Simple apple crumble (apple crisp) is a classic dessert that brings warmth and joy to any table. This comforting dish showcases tender apples coated in spices, topped with a crispy crumble. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or holiday celebrations, it stands out for its delightful flavors and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dessert ready in no time.
- Warm Comfort: The combination of warm apples and a crispy topping creates a cozy treat that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or custard for an indulgent experience, or enjoy it plain for a lighter option.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients, this recipe allows you to whip up a tasty dessert without the need for specialty items.
- Family-Friendly: It’s an easy recipe to involve kids in the kitchen, making it a fun family activity.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Peeler
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish is essential for even cooking and holding all those delicious apple fillings.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to keep your ingredients organized while preparing both the apple filling and crumble topping.
Ingredients
Simple apple crumble (apple crisp) is made from simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Apple Filling
- 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
For the Crumble Topping
- 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)
How to Make Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180C/375F. Prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly so that your crumble doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
- Transfer them into the prepared baking pan.
- Add flour, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix well to combine.
- Squeeze half the juice of half a lemon over the apples and stir until evenly coated.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Use your fingers to rub the mixture together until it resembles breadcrumbs. It’s okay if some chunks remain.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the prepared apple mixture in your baking dish.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. The topping should be crispy and golden while the apple filling bubbles underneath.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or custard for an extra special treat!
How to Serve Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Serving your Simple Apple Crumble can elevate the experience and delight your guests. Here are some delicious ways to serve this comforting dessert.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm crumble, making every bite delightful.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a rich flavor that complements the apples.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream provides a perfect balance to the warm, crunchy topping of your apple crisp.
Served with Custard
- Custard offers a smooth, velvety texture that pairs wonderfully with the apple filling and crumbly topping.
Accompanied by Fresh Berries
- Fresh berries add a burst of tartness, creating a refreshing contrast to the sweet apple mixture.
On Its Own
- Sometimes, simplicity is key. Enjoying it plain allows you to savor the flavors without distractions.
How to Perfect Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
To achieve an outstanding Simple Apple Crumble, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.
- Choose the right apples: Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
- Adjust spices: Customize cinnamon and nutmeg levels to suit your taste preferences for warmth.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter creates a flaky topping that contrasts nicely with the soft apples.
- Let it cool slightly: Allowing it to rest before serving helps set the filling and makes it easier to scoop.
- Experiment with toppings: Add nuts or coconut flakes to the crumble for extra texture and flavor.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Pairing side dishes can enhance your meal alongside Simple Apple Crumble. Here are some great options:
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory balance alongside the sweet dessert.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers freshness and contrasts beautifully with the warm crumble.
- Chocolate Cake: For chocolate lovers, a slice of rich chocolate cake can be an indulgent addition.
- Spiced Chai Tea: This aromatic beverage complements the flavors of apple pie spices perfectly.
- Ice Cream Sundae: Elevate your dessert by creating an ice cream sundae topped with nuts and chocolate syrup.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These bars add another layer of sweetness and nutty crunch perfect for fall gatherings.
- Pumpkin Bread: Moist pumpkin bread serves as a cozy side during autumn festivities.
- Ginger Cookies: The spicy warmth from ginger cookies adds another dimension to your dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your simple apple crumble, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to get it right!
- Using the wrong apples: Different apple varieties yield different flavors and textures. Avoid using apples that are too soft or mealy. Choose firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
- Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to 180C/375F to ensure a consistent temperature.
- Overmixing the crumble topping: This can make the topping dense instead of crumbly. Mix just until you achieve a breadcrumb-like consistency with some chunks remaining.
- Ignoring the spices: The right spices enhance the flavor of your crumble. Don’t skip on cinnamon or nutmeg; adjust them according to your taste for the best flavor profile.
- Not letting it cool: Serving immediately can result in a hot, soupy filling. Allow the crumble to stand for a few minutes after baking for better texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover simple apple crumble in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C/375F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about simple apple crumble, here are some common questions answered!
What is the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?
Apple crisp typically includes oats in the topping, while apple crumble does not. Both desserts have a similar flavor but vary in texture.
Can I use other fruits in place of apples?
Yes! You can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries for a different twist on this simple apple crumble recipe.
How can I make my simple apple crumble healthier?
Consider reducing sugar or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Adding nuts or seeds can also boost nutrition.
What should I serve with simple apple crumble?
This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard for a delightful finish.
Final Thoughts
This simple apple crumble is an easy and comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. With its warm flavors and customizable toppings, you can adapt it to suit your tastes. Give it a try and enjoy this delicious treat with friends and family!
Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for any occasion. This delightful dish features tender, spiced apples baked under a buttery oat topping, creating a heavenly combination of warm and crispy textures. With minimal preparation time and simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard for an indulgent treat that everyone will love. Enjoy the comforting aromas wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this classic dessert that brings warmth to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 apples
- ½ tsp grated nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1 cup porridge oats
- 125 g butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C/375F and grease your baking dish.
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces; mix with nutmeg, cinnamon, sugars, flour, and lemon juice in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and salt; rub together until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
