Delicious gold-brown apple crumble topped with a golden crust and served in a baking dish.

Gold-Brown Apple Crumble

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Why Make This Recipe

Gold-Brown Apple Crumble is a comforting dessert that brings together the warm, spicy flavors of baked apples and a crunchy topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night at home. The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and buttery crumble is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any apples you have lying around.

How to Make Gold-Brown Apple Crumble

Ingredients:

Für die Füllung:

  • 4-5 medium apples (e.g., Elstar or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and cut into about 2 cm cubes
  • 50g sugar (adjust to the sweetness of apples)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Für die Streusel:

  • 150g all-purpose flour (Type 405 or 550)
  • 100g cold butter, cut into small cubes
  • 75g sugar
  • A pinch of salt

Directions:

  1. Prepare the apple filling: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Place the apple cubes in a large bowl. Add sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, and mix well. In a small cup, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Add this mixture to the apples and stir thoroughly. This step is crucial to ensure the filling becomes creamy during baking and doesn’t release too much liquid, which could make the crumble soggy. Spread the apple mixture into an ovenproof dish (around 20×15 cm or any oval dish) evenly.

  2. Make the crumble topping (the crunch trick!): In a clean bowl, combine flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Here comes the key step for crunchy crumble: use your fingertips to quickly work the butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to form rough, irregular crumbs while keeping the butter as cold as possible. Avoid overworking the mixture, or it may become compact and lose its crunch. Stop when you have formed nice, uneven crumbs.

  3. Assemble and bake: Spread the prepared crumble evenly over the apple filling in the dish. Press the crumble down lightly to maintain its loose structure. Place the dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake the apple crumble for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the crumble turns golden brown and crispy, with the filling bubbling slightly at the edges. If the crumble browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil. For extra crunch, you can use the broiler for the last 5 minutes—just stay close to avoid burning! Once done, remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool briefly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

How to Serve Gold-Brown Apple Crumble

Gold-Brown Apple Crumble is best served warm, right out of the oven. You can serve it in individual bowls, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream. Drizzling caramel sauce over it can also add an extra layer of sweetness. It’s a delightful treat for chilly evenings!

How to Store Gold-Brown Apple Crumble

To store leftover apple crumble, let it cool completely and cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in foil or transfer it to a suitable freezer container, and it can last for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Gold-Brown Apple Crumble

  • Choose a mix of apples for a variety of flavors and textures, like tart and sweet.
  • For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts or oats to the crumble topping.
  • If you like it extra sweet, sprinkle a little more sugar over the apple filling before topping with crumble.
  • Experiment with spices; a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add complexity to the apple filling.

Variation

You can try adding different fruits to this recipe. Pears or berries work beautifully alongside apples. For a tropical twist, consider including diced peaches or pineapple.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of apple you like. Popular choices include Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.

2. Is the crumble topping gluten-free?
No, the standard recipe is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and the crumble separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.