Quick & Simple Apple Crumble Recipe

 

Ingredients

For the Topping:

1. All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup (120 grams): This is essential for creating the crumbly texture that defines the topping.
2. Brown Sugar – 1/2 cup (100 grams): You can use light or dark brown sugar. It adds a rich, caramel-like depth to the crumble.
3. Baking Powder – 1/2 teaspoon: Helps the topping rise slightly and become light and airy.
4. Salt – 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
5. Ground Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the apples perfectly.
6. Unsalted Butter – 1/2 cup (115 grams), melted: Provides the rich, buttery texture of the topping.

For the Filling:

1. Granny Smith Apples – 6 cups (about 6 medium apples), peeled, cored, and cut into small pieces: These apples are tart and firm, which helps them hold their shape during baking. You can also mix them with Honeycrisp apples for added sweetness and flavor.
2. Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup (100 grams): Sweetens the apple filling.
3. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright, tangy flavor.
4. Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons: Thickens the filling and prevents it from being too watery. You can substitute this with additional flour if preferred.
5. Ground Cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a complementary spice to the apples.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. A 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) dish works well, but you can also use a similar-sized dish.

2. Prepare the Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. Pour in the melted unsalted butter. Using a fork or your fingers, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will be your crumble topping.

3. Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and cut the Granny Smith apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch (or flour). Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.

4. Assemble the Crumble: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Make sure to cover the apples completely with the topping for the best texture.

5. Bake the Crumble: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The crumble is done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The apples should be tender but not mushy.

6. Cool and Serve: Allow the apple crumble to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the filling to set and makes it easier to serve. The crumble can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

7. Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm apple crumble.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
• Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream also complements the crumble beautifully.

Cooking Tips

1. Choosing Apples: Granny Smith apples are excellent for their tartness and firmness, but feel free to mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for additional flavor. Using a blend of apples can enhance the overall taste and texture.
2. Preventing Soggy Crumble: Make sure your topping is well-mixed and crumbly before adding it to the apples. If you prefer a crisper topping, you can increase the amount of butter slightly.
3. Thickening the Filling: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of flour as a substitute. The thickening agent helps keep the filling from becoming too liquid.
4. Make-Ahead: Apple crumble can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. Just reheat in the oven before serving to restore its crisp topping.

Substitutes

• Butter: If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
• Sugar: For a lower sugar version, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but adjust the amount to taste.
• Flour: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Wine Pairings

Apple crumble pairs well with several types of wine:

• Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling complements the sweetness of the crumble and balances the tartness of the apples.
• Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc can contrast nicely with the richness of the crumble.
• Spiced Red Wine: A lightly spiced red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, can enhance the cinnamon and apple flavors in the dessert.