Description
This comforting Warm Apple Dessert with Cinnamon Crumble features tender, spiced apples under a golden, crunchy topping, perfect for busy days or a gluten-free treat.
Ingredients
- Apples: 6-8 medium (about 6 cups / 900g-1.1kg) peeled, cored, and sliced
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g) for the crumble and 1 tbsp for the apples (optional, for thickening)
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g) for the apples, ¼ cup (50g) for the crumble
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup (110g) packed for the crumble
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g) cold, cubed
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tbsp for the apples, 1 tsp for the crumble
- Rolled Oats: ½ cup (45g)
- Lemon Juice: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Prep Apples: Peel, core, and evenly slice 6-8 medium apples (about 6 cups / 900g-1.1kg). In a large bowl, toss them gently with ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Make sure every apple slice is coated for consistent flavor.
- Make Crumble: In a separate medium bowl, combine 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (45g) rolled oats, ½ cup (110g) packed brown sugar, ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Add ½ cup (113g) cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This creates that perfect, crunchy crumble.
- Assemble: Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the apples, ensuring good coverage.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender (a knife should easily pierce them), the crumble topping is beautifully golden brown, and the fruit filling is bubbly around the edges. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Tips for a Perfect Crumble:
- Reduce Sugar: For a healthier option, feel free to reduce the amount of added sugar in both the apple filling and the crumble topping. The natural sweetness of the apples often shines through beautifully.
- Boost Fiber: Increase the proportion of rolled oats or mix in some chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) into the crumble for added fiber and a more substantial texture.
- Avoid overmixing the crumble topping; this helps keep it light, tender, and deliciously crisp after baking.
- Slice your apples uniformly to ensure they all cook evenly, preventing some pieces from being too soft while others are still firm. This consistency is key.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Easily make this a gluten-free apple crumble by using a good quality, certified gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- For a dairy-free option, vegan butter substitutes work wonderfully in the crumble topping.
- While apples are classic, don’t hesitate to substitute with pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries for a different fruit profile.
- Elevate the spice profile with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or a touch of fresh lemon zest added to the apple mixture for brightness.
- A splash of vanilla extract in the apple filling or mixed into the crumble can deepen the overall flavor.
- Consider seasonal additions like dried cranberries or a hint of ground ginger for a festive twist.
- For an even better taste and to support sustainable practices, opt for organic apples when possible.
- Swap out some all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour in the crumble to add a boost of fiber without sacrificing tenderness.
Nutritional data provided is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 46g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg