Simple apple crumble or apple crisp as my US friends would call it is a delightful warm and comforting dessert packed full of flavor. This Simple Apple Crumble recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness. Its easy preparation and irresistible taste make it a standout choice in the world of desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time.
- Versatile Flavors: Customize the spices or add nuts to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish fits right in.
- Comforting Warmth: Enjoy it fresh from the oven, paired with ice cream or custard for the ultimate treat.
- Healthy Twist: Incorporate oats for added texture and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Simple Apple Crumble, gather your tools. Having everything on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- baking dish
- mixing bowls
- knife
- peeler
- measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Dish: Ensures even cooking and browning of your apple crumble.
- Mixing Bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes peeling and chopping apples quick and safe.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 6 apples
– ½ tsp grated nutmeg or as needed
– ½ tsp cinnamon or as needed
– 2 Tbsp brown sugar
– 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 Tbsp white sugar
– Juice of half a lemon
– 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute for self-raising flour)
– 1 cup porridge oat
– 125 g butter (you can use melted butter or cold softened. I use cold butter)
– 1 cup light brown sugar (or as needed)
– ¼ tsp Salt (I love to add a pinch to the topping to balance the sweetness)
How to Make Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven at 180C/375F. While it’s heating up, prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
- Transfer them into the baking pan.
- Add flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix well to combine.
- Squeeze half the juice of half a lemon over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Use your fingers to rub the mixture together until you achieve a breadcrumb-like consistency. It’s okay if some chunks remain.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the prepared apple filling in your baking dish.
Step 5: Bake It
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is crispy and golden brown while the apple filling bubbles beneath.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Simple Apple Crumble warm with vanilla ice cream or custard for an extra special touch.
How to Serve Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Serving your simple apple crumble is just as important as making it! This warm, comforting dessert can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its delicious flavors and textures. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm crumble, creating a perfect blend of temperatures.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of rich caramel sauce over the top gives an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream enhances the dessert’s richness while balancing the sweetness of the crumble.
Served with Custard
- Warm custard poured over the apple crisp provides a luxurious touch, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
Accompanied by Fresh Berries
- Fresh berries on the side add a pop of color and a refreshing tartness that complements the warm apples perfectly.
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoying your crumble with a cup of coffee or tea can enhance the flavors and make for a cozy dessert experience.
How to Perfect Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
To achieve the best simple apple crumble, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.
- Choose the right apples – Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor, as they hold up well during baking.
- Don’t skimp on spices – Adding nutmeg and cinnamon enhances the apple’s natural sweetness, giving depth to your crumble.
- Use cold butter – For a flaky topping, incorporate cold butter into the mix instead of melted. This helps create that desirable crumbly texture.
- Let it rest before serving – Allowing your crumble to cool for a few minutes after baking helps set the juices, making it easier to serve.
- Experiment with toppings – Try adding nuts or oats for extra crunch and flavor in your topping mixture.
- Store leftovers properly – Keep any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Pairing side dishes with your simple apple crumble can complement its flavors beautifully. Here are some excellent choices:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic pairing that adds creaminess and contrasts perfectly with warm apple filling.
- Fresh Cream – A dollop of fresh cream can lighten up each bite while enhancing sweetness.
- Custard Sauce – Rich custard brings warmth and flavor that pairs well with baked apples.
- Greek Yogurt – A spoonful of Greek yogurt offers a tangy twist that balances sweetness nicely.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that contrast wonderfully with sweet apple crumble.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds freshness and brightness to your dessert spread.
- Coffee or Tea – Pairing this dessert with a hot beverage enhances its comforting nature.
- Spiced Chai Latte – The warming spices in chai complement the flavors in your apple crisp beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a simple apple crumble can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong apple variety: Not all apples are suitable for baking. Choose firm and tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Skipping the lemon juice: Lemon juice enhances the flavor of the apples. Forgetting it can make your filling overly sweet and bland.
- Overmixing the crumble topping: When combining the topping ingredients, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to a dense topping instead of a light, crispy one.
- Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Ignoring bake time: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your crumble as it bakes to prevent burning and ensure it’s bubbly and golden.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a simple apple crumble.
How do I make my Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) more flavorful?
Adding spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon enhances the overall flavor. You can also experiment with different types of apples.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! Pears, berries, or peaches work well alongside or instead of apples for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blends, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I prevent my apple filling from being too watery?
Ensure you use firm apples and consider adding a little cornstarch to absorb excess moisture before baking.
Can I prepare Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it ahead of time and bake just before serving for a fresh dessert experience.
Final Thoughts
This simple apple crumble is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite fruits or spices, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this comforting dessert today and enjoy its warm flavors paired with ice cream or custard!
Simple Apple Crumble
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a classic Simple Apple Crumble, also known as Apple Crisp. This delightful dessert features tender baked apples topped with a buttery, crispy crumble that is both easy to prepare and utterly satisfying. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming treat everyone will love. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or custard for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re enjoying it during autumn or any time of year, this Simple Apple Crumble is sure to become a cherished favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 portions 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 apples
- ½ tsp grated nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup porridge oats
- 125 g cold butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180C/375F and lightly grease your baking dish.
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. In the baking dish, combine the apples with flour, sugars, spices, and lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and salt until crumbly.
- Spread the crumble topping over the apple mixture evenly.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly underneath.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm with ice cream or custard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the crumble (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
