Apple crumble is one of those comforting desserts that not only warms the heart but also brings smiles to the faces of those who indulge in it. The combination of sweet, tangy apples with a buttery, crunchy topping is a culinary delight that has stood the test of time. But while the classic version is beloved, there's always room to innovate and add a personal touch. In this blog post, we're going to explore 5 irresistible apple crumble recipes that you absolutely must try. Each recipe brings its own unique twist, ensuring that you'll never look at apple crumble the same way again.
Classic Apple Crumble with a Twist
Let’s start with a foundation that everyone knows and loves – the classic apple crumble. However, we’re going to spice it up to give it a new life.
- Ingredients:
- 6 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
- A pinch of salt
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the apples, lemon juice, half the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- For the topping, combine flour, oats, remaining sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Work in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle this crumbly mixture over the apples, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
🔍 Note: For an extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the crumble topping.
Caramel Apple Crumble
If you love the richness of caramel, this recipe will become your new favorite:
- Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the classic recipe
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Instructions:
- Prepare apples as above, but add the vanilla extract to the mixture.
- After adding the apple mix to the dish, drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before topping with the crumble mix.
- Continue with the topping and baking instructions from the classic recipe.
Ginger and Pear Apple Crumble
For those who enjoy a bit of zing and depth in their desserts:
- Ingredients:
- 5 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples
- 2 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced pears
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup ground gingersnap cookies (or ginger biscuits)
- Optional: A handful of crystallized ginger pieces
- Instructions:
- Combine apples, pears, ginger, and mix with sugar and spices from the classic recipe.
- Instead of the traditional crumble, add gingersnap crumbs to the crumble mixture for a spicier topping.
- Bake as instructed earlier.
Vegan Apple Crumble
For those avoiding dairy or looking for plant-based options:
- Ingredients:
- 6 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or oat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, chilled and cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds (optional)
- Instructions:
- Follow the instructions from the classic recipe, substituting vegan butter for regular butter.
- To enhance flavor, add a bit of lemon zest to the apples and a touch of almond extract to the crumble.
🌱 Note: If you want to make this recipe gluten-free as well, use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
Chocolate Chip Apple Crumble
Who says chocolate and apples can’t go together? Indulge in this unexpected combination:
- Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the classic crumble
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Instructions:
- Prepare the crumble as usual, but before baking, sprinkle chocolate chips over the crumble topping.
- Bake as directed, watching closely as the chocolate can burn if the crumble overcooks.
These five apple crumble recipes showcase the versatility and the delightful adaptability of this classic dessert. Whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurer in the kitchen, there's something here for every palate. Experimenting with different ingredients not only keeps the dessert exciting but also adds a personal touch to your baking repertoire. Enjoy the warmth, the flavors, and the joy that comes with baking and sharing these apple crumbles with friends and family.
Can I use any type of apple for apple crumble?
+
Yes, you can use any type of apple, but tart apples like Granny Smith are often preferred as they hold their shape and flavor well during baking. Sweeter apples like Gala can also be used for a different taste profile.
What can I use instead of butter for the crumble topping?
+
You can use vegan butter or even coconut oil, which will give the topping a different but still delicious flavor.
Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?
+
Absolutely! You can assemble the crumble up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
