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- Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They give a great mix of tart and sweet. Peel, core, and slice them into thin pieces. This helps them cook evenly. - Sweeteners: We use both brown sugar and granulated sugar. Brown sugar adds a rich flavor, while granulated sugar helps balance the sweetness. - Dry Ingredients: For the crumble, you need rolled oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. These add texture and warmth to the dish. - Butter: Cold unsalted butter is key. It helps create a crumbly topping. Cut it into small cubes before mixing. This keeps the butter cold and helps form those nice crumbs. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to heat up while you prepare the apples. - Prepare the apple mixture: In a large bowl, combine 4 sliced apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Toss well so all apple slices get coated. Pour this mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish. - Mixing dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg if you choose to add it. This will create a flavorful base for your topping. - Incorporating the butter: Cut 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter into small cubes. Add it to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until you see coarse crumbs. Some butter pieces should be the size of peas. - Layering the apple and crumble: Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apple layer in your baking dish. Make sure to cover all the apples well. This will create a nice crunchy layer on top. - Baking time and temperature: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for tender apples and a golden-brown topping. This shows it's ready to enjoy. For a great crumble texture, you need to focus on blending the butter well. I like to use my fingertips to mix the cold butter into the dry ingredients. This helps keep small chunks of butter, which is key. Aim for a mix that looks like coarse crumbs. Baking time is also important. Bake your crumble for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the apples to be soft and the topping to be golden brown. If it browns too fast, cover it with foil. You can boost the flavor with different spices. Try adding a touch of ginger or cloves for a twist. If you want a deeper flavor, mix in some ground nutmeg. You can also switch up the toppings. Toasted nuts or shredded coconut add great texture and taste. Mix-ins can make your crumble special too. Consider adding raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity kick. They pair nicely with the apple and cinnamon. Serving this crumble warm is a must. I love pairing it with vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm crumble, creating a perfect combo. Whipped cream is another great choice if you prefer something lighter. For garnishing, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. Thin apple slices make a pretty touch too. A sprig of mint can add a fresh look and hint of flavor. Enjoy your delicious dessert! Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will give your crumble a delightful flavor balance. Keep Butter Cold: Ensure your butter is cold to achieve a flaky, crumbly topping. This will create that perfect texture when baked. Don’t Overmix: When combining the butter with the dry ingredients, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to a dense topping. Let it Cool: Allow the crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to scoop. {{image_4}} You can use different fruits for your crumble. Pears are a great choice. They add a sweet flavor. Berries, like blueberries or raspberries, work well too. They give a nice tartness. When using these fruits, adjust the sugar. Berries are sweeter, so use less sugar. For pears, you might want to add a touch more lemon juice. This keeps them from browning too quickly. If you need a gluten-free version, don't worry! You can swap the all-purpose flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend instead. These options work well. Also, you can use gluten-free oats. Check the package to ensure they are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy your crumble. For a healthier dessert, try reducing the sugar. You can cut the brown sugar in half. Use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey instead. They add a unique flavor. Adding nuts or seeds is another great idea. Chopped walnuts or flaxseeds can boost nutrition. They add crunch and healthy fats. This makes your crumble tasty and good for you. To keep your Cinnamon Apple Crumble fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid moisture. It stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. You can also cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Always let it cool completely before storing. If you want to freeze your crumble, first let it cool down. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warm. This keeps the topping nice and crunchy. Yes, you can make it ahead! Prepare the apple filling and topping separately. - Mix the apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar. - Store the filling in the fridge for up to one day. - Prepare the crumble topping and keep it in a separate bowl. - When ready to bake, combine them and follow the baking steps. This way, you save time and can enjoy fresh crumble later! For the best flavor, use tart apples. I recommend: - Granny Smith: They add a nice tartness. - Honeycrisp: These are sweet and crisp, great for balance. - Fuji: They are sweet and hold their shape well. Using a mix of apples can add depth to the taste. To check if your crumble is ready: - Look for a golden brown topping. - Check if the apples are tender by poking with a fork. - You can also smell the sweet aroma filling your kitchen! Baking usually takes about 35-40 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Enjoy that warm, comforting scent! Cinnamon apple crumble is a delightful dessert made with fresh apples and a crunchy topping. We covered ingredients, baking steps, and tips for the best texture. Remember to use cold butter and adjust spices for flavor. You can even try seasonal fruits for variety. Store your leftovers properly to enjoy later. With this guide, you can bake a perfect crumble every time. Enjoy making this tasty treat!

Cinnamon Apple Crumble Delight

A delicious dessert featuring tart apples topped with a crumbly oat mixture, perfect for serving warm with ice cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 serving vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
  • Prepare the Apples: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar, ensuring all the apple slices are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish or baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar, granulated sugar, sea salt, and ground nutmeg (if you're including it). Mix until fully combined.
  • Incorporate the Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, blend the butter into the ingredients until the mix achieves a texture resembling coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter bits remaining.
  • Assemble the Dish: Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the prepared apple layer in your baking dish, making sure to cover all the apples completely.
  • Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumble topping turns a lovely golden brown.
  • Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Keyword apple crumble, baking, dessert