Apple Crumble

On this occasion, we share with you the foolproof recipe for Apple Crumble. A classic that blends the freshness of apples with a crunchy golden topping. Originating from British tradition, this delicious dessert perfectly balances the tartness of the apples with the irresistible crunchy texture of its topping, which today is enhanced with the added richness of nuts. Get ready to discover the secrets that make this Apple Crumble an eternal favorite!

This recipe is very easy to make, and very convenient if you have a pan suitable for both stovetop and oven, as is the case with the Infinity by BRA that we used. The preparation is simple, it doesn't require excessive cooking time and the result is delicious, especially paired with yogurt or ice cream. I hope you give it a try, whether to enjoy one morning with yogurt, to make it the star dessert this Sunday, or to win over your partner on Valentine's Day.

What is a crumble?

A crumble is a classic British dessert that combines cooked fruit at the base with a crumbly, crunchy layer on top. The top layer, called the "crumble", is usually made from a mixture of flour, sugar and butter, creating a flaky, golden texture when baked. This delightful combination of flavors and textures makes a comforting and versatile dessert that can be adapted to a variety of fruits. It is often enriched with the addition of nuts, adding an extra crunchy texture and flavor. Apples are a popular choice, but the versatility of the crumble allows you to experiment with a wide range of fruit options. Perfect for enjoying on any occasion!

Ingredients

• 4 apples (600 g)
• 75 g of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• A splash of Amaretto liqueur
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 10 g of cornstarch

For the crumble:

• 250 g of wheat flour
• 40 g of ground almond
• 200 g of unsalted butter (must be very cold)
• 100 g of white sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Preparation

1. Let's start by peeling and coring the apples, cutting them into quarters and placing them in the BRA Infinity 24cm pan. Once they are all in, add the sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, the citrus touch of lemon juice and a splash of the liqueur. Stir and allow this blend of flavors to develop for 10 - 15 minutes over medium heat.

2. While the apples cook in the pan, let's prepare the crumble. In a bowl, add the flour and the other ingredients, except the butter (which should remain cold in the fridge until the last moment). Mix the ingredients and it's time to add the butter. Cut it into cubes and, using your fingertips, pinch it, integrating the flour with the butter until you obtain a sandy texture. Once the harmony is achieved, pour this "magic soil" into the pan over the apples after the 10 minutes we mentioned of cooking them on the stove.

3. Preheat the oven to 200 ºC on top-and-bottom heat and put the pan in (the Infinity has a removable handle so it can go straight into the oven*), and let our crumble bake for 35 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. When serving, you can serve it as is, but a bit of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream is a classic that never fails. And there are other delicious pairings! Keep reading...

Ideas to accompany your apple crumble

1. Vanilla ice cream with macadamia nuts and strawberries: a classic, ideal for summer desserts and for Valentine's Day.
2. Whipped cream: A generous spoonful of whipped cream will further soften the crunchy texture of the crumble. You can play with flavors by adding a touch of vanilla or cinnamon to the cream.

3. Greek Yogurt: A creamy Greek yogurt will provide a refreshing contrast. You can lightly sweeten it with honey or maple syrup.

4. Salted Caramel: Drizzle* of salted caramel to elevate the indulgence. The sweet-and-salty combination will perfectly complement the crumble.

5. Freshly Grated Nutmeg: Sprinkle a touch of fresh nutmeg over the crumble to intensify the aromas and add an extra flavor dimension.

6. Caramel or Toffee Gelato: Add a scoop of caramel or toffee gelato for a decadent experience. The creaminess and rich flavor will form a heavenly pair with the crunchy crumble.

7. Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup over the crumble will add a sweet, comforting touch. It also pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.

8. Mascarpone Cheese: Place a spoonful or shape a quenelle of mascarpone cheese beside or on top of the crumble; you'll see it adds a smooth, creamy dimension. An Italian touch to delight the palate!

9. Cinnamon or Vanilla Ice Cream with Cookie Pieces: If you don't have vanilla ice cream with macadamia, or to offer something different, add ice creams that include cookie pieces or even cinnamon for an extra touch of texture and flavor.

Notes

• We used the Infinity pan, so we did everything in a single utensil (from stove to oven and served!), but if you don't have an oven-safe pan you should transfer the apples, after their time on the stove, to a 24 cm ceramic or nonstick dish, then spread the crumble on top and bake it in the dish.
• "Drizzle" is an English culinary term used to describe the action of gently pouring or sprinkling a liquid over food, generally decoratively or to add an extra touch of flavor. In the culinary context, "drizzle" often refers to lightly pouring sauces, syrups, melted chocolate, flavored oils or other similar liquids over dishes like desserts, salads or main courses. The idea is to achieve an even and attractive distribution of the liquid over the dish or food when presenting it.