Apple crumble is the epitome of comfort desserts, combining sweet and tender apples with a golden, buttery crumble topping. This dessert is perfect for any season and can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating the ultimate apple crumble, along with FAQs to help you achieve the best results.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
6 large apples (Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart varieties), peeled, cored, and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are well coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
Make the Crumble Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Add the chilled, cubed butter to the mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
Serve:
Allow the apple crumble to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
FAQs about Apple Crumble
Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and the crumble topping separately in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, assemble the crumble and bake as directed.
What are the best apples to use for apple crumble?
Granny Smith apples are a popular choice due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the crumble. However, a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold can provide a more complex flavor profile.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like pears, berries, or peaches with the apples. Adjust the sugar and spices accordingly to match the flavor of the additional fruits.
How do I prevent the crumble topping from becoming too soggy?
Ensure the apples are not too juicy by draining any excess liquid before assembling the crumble. Using a mix of flour and oats in the topping also helps to absorb moisture and maintain a crisp texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
How do I store leftover apple crumble?
Store leftover apple crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze apple crumble?
Yes, apple crumble can be frozen either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. If freezing before baking, bake directly from frozen and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
What can I use instead of oats in the crumble topping?
If you prefer a topping without oats, you can increase the amount of flour or use ground almonds or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. Keep in mind that reducing the sugar will alter the sweetness and texture of the crumble.
Apple crumble is a versatile and delightful dessert that brings the warmth of spices and the sweetness of apples together in perfect harmony. With this recipe, you can create a comforting treat that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy making and sharing this classic dessert with your loved ones!
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Comments / 0