Apple Crumble

Apple Crumble is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any season, especially during the fall when apples are at their peak. This easy-to-make, comforting dessert combines sweet, tender baked apples with a crispy, buttery topping. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or simply craving a cozy treat, Apple Crumble is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Apple Crumble

To create the perfect Apple Crumble, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the filling:

  • 6 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your preferred variety)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)

For the crumble topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions for Making Apple Crumble

  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin wedges. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch (if using). The lemon juice helps to keep the apples from browning, and the cornstarch thickens the filling as it bakes.
  2. Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter creates that delicious, crumbly texture we all love.
  3. Assemble the Crumble: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (about 9×9 inches) with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the apple filling into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering them completely.
  4. Bake the Apple Crumble: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the Apple Crumble cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of custard.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble Recipe

  • Simple and Quick: With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up this dessert in no time. No complicated techniques—just simple, straightforward steps.
  • Versatile: Feel free to experiment with different apples or add other fruits like pears or berries for a twist on the classic. You can also adjust the sweetness level depending on your preference.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Apple Crumble is a great dessert for family dinners, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or when you just need a comforting treat after a long day.

Tips for the Best Apple Crumble

  • Choosing the Right Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will give your crumble a balanced flavor. Avoid apples that turn mushy when cooked, like Red Delicious.
  • Make Ahead: Apple Crumble can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
  • Freezing: If you have leftovers, Apple Crumble freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat it, simply bake from frozen, adding a little extra time to the baking process.

Conclusion

Apple Crumble is the epitome of comfort food and a dessert everyone will love. Its warm, cinnamon-spiced filling and crunchy topping make it the perfect treat for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this Apple Crumble recipe is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

Serving and Storage Tips for Apple Crumble

Serving Tips:

  • Pair with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes your Apple Crumble to the next level. You can also try custard or a splash of heavy cream for an indulgent touch.
  • Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: Apple Crumble is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, but it can also be served at room temperature. If reheating, pop it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispy topping.
  • Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, serve the crumble in individual ramekins. This makes it easier to portion and adds a touch of sophistication to your dessert table.
  • Top with Nuts: If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top of the crumble before baking. This adds a rich, nutty flavor and extra texture.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Apple Crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge.
  • Freezing: If you’d like to enjoy your Apple Crumble later, it can be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crisp.
  • Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen Apple Crumble, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is crispy and the filling is warm. You can also microwave individual servings, but the topping may not be as crispy.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Apple Crumble for several days or even weeks, ensuring it remains just as delicious as the first time you baked it.

1. Can I use different types of apples for Apple Crumble?
Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices due to their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with any variety of apples. Just be sure to use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. You can also mix in other fruits like pears, berries, or even rhubarb for a unique twist.

2. Can I make Apple Crumble ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Apple Crumble in advance. You can assemble the filling and crumble topping the day before and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just combine them and bake as directed. You can also freeze the unbaked crumble for up to 3 months and bake it directly from the freezer when you’re ready.

3. How do I prevent the apple filling from becoming too watery?
To prevent the filling from becoming too watery, use a thickening agent like cornstarch, as suggested in the recipe. This helps absorb excess moisture from the apples and keeps the filling nice and thick. Additionally, be sure to toss the apples with sugar and spices before baking, which helps draw out moisture, but it also concentrates the flavor.

4. Can I make a gluten-free version of Apple Crumble?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free Apple Crumble, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Make sure to use gluten-free oats for the crumble topping. The result will be just as delicious, with a slightly different texture, but still wonderfully comforting.

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Apple Crumble

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  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This classic apple crumble is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s an easy dessert ideal for fall or any time of year.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the apple filling:

  • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the crumble topping:

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) rolled oats (optional, for added texture)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt



Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
  2. Prepare the apple filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and flour. Toss to coat the apples evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  3. Make the crumble topping:
    • In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, oats (if using), and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and moist.
  4. Assemble the crumble:
    • Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes.
  6. Cool and serve:
    • Let the crumble cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.



Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Mix in 1/4 cup (50 g) raisins or chopped pecans with the apples for added texture and flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.


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