Ultimate Comfort Food - Apple Crumble

Apple crumble is a classic comfort dessert, and here's a recipe that aims for ultimate enjoyment!

Ingredients:

• For the Apple Filling:

  • Approximately 4 lbs of apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, is ideal), peeled, cored, and sliced.

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.   

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference).

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but lovely).

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch).

  • Optional: a splash of apple cider or a tablespoon of Calvados (apple brandy) for extra depth.

    
    

• For the Crumble Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour.   

  • 1 cup rolled oats.

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar.

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional).   

  • Pinch of salt.

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes.

  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

  • (Or you buy this ready-made from most supermarkets!)

    
    

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).   

   • In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and flour (or cornstarch). If you are using any apple cider or Calvados, add it now.

   • Transfer the apple mixture to a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish.

     
     

2. Make the Crumble Topping:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and salt.

   • Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips or a pastry blender to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.   

   • if you want nuts in your crumble toping, mix those in at this point.

     
     

3. Assemble and Bake:

   • Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.

   • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.

   • Let it cool slightly before serving.

     
     

4. Serve:

   • Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.   

     
     

Tips for Ultimate Comfort:

• Apple Variety: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples creates a well-balanced flavour.

• Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A little ginger or cloves can add a warm depth.

• Butter is Best: Real butter in the crumble topping is essential for a rich, flavourful result.

• Oats for Texture: Rolled oats add a lovely chewy texture to the crumble.

• Nuts for Crunch: Adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping provides a delightful crunch.

• Serving Warm: Apple crumble is best served warm, when the flavours are at their peak.   

  
  

Enjoy your warm, comforting apple crumble!