Apple Crumble
Ingredients
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- 2 pounds apples – peeled, cored, sliced (~5.5 medium apples)
- 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cups unsalted butter – cold, cut into small cubes
- pouring custard – for serving
Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack in the center.
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples about 0.25 inch thick, then toss in a large bowl with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Spread the apples in an 8-inch square or similar 2-quart baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and salt. Add the unsalted butter and work it in with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with some pea-size bits.
4. Evenly scatter the crumble over the apples, leaving a few small gaps so steam can escape.
5. Bake until the topping is deep golden and the juices are bubbling thick at the edges and the apples are tender when pierced, 40–50 minutes.
6. Let the apple crumble cool for 10–15 minutes so the juices thicken. Serve warm with pouring custard, if using.
Apple Crumble is a comforting baked dessert of tender, tart-sweet apples under a blanket of buttery, sandy crumbs. The contrast of soft fruit and crisp rubble topping delivers warm spice and caramel notes, especially when the apples’ juices bubble up around the edges. It’s simple to assemble, forgiving to bake, and especially good served warm with custard to pour or a melting spoon of cream.
Originating in Britain, apple crumble rose to popularity during the mid-20th century, when wartime rationing made pastry-heavy pies less practical. The crumble topping used less fat and was quicker to prepare, turning it into a beloved home and pub classic across the UK. Over time it has welcomed small variations—different apple varieties, a touch of spice, or a dash of lemon—while remaining a staple of British comfort cooking.