Description
This classic Apple Crumble features tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples topped with a buttery, crumbly oat and brown sugar mixture. Baked until golden and served warm with vanilla ice cream, this comforting dessert is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 2 lb / 1 kg Granny Smith Apples (green apples), peeled and cut into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) cubes
- 1 tbsp plain / all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar (can substitute brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or water)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats / oatmeal (quick cooking is acceptable)
- 1 cup plain / all-purpose flour
- 1 cup loosely packed brown sugar (can substitute white sugar)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 125 g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F), using either fan or standard settings, to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the crumble evenly.
- Prepare the apples: Peel the Granny Smith apples and chop them into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) cubes for uniform cooking and texture.
- Make the apple filling: Place the cubed apples into a large bowl. Sprinkle with flour, white sugar, and ground cinnamon, then drizzle with lemon juice. Toss everything together until well combined, then spread the mixture evenly into a 1.5 litre (1.5 quart) baking dish.
- Prepare crumble topping: In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon powder, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture clumps together like wet sand. Spread this crumble topping evenly over the apple filling, breaking it up with your fingers to create a crumbly texture.
- Bake the crumble: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest the crumble: Remove the apple crumble from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it stand for 10 minutes to allow the apple juices to thicken slightly, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the apple crumble warm, accompanied by scoops of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of hot and cold.
Notes
- Using Granny Smith apples provides the perfect balance of tartness against the sweet crumble topping.
- If unavailable, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar and vice versa, but the brown sugar adds a richer flavor and color to the crumble topping.
- Lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle tangy note.
- For a crispier topping, you can briefly broil the crumble for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Vanilla ice cream is the traditional accompaniment, but whipped cream or custard also pair well with this dessert.
- Allowing the crumble to rest before serving helps thicken the syrup created by the apple juices, improving the overall texture.
