect for almost any dietary need, this berry crumble recipe has a coconut, almond and quinoa topping. It’s sweetened with rice malt syrup and uses coconut oil instead of butter. It’s full of healthy ingredients, you could feel good eating this for breakfast OR dessert!

Fig Crumble Tart with Honey Whipped Ricotta

I love how rustically beautiful galette tarts can be. This one has beautiful figs and a yummy crumble that is used as the base of the tart underneath the fruit and also on top. Then it’s baked until golden and served with a honey whipped ricotta. Like honestly, does it get better than this?! This Crumble Tart would also work with stone fruit, rhubarb or berries too!

Peach Crumble Cake

Is this the perfect summer cake? Simple to make, with a layer of seasonal fresh peaches and crushed pistachios studded through the crumble. This Peach Crumble Cake is delicious warm or at room temperature, and even better with a big scoop of homemade ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.

Cherry Pie Crumble Bars

If you love sweet pies but can’t be can’t be bothered rolling out pastry or weaving lattice patterns, may I suggest these Cherry Pie Crumble Bars? They have a shortbread base, an insanely delicious cherry vanilla filling and a crunchy cinnamon crumble topping. They taste like summer in every bite. Perfect for taking along to picnics, BBQ’s or beach days. Click here to see the video.

Apple Miso Crumble

This is one of many ‘classic’ Apple Crumble recipes, but with a delicious twist. White miso is not just for soups and marinades! It adds a delicious umami flavour that helps balance the caramel and apples so perfectly. My other favourite ingredient in any apple crumble is some apple cider. Dying to go apple picking this year so I can make this again!

Peach Crumble Focaccia

Sweet focaccia is my newest obsession and trust me when I say this will not be the last one you see from me. The fluffy focaccia, sweet cinnamon peaches and crunchy crumble was THE perfect combination. I loved every bite.

Pear and Pistachio Crumble with White Chocolate

This delicious Pear and Pistachio Crumble has a special surprise – squares of white chocolate tucked into the warm crumble just as it comes out of the oven that melt into puddles of deliciousness. Plus the pears are cooked with dessert wine, cardamom and rosewater so it’s just heavenly all round. Perfect for winter nights when you want to feel a little bit fancy.

Blueberry Crumble Cake

Yep, one more crumble cake to round out the list, with blueberries this time. This was actually the original version and I have made this cake many, many times. Make it with fresh blueberries when they’re in season or frozen when they’re not. This is an unfussy cake that never disappoints!

Thanks for coming to my Crumble Ted Talk! If you make any of these recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram @spicyicecream – I love seeing your creations!