Apple Crumble Recipe: A Classic Dessert for All Seasons

Imagine the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your home as you take a bite of a sweet and tart apple filling, perfectly complemented by a crispy, buttery topping. Are you drooling yet? This is what eating Apple Crumble feels like.

Apple Crumble is a classic dessert made with baked apple slices and a crispy, crumbly topping. It is a popular dessert around the world and is especially popular during the fall months when fresh apples are readily available. 

In this article, we will take you through the ingredients and steps required to create the ultimate apple crumble recipe in addition to a healthier alternative recipe for those on a diet. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, don’t worry; our easy-to-follow instructions will have you baking like a pro in no time. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake the perfect Apple Crumble!

Apple Crumble Recipe Origins

Apple Crumble is a dessert dish that originated in Britain during World War II. It is said that the dish was created due to shortages of ingredients and rationing during the war, which made it difficult to make traditional apple pies. 

In an effort to create a similar dessert with limited resources, cooks began making apple crumble by combining stewed apples with a topping made from flour, sugar, and butter that was then baked until crispy. The dish became popular throughout Britain and has since spread to other countries around the world. 

Today, Apple Crumble is enjoyed as a comforting and delicious dessert, often served with custard or ice cream.

Apple Crumble Recipe

Making Apple Crumble is a simple process that anyone can master with a little practice. Here’s how to make Apple Crumble easily and from scratch:

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces

Instructions

1. Toss the sliced apples with freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/4 cup of brown sugar in a large bowl until evenly coated and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, rolled oats, remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon. 
3. Add the butter pieces and mix the ingredients with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease a baking dish.
5. Spread the apple mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. 

A Healthier Alternative Recipe

If you want to enjoy Apple Crumble without derailing your healthy eating goals, try this healthier alternative recipe made with wholesome ingredients like oats and almond flour. It is a gluten-free recipe, and it uses natural sweeteners like maple syrup instead of refined sugar. 

Here are the steps for making a tasty and healthy Apple Crumble:

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions

1. Toss the sliced apples with freshly squeezed lemon juice in a medium bowl until evenly coated and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, Mix the almond flour, rolled oats, chopped pecans, sea salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add the melted coconut oil and maple syrup to the bowl and mix until everything is combined.
4. Preheat the oven to 175°C.
5. Place the sliced apples in a baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the sliced apples.
7. Bake the Apple Crumble for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. 

The topping in this healthier alternative recipe may not be as crumbly as the traditional recipe since it doesn’t contain all-purpose flour and sugar, which are the main ingredients that create a crumbly texture. However, the combination of almond flour, rolled oats, and chopped pecans will give the topping a similar texture and flavour to a traditional crumble topping.

Serving Apple Crumble

Apple Crumble can be served in many ways. Here are some serving options and suggestions:

1. With vanilla ice cream: Warm Apple Crumble pairs perfectly with cold vanilla ice cream. Serve a scoop of vanilla on top of the crumble for a delicious combination of flavours and temperatures.
2. With whipped cream: For a lighter alternative to ice cream, you can serve Apple Crumble with whipped cream. 
3. With caramel sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top of the Apple Crumble for an extra rich treat. You can also add chopped nuts for more flavour.
4. With custard: Pour warm custard over the crumble for a comforting and indulgent dessert. It is how Apple Crumble is traditionally served in Britain. 
5. With berries: Add a pop of colour and freshness to your Apple Crumble by serving it with fresh berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
6. With a crème anglaise: Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your Apple Crumble with crème anglaise sauce. It is similar to custard but is a lighter alternative and has a pourable consistency.
7. Alone: Apple Crumble is delicious on its own. Enjoy a warm slice right out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea.

These are just a few serving options and suggestions for Apple Crumble. Get creative and try different combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy this classic dessert.

Tips and Tricks

1. Choose the right apples: For best results, use firm apples that can hold their shape during baking. 
2. Coat the apples in lemon juice: Lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning. The lemon’s acidity can also help balance the sweetness of the crumble topping. 
3. Cut the apples evenly: Slice the apples into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Use cold butter: When making the topping, use small pieces of cold butter and rub them into the flour mixture to create a crispy and crumbly texture.
5. Don’t overmix the crumble topping: The topping should be crumbly, and overmixing can result in a dough-like texture rather than crumbly bits. Mix just until everything is combined and looks like coarse crumbs.
6. Avoid overbaking: Bake the Apple Crumble just until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
7. Let it cool: Allow the Apple Crumble to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents it from being too runny.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Crumble?

If you have leftover Apple Crumble that you want to store, let it cool down to room temperature and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the refrigerator. The crumble can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you want to reheat Apple Crumble, remove the plastic wrap or foil from the dish and cover it loosely with foil to prevent the crumble from becoming too dry. Preheat your oven to 180°C and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. 

Another option for reheating apple crumble is to use a microwave. Simply scoop a portion of the crumble onto a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds until heated through. Keep in mind that the topping may not be as crisp if reheated in the microwave.

What is the difference between Apple Crumble and Apple Crisp? 

Apple Crisp and Apple Crumble are very similar desserts that both feature baked apples with a crumbly topping. However, there are some differences between the two.

Traditionally, Apple Crumble has a denser and more buttery topping made with flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes oats or nuts. It is typically less sweet than apple crisp and has a more crumbly topping.

On the other hand, Apple Crisp has a lighter, sweeter, and crispier topping made with flour, sugar, butter, and rolled oats, which give it a crispy texture when baked. The topping can be seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to enhance the flavour.

The terms “Apple Crisp” and “Apple Crumble” are often used interchangeably, and the distinction between them may vary depending on the recipe and geographic location. The main difference lies in the texture and sweetness of their toppings.

In general, both desserts are similar, delicious, and easy to make. If you prefer a crumbly topping, you may prefer Apple Crumble, whereas if you prefer a slightly crunchier texture, you may prefer Apple Crisp.

Health Benefits of Apple Crumble

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about healthy foods, Apple Crumble has some potential health benefits.

Firstly, apples themselves are known for their nutritional value. They contain fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which can help support digestive health, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Not only that, but Apple Crumble often contains oats, which are a good source of fibre and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Oats also contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels.

Another ingredient commonly found in Apple Crumble is cinnamon, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve insulin sensitivity. It may also improve brain function and protect against neurological disorders.

In general, it’s important to keep in mind that Apple Crumble is still a dessert and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, when enjoyed as an occasional treat, it can provide some potential health benefits along with its delicious taste.

You can also opt for the healthier alternative recipe if you want to enjoy this delicious dessert without compromising your health goals.

Looking for More Desserts?

Apple Crumble is loved by many for its warm, comforting taste and is incredibly easy to make at home. So, whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is definitely worth a try.

If you’re a fan of desserts and looking for even more inspiration, be sure to check other resources on our website. You will find everything from authentic Irish desserts to decadent Oriental treats and more!

So why not take your baking skills to the next level and start experimenting with some new dessert recipes today? With so many delicious options to choose from, the possibilities are endless!

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