Apple Crumble

Apple Crumble is an easy desert to make. Sweet apples covered in a crunchy topping served with ice-cream or cream – Happy Days!

This is one of my favourite easy desert recipes to make. A warm and comforting desert it is a treat on a cold night or with loads of ice-cream nice on warm evenings.

I also like this recipe because it doesn’t need lots of ingredients or complicated cooking. If you’re travelling, you can use whatever apples are available and make a small crumble without needing a long list of ingredients.

 

Why You’ll Love This

 

It is easy. There are only a few simple steps and no complicated techniques.

It uses simple ingredients. Apples, flour, sugar, oats and butter are all you need to make the crumble.

It is easy to adapt. You can use different types of apples and make a few simple substitutions depending on what you have available.

It makes a small dessert. The recipe is suitable for 1-2 serves, which is handy when travelling or cooking for yourself.

It is delicious. Warm soft apples with a crunchy crumble topping and a scoop of ice cream – what’s not to love?

 

What is Apple Crumble?

 

Apple Crumble is a simple baked dessert made with cooked apples and a crumbly topping.

The apples are usually cooked with a little sugar and sometimes cinnamon before being covered with a mixture of flour, sugar, oats and butter. The whole thing is then baked until the topping is lightly golden and crunchy.

It is traditionally served warm with ice cream, cream or custard.

 

Ingredients and Substitutions

 

For the Apples

• 3 apples, peeled, cored and diced – I usually use Granny Smith, but other apples will work. 
• 1 tablespoon caster sugar – any sugar you have available can be used. 
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional). 
• 1/4 cup water. 

 

For the Crumble

• 1/3 cup plain flour. 
• 1/3 cup caster sugar. 
• 1/3 cup traditional rolled oats. 
• 60g butter, chopped. 
• Ice cream or whipped cream, to serve. 

You don’t have to use Granny Smith apples. Use whatever apples are available, particularly if you’re travelling, backpacking or camping.

If you don’t have caster sugar, regular white or brown sugar can be used. Brown sugar will give the crumble a slightly richer flavour.

The cinnamon is optional, so don’t worry if you don’t have any with you.

If you don’t have oats, you can leave them out and make a simple flour, sugar and butter crumble instead.

 

Equipment Required

 

Small saucepan.
Bowl.
Baking dish.
Chopping board and knife.
Spoon.

 

How to Make Apple Crumble

 

1. Prepare the apples. Peel, core and dice the apples into small pieces. 
2. Cook the apples. Place the apples in a small saucepan with the sugar, cinnamon if using and water. Cook over a gentle heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened. 
3. Make the crumble. While the apples are cooking, place the flour, sugar and oats into a bowl. 
4. Rub in the butter. Add the chopped butter and use clean fingers to rub it into the flour, sugar and oats until the mixture becomes crumbly. 
5. Add the apples to the baking dish. Once the apples are soft, transfer them to a baking dish. 
6. Add the crumble topping. Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the apples. 
7. Bake. Place in a preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the crumble topping is lightly golden brown. 
8. Serve. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream or custard. 

 

Tips for Making Apple Crumble

 

Don’t overcook the apples. They should be soft but still have a little texture because they will continue cooking in the oven.

Keep the butter cold. Cold butter helps create a nice crumbly topping.

Don’t overwork the crumble. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly rather than mixing it into a smooth dough.

Use the apples you have. Granny Smith is my usual choice, but there is no need to search for a particular variety when travelling.

Make a smaller crumble. This recipe makes 1-2 serves, making it useful when cooking for yourself or a couple.

Keep an eye on the oven. Small or portable ovens can vary in temperature, so check the crumble after about 15 minutes and look for a lightly golden topping.

 

Serving Ideas

 

Apple Crumble is delicious served warm with ice cream, which is my favourite way to serve it.

You can also serve it with:

• Whipped cream. 
• Custard. 
• Plain yoghurt. 
• A drizzle of cream. 

And if you don’t have anything to serve with it, don’t worry. The warm apple and crunchy crumble are good enough on their own.

 

What to Do With Leftovers

 

Apple Crumble is best eaten warm, but if you have leftovers, allow them to cool and store them covered in the refrigerator.

Reheat the portion you want to eat in the oven or microwave until hot.

If you’re travelling without access to refrigeration, it is better to make only the amount you expect to eat rather than keeping leftover cooked apples for later.

 

Best Apples to Use

 

I usually use Granny Smith apples for Apple Crumble. They have a nice balance of sweet and tart flavours and hold their shape well when cooked.

However, you can use other apples too. Pink Lady, Gala and other apples suitable for cooking can all work well.

If you’re travelling, simply use the apples that are available where you are. You don’t need to buy a particular variety just to make this dessert.

 

 

Apple Crumble Making FAQs

 

Can I make Apple Crumble without oats?

Yes. Leave out the oats and make the topping with flour, sugar and butter.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes. Granny Smith is my preference, but most apples suitable for cooking will work.

Can I make Apple Crumble without cinnamon?

Absolutely. Cinnamon is optional and the crumble will still taste delicious without it.

Can I use brown sugar?

Yes. Brown sugar can be used instead of caster sugar and will give the crumble a slightly deeper flavour.

Can I make Apple Crumble while travelling?

Yes, provided you have access to an oven or suitable portable cooking equipment. The recipe only needs a small saucepan, bowl and baking dish, so it doesn’t require lots of kitchen equipment.

Can I prepare Apple Crumble ahead of time?

Yes. You can cook the apples and prepare the crumble topping separately, then assemble and bake it when you’re ready.

Can I freeze Apple Crumble?

Yes, Apple Crumble can be frozen. However, if you’re travelling, making a smaller amount and eating it fresh is usually easier.

Can I use other fruit?

Of course you can. There are lots of fruit you can use to make a great tasting crumble. Some could include: peach crumble, pear and sultana crumble, apricot crumble, strawberry crumble or add rhubarb to the apple for apple and rhubarb crumble. 

 

Enjoy your Apple Crumble