Delicious Apple Crumble Recipe
Description of the Recipe
Discover the best Apple Crumble recipe! Perfectly balanced tart apples and sweet, crunchy topping. Easy to make and absolutely delicious! Apple Crumble is a beloved dessert that perfectly combines the tartness of fresh apples with the sweetness of a buttery, crunchy topping. This dessert is easy to make and is a fantastic way to showcase the natural flavors of apples. The contrast between the tender, juicy fruit filling and the crisp, golden crumble creates a delightful texture that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, Apple Crumble is a timeless treat that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients – Apple Crumble
For the Filling:
- 6 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Apple Crumble
1. Prepare the Filling
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Filling: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour to the apples. Toss everything together until the apples are well-coated with the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Make the Crumble Topping
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well-mixed.
- Add the Butter: Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients. Use a fork or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Top the Apples: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the Apple Crumble from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly.
4. Serve
- Enjoy Warm: Serve the Apple Crumble warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Tips and Variations for Apple Crumble
Use a Mix of Apples
For the best flavor, use a combination of apple varieties. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well during baking, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add sweetness and a softer texture.
Add Nuts
For an added crunch, mix in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping.
Spice it Up
Feel free to experiment with spices. A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can add a warm depth of flavor to the crumble.
Make it Gluten-Free – Apple Crumble
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crumble topping gluten-free. Ensure the oats are also labeled gluten-free.
Reduce Sugar
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and topping by a quarter. The natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through.
Add Berries
For a delightful twist, add a cup of fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries to the apple filling. The berries add a burst of color and a tangy flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time – Apple Crumble
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 36g
- Protein: 3g
Historical Tidbits about Apple Crumble
Apple Crumble, also known as Apple Crisp in some regions, is a dessert that has roots in both British and American culinary traditions. It gained popularity during World War II in Britain due to rationing, which limited the availability of ingredients needed for more elaborate desserts like pies. The crumble topping, made with flour, sugar, and fat, was a simple yet satisfying alternative.
The concept of fruit crumbles and crisps has been around for centuries, with variations found in many cultures. The simplicity of the recipe and the ability to use seasonal fruit made it a favorite among home cooks. The addition of oats to the crumble topping is a more modern adaptation, adding texture and a wholesome element to the dessert.
Today, Apple Crumble remains a beloved comfort food, celebrated for its ease of preparation and the delightful contrast between the tart, tender apples and the sweet, crunchy topping. It is a versatile dessert that can be adapted to include various fruits and spices, making it a favorite in kitchens around the world.