Apple Crumble Recipe
Category: Desserts
Serves: 6
An indulgent, comforting dessert that’s perfect for cozy evenings or special family gatherings, this classic apple crumble brings together the sweet-tartness of Golden apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the buttery, crumbly topping we all know and love. The crumble itself has a beautiful contrast of textures — the soft, juicy apples balanced by a crispy, golden topping that adds a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Golden Apples | 750g |
| Brown Sugar | 70g |
| Lemon Juice (from ½ lemon) | ½ |
| Ground Cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Butter (cold, cubed) | 130g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 150g |
| Granulated Sugar | 120g |
| Ground Cinnamon (again) | ½ tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 56g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 40g |
| Sodium | 85mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Crumble Topping
Start by preparing the crumble mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and butter. Use your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly, coarse texture. This may take a bit of time and some elbow grease, but trust me — the more you work it, the better the crumble topping will be. Once you achieve a fine breadcrumb-like consistency, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it while you prepare the apples.
Step 2: Preparing the Apples
Take the Golden apples and peel them carefully. Once peeled, cut the apples into quarters and remove the cores. Slice them into thin wedges, roughly 1 cm thick, so that they cook evenly. Place the sliced apples into a large bowl. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over them to prevent browning and add a touch of tartness. Then, sprinkle the apples with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss everything together, ensuring that all the apple slices are evenly coated in the sweet, spicy mixture. Allow the apples to macerate in the sugar and lemon mixture for about 30 minutes — this will help them release some of their juices and soften up a bit.
Step 3: Assembling the Crumble
Once the apples have softened, it’s time to assemble the individual crumbles. For this recipe, I recommend using small oven-safe dishes or cocottes (about 9 cm in diameter). You can also use a larger baking dish if you prefer a family-style crumble, but the individual servings make this dessert feel extra special.
Spoon about two tablespoons of the apple mixture into each of the cocottes, making sure to add some of the syrupy liquid that has formed at the bottom of the bowl. This syrup adds moisture and flavor to the crumble as it bakes.
Step 4: Adding the Crumble Topping
Take the chilled crumble mixture from the fridge and grate it directly over the apples using a coarse grater (this will help achieve a more even and crispy topping). You want the crumble to cover the apples generously, so don’t be afraid to use the whole batch of crumble mixture.
Step 5: Baking the Crumble
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the prepared cocottes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling with delicious, syrupy goodness. You’ll know it’s ready when you see the top turn a beautiful golden brown, with a slightly crisp texture.
Step 6: Serving the Crumble
Once your apple crumbles are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. These individual crumbles are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra indulgence.
Enjoy the warm, cinnamon-scented bliss of homemade apple crumble!
Tips and Variations
- Add nuts: For extra texture and a nutty flavor, you can sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds on top of the crumble before baking.
- Spices: If you want to elevate the flavor even further, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the apple mixture for a fragrant twist.
- Use different fruits: While apples are the classic choice, feel free to experiment with pears, berries, or a mix of fruits to create your own unique crumble variations.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the crumble topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the apples and crumble topping as directed.
This apple crumble is one of those desserts that brings the comforts of home to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
