My grandmother, with her ever-present apron and warm smile, handed me a bowl of freshly picked apples and asked for my help in making her famous apple crumble. It was a cherished family tradition, one that marked the beginning of the holiday season. As we peeled and chopped the apples together, she shared stories from her own childhood, tales of simpler times and cherished memories.
The magic of apple crumble lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re using tart Granny Smiths or sweet Honeycrisps, the end result is always a cozy, fragrant dish that brings people together. Over the years, I’ve made a few tweaks to the original recipe—adding a hint of ginger for a subtle kick and using a mix of white and brown sugars for a richer, more complex flavor. The crumble topping, with its buttery, crispy texture, perfectly complements the tender, cinnamon-spiced apples beneath.
This recipe is perfect for those cool fall evenings when you want something warm and comforting, or for any time you’re craving a bit of nostalgia. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it is in mine.
So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring a little bit of that farmhouse magic into your kitchen. Trust me, your home will smell absolutely heavenly, and your taste buds will thank you!
Making Homemade Apple Crumble
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Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 6 cups apples (peeled and chopped, 1″ pieces)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or apple pie spice)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, ⅓ cup white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and ginger if using. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms large pea-sized crumbs, about 3 to 4 minutes. Place this crumble topping in the fridge while you prepare the apples.
In a 2-quart baking dish, toss the sliced apples with ¼ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and cinnamon until well coated.
Spread the prepared crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
Serve warm or at room temperature, with vanilla ice cream if desired.
FAQs:
What types of apples are best for apple crumble?
For the best apple crumble, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tartness and firmness. Additionally, combining them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare apple crumble ahead of time. Assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving to maintain its crispiness.
How can I make my crumble topping crispier?
To achieve a crispier topping, make sure to use cold butter and work it into the flour mixture until it forms large crumbs. Additionally, you can add a small amount of oats or chopped nuts to the topping mixture for extra crunch.
Can I use frozen apples for apple crumble?
Although fresh apples are preferred, you can use frozen apples if necessary. Thaw and drain the apples thoroughly before using them in the recipe to prevent excess moisture, which can make the crumble soggy.
What can I serve with apple crumble?
Apple crumble pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a warm, comforting touch, you can also drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Alternatively, a spoonful of custard can complement the flavors nicely.
Homemade Apple Crumble
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples peeled and chopped, 1" pieces
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon or apple pie spice
- 1 cup flour
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger optional
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, ⅓ cup white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and ginger if using. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms large pea-sized crumbs, about 3 to 4 minutes. Place this crumble topping in the fridge while you prepare the apples.
- In a 2-quart baking dish, toss the sliced apples with ¼ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and cinnamon until well coated.
- Spread the prepared crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with vanilla ice cream if desired.
