Crumbles are a humble dessert that any home cook can make, but despite how simple they are, you can’t deny that you find yourself craving these moreish and delightful treats as the nights get colder.
WATCH: Spiced pear with crumble
Apple crumble topped with vanilla ice cream or custard is a dessert everyone has enjoyed at the table or while rugged up on the couch. But have you tried any other variations of the warming treat?
There’s sweet strawberry, tart rhubarb raspberry or even spiced pear. But with each tray and ramekin layered with seasonal fruit and the perfect textural crunch, any crumble always pleases a crowd.
There are a few reasons why your crumble might turn out less than crispy, including.
- Too much moisture: If the apples release too much moisture during baking or if the crumble topping contains too much liquid (such as melted butter), it can prevent the topping from crisping up properly.
- Not enough fat: A crumble topping needs enough fat (usually butter) to become crispy when baked. If the flour to fat is too high or the fat is not evenly distributed throughout the topping, it may not crisp up properly.
- Not enough sugar: Sugar helps to caramelize the crumble topping, creating a crispy texture. If your crumble topping doesn’t contain enough sugar, it may not brown and crisp up as desired.
- Overbaking: Baking the crumble for too long or at too high a temperature can cause it to dry out and become hard rather than crispy. Keep an eye on the crumble while it bakes to prevent over-browning.
- Improper mixing: If the crumble topping is not mixed correctly, and the dry ingredients are not fully incorporated into the fat, it may not form the desired crumbly texture when baked.
Our best apple crumble recipes
We’ve rounded up our top 8 crumble recipes that will surely make your tummy rumble as you make them in your kitchen.
1. Classic apple crumble
It is a simple well, well-loved recipe that will melt hearts every time, especially when served in individual cute dishes.
All it takes is just one bite of this fruity delight and it’ll instantly become a cereal favourite with your friends and family.
3. Spiced pear and date crumble
This deliciously different take on a classic winter dessert is even better the next day for breakfast or brunch!
Apples are ripe when they are picked from the tree, so when choosing them, always look for those that feel firm and have unblemished, bright, and shiny skin.
5. Raspberry and hazelnut crumble
An old-fashioned comforting dessert with a perfect balance of flavours and textures. The roasted hazelnut adds extra crunch!
Bake this staple cold-weather favourite in individual dishes or ramekins to serve to guests. But if you’re feeling a little lazy or tight on time, you can always bake this treat on a large baking tray.
7. Apple berry crumble
8. Plum and ginger crumble dessert slice
This sweet dessert slice recipe is a lot healthier for you than it tastes. It’s a sweet finale that tastes a little sinful. Using rolled oats and a little toasted breakfast cereal is a little sinful.
The secret to a good crumble
The secret to a good crumble is achieving the perfect flavour, texture, and moisture balance. Here are some tips to help you make a delicious crumble:
- Use the right apples: For the filling, choose firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet crumble topping.
- Balance of sweetness: Balance the sweetness of the filling with a touch of acidity from lemon juice or zest. This helps to enhance the flavour of the fruit and prevents the crumble from being overly sweet.
- Properly spiced: For extra flavour, add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling. Be careful not to overpower the dish; a subtle hint of spice complements the sweetness of the fruit without overwhelming it.
- Perfect crumble topping: The crumble topping should be a mixture of flour, sugar, oats, and butter. The butter should be cold and cut into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This ensures a crisp and crumbly texture when baked.
- Add crunch: For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or seeds to the crumble topping. Almonds, pecans, or walnuts work well and add a delicious nutty flavour.
- Bake at the right temperature: Bake the crumble at a moderate temperature (around 180°C) to allow the fruit to cook without burning the topping. A lower temperature ensures the crumble topping crisps up evenly without becoming too dark.
- Serve fresh and warm: Enjoy your crumble fresh out of the oven while it’s still warm and crispy. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert experience.
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