Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
why make this recipe
This apple crumble is easy and fast. It uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. You get warm, soft apples and a crunchy topping in one dish. If you like classic baked fruit desserts, you can compare this to a similar baked apple crumble recipe for more ideas.
introduction
Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) is a homey dessert. It needs only fruit, oats, flour, butter, and a little sugar and spice. You make it in one pan and bake until the top is golden. The flavors are sweet, warm, and lightly spiced.
how to make Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Follow these steps to make the crumble. Prepare your oven and dish first. Peel and cut the apples, then mix them with the small amount of flour and sugar so they cook well. Make the topping by rubbing the cold butter into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Spread the topping over the apples and bake until the top is crispy and the filling bubbles.
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)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven at 180C/375F and prepare the baking dish.
- Peel, core and chop the apples and transfer into the baking pan.
- Add flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, mix to combine then add half the juice of half a lemon and stir to combine.
- In another bowl, combine oat, flour, brown sugar, cold butter and a pinch of salt, rub with your fingers until you get a breadcrumbs-like consistency. Some chunks are allowed too.
- Sprinkle the crumble toppings on the prepared apple fillings.
- Bake in an oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is crispy, golden and apple filling bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, stand for a few minutes and Serve with vanilla ice cream or custard.
how to serve Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Serve warm for best taste. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of custard. For a simple plate, pair a slice with a light salad or fruit side like a cucumber avocado salad to balance the richness.
how to store Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Let the crumble cool to room temperature. Cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 160C/325F for 10–15 minutes to keep the topping crisp. You can freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
tips to make Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
- Use firm apples that hold shape, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Cut apples in even pieces so they cook the same.
- Rub cold butter into the topping to make crunchy bits.
- Do not overmix the apple filling or it may become soggy.
- Add a pinch of salt to the topping to bring out all flavors.
variation (if any)
You can add berries or chopped pears to the apples for variety. For a nutty crunch, mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping. For a richer spice, add a little ground ginger or allspice. For another apple dessert idea, try an apple bundt cake as a change from crumble.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen apples?
A: Yes. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid before mixing with flour and sugar.
Q: Can I use butter substitutes?
A: You can use margarine, but the topping is best with real butter for flavor and crispness.
Q: How do I keep the topping crisp after baking?
A: Reheat in the oven rather than the microwave. The oven restores crispness.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Prepare the dish, cover, and refrigerate for one day before baking. Bake as directed when ready.
Q: What if my topping browns too fast?
A: Cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time until the filling bubbles.