Introduction
Apple crumble is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its soft, sweet cinnamon apples topped with a golden, crisp crumble, it's the perfect treat for gatherings or simply as a cozy night in. Easy to prepare and delightful to savor, apple crumble is a staple for dessert lovers everywhere.
Ingredients
6 medium apples (about 900g), peeled, cored, and sliced
100g granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
150g plain flour
100g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
80g brown sugar
50g rolled oats
¼ teaspoon salt
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a bowl, mix the apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Transfer to a baking dish.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and salt. Add the butter and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with ice cream or custard if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your apple crumble bakes evenly and achieves the perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
In a bowl, mix the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Once well combined, transfer this mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the plain flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and salt. Take the cold, cubed unsalted butter and add it to the dry mixture. Using your fingers, rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the prepared apples in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the apples completely for an even bake.
Step 5: Bake the Apple Crumble
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown, and the apples should be bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once done, remove the apple crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, possibly with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of custard if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Apple crumble can be served on its own or accompanied by vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or warm custard for added richness.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Apple Variations
Feel free to mix different varieties of apples for a more complex flavor. Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet options like Honeycrisp work well together.
Gluten-Free Option
For a gluten-free version, substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Adjusting Sweetness
You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference and the sweetness of the apples used. Taste the apple mixture before baking and adjust accordingly.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Allow the apple crumble to cool completely before storing. You can keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
For longer storage, cover the apple crumble tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will last for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing
To freeze, let the crumble cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 40-50 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Apple crumble is best enjoyed warm. Serve it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of custard for an indulgent treat. You can also top it with whipped cream for added richness. For a festive touch, garnish with ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
*Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements used.*
Ingredient Substitutions
Apples
You can use a mix of different apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for added flavor complexity.
Granulated Sugar
Coconut sugar or honey can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind that using honey will add moisture to the filling.
Butter
For a dairy-free option, substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Plain Flour
You can replace plain flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier option or with gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Rolled Oats
If oats are not available, you could use crushed nuts or a combination of oats and ground almonds for added texture.
Cook Techniques
1. Prepping the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly to ensure even cooking. Mixing them with sugar and spices helps enhance their natural sweetness and flavor.
2. Making the Crumble Topping
Combine the dry ingredients, and then rub in the cold, cubed butter using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures a crispy topping.
3. Layering the Ingredients
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the baking dish before sprinkling the crumble on top. This allows for even distribution of flavors.
4. Baking
Bake in a preheated oven to achieve a golden brown topping and bubbling apples. It is essential to monitor the crumble towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning.
5. Serving
Let the crumble cool slightly after baking to allow the flavors to meld. Serving it warm enhances its comforting qualities, especially with ice cream or custard.
FAQ
What type of apples are best for apple crumble?
Firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best as they hold their shape during baking.
Can I use frozen apples for apple crumble?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before mixing with the sugar and spices.
How can I make the crumble topping extra crispy?
Use cold butter and ensure not to overmix the crumble topping. Adding rolled oats also contributes to a crispier texture.
Can I add other fruits to the apple crumble?
Absolutely! Berries, pears, or even nuts can be mixed with the apples for added flavor and texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover apple crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Apple crumble is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweet and warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy, buttery topping. It is an ideal treat for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or any occasion that calls for comfort food. Enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of custard for an extra special touch.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Berry Crumble
Swap out the apples for a mix of berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries for a vibrant and refreshing twist.
Peach Crumble
Use fresh or canned peaches instead of apples. Add a little almond extract to the filling for a delicious flavor enhancement.
Pear and Ginger Crumble
Combine pears with grated fresh ginger for a warming and aromatic crumble that’s perfect for autumn.
Nutty Granola Crumble
Incorporate nuts into your crumble topping, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Crumble
Mix pumpkin puree with spices like nutmeg and allspice, and top it with a traditional crumble for a seasonal favorite.
Maple Walnut Crumble
Drizzle maple syrup over the fruit filling and mix chopped walnuts into the crumble topping for a sweet, nutty flavor.
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