Ingredients
To make this delightful dessert, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 apples – Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg – Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon – For that classic apple pie spice.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds richness and depth to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the apple juices as they bake.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar – Balances the tartness of the apples.
- Juice of half a lemon – Prevents browning and adds a hint of tartness.
For the crumble topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – You can substitute with self-raising flour if desired.
- 1 cup porridge oats – Adds a hearty texture to the crumble.
- 125 g butter – Use cold butter for a crumbly texture; melted butter for a softer topping.
- 1 cup light brown sugar – Sweetens the topping with a mild molasses flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – A pinch to balance the sweetness.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (375°F). Grease a baking dish lightly with butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized chunks. Transfer the chopped apples into the prepared baking dish.
Add Spices and Sweeteners: Sprinkle the apples with all-purpose flour, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and grated nutmeg. Toss the mixture to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Finally, drizzle with the juice of half a lemon to enhance the flavors and prevent browning.
Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold butter, cut into small cubes, and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. It’s okay to leave some larger chunks of butter for a varied texture in the crumble.
Assemble the Crumble: Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the spiced apple filling, making sure to cover all the apples.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the apple filling is bubbling.
Serve: Remove the apple crumble from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of custard for a classic combination.
Notes
- Overmixing the Topping: Avoid overmixing the butter with the dry ingredients. The goal is to achieve a crumbly texture, so it’s okay if some chunks of butter remain.
- Using Too Much Lemon Juice: While lemon juice enhances flavor, too much can make the filling overly tart. Stick to the juice of half a lemon.
- Not Baking Long Enough: Ensure the topping is golden and crispy before removing the crumble from the oven. This usually takes around 35-40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert