Traditional British Apple Crumble Recipe

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Unveil your baking skills with a homely delight from the heart of British culinary tradition - the Apple Crumble! This is not just a dessert, but a symbol of simplicity, comfort, and flavor, all bundled into one satisfying dish.

Think of a windy day, cozied up indoors, with the delicious scent of baking wafting from the kitchen - that's the magic this recipe will bring into your home. Made with the tartness of Bramleys apples and the subtle sweetness of golden caster sugar, topped with a crumbly, buttery layer, this dessert spells pure bliss.

And the best part? It's not about precision. It's about the joy of creating something deliciously imperfect yet heartwarming. So don't worry about getting the crumb texture even. A rustic touch is what gives this apple crumble its characteristic charm.

Whether it's a casual weekend treat or an unexpected guest on a weekday, this Apple Crumble recipe will always come to your rescue. A quick bake of 30 minutes, and you have a warm, golden delight ready to be savored, perhaps with a dollop of ice cream or a splash of custard.

So, put on your apron and preheat your oven. It's time to delve into the blissful process of making a traditional British Apple Crumble!

JUMP TO:

INGREDIENTS:

Selecting Bramleys Apples: Bramleys apples are ideal for this recipe because of their tartness and texture when cooked, which gives a nice contrast to the sweet, crunchy crumble. Look for firm, green apples with no blemishes. They should feel heavy for their size, an indication of juiciness. If you can't find Bramleys, Granny Smith apples are a good substitute due to their similar taste profile.

Choosing Superfine Dark Golden Caster Sugar: Superfine Dark Golden Caster Sugar is unrefined sugar that retains some of the molasses, giving it a dark golden color and a subtle buttery flavor. This sugar is superfine-grained, which allows it to dissolve easily and blend well with other ingredients. If dark golden caster sugar is not available, you can use regular caster sugar, although it won't impart the same depth of colour and flavor.

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Understanding All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour has a medium level of protein, which makes it versatile for a range of baking recipes, including this apple crumble. The protein content is enough to provide structure to the crumble topping but not so much that it becomes tough. When purchasing, choose a well-known brand for consistent quality, and always check the expiration date.

Butter: The butter used in this recipe should be of high quality since its flavor will significantly influence the final product. Go for unsalted butter which allows you to control the sodium level in the dish. Cold butter is preferred as it helps to create a crumbly texture in the topping.

MAIN STEPS:

Apple Preparation: To optimize the flavor and texture of your crumble, carefully peel, core, and chop the Bramleys apples into chunky pieces. These should neither be too big nor too small. Too large, and they may not fully cook, creating uneven texture. Too small, and they could overcook and turn mushy. Ideally, the size should be such that the apples remain slightly firm yet thoroughly cooked after baking.

Caster Sugar Use: When you sprinkle the golden caster sugar over the apples, make sure to distribute it evenly. This process not only sweetens the apples but also helps to draw out their natural juices, which combines with the sugar to create a delicious syrup during baking. An uneven spread could lead to parts of the dish being overly sweet, while others may taste too tart.

Crumbly Topping Consistency: The butter needs to be rubbed into the flour and sugar until the mixture is very coarse. It's crucial not to overwork the mixture, which can lead to a dense, rather than crumbly, topping. Small, uneven lumps are expected and contribute to the desirable crumbly texture.

Baking Time and Temperature: Baking at the right temperature and time is crucial to achieve a golden-brown crumble with perfectly cooked apples. Look for the signs that the crumble is done - a golden color on the top and bubbling apples underneath. However, ovens can vary, so start checking a bit earlier to ensure you don't overcook the crumble.

Resting Period: Allowing the crumble to cool for about 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven is essential. The short rest lets the juices thicken a bit more, and the crumble becomes easier to serve. Plus, it will be at a more enjoyable eating temperature.

SERVED WITH:

Starter: Camembert Cheese with Honey Roasted Figs (France): Warm, gooey Camembert cheese served with honey-roasted figs makes a wonderful sweet and savory starter that balances the sweetness of the apple crumble.

Side Dish: Roasted Root Vegetables (United Kingdom): Roasting root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets brings out their natural sweetness, providing a complementary earthy flavor profile to the apple crumble.

Main Course: Roast Chicken with Thyme and Lemon (Italy): The zesty freshness of lemon and the aromatic thyme on a tender roast chicken would contrast nicely with the sweet and rich apple crumble.

Second Course: Baked Camembert with Cranberry Sauce (France): Warm, melted cheese paired with tangy cranberry sauce offers a balance of flavors that pairs well with a dessert like apple crumble.

Dessert: Vanilla Ice Cream (Italy): A classic pairing, the creaminess of the ice cream and the vanilla's subtle flavor are an excellent match for the tangy and warm apple crumble.

Cake: Earl Grey Tea Cake (United Kingdom): This fragrant, light cake flavored with a hint of Earl Grey tea provides a contrasting texture and flavor to the apple crumble, while staying within the realm of British cuisine.

ALTERNATIVES:

Dessert: Tarte Tatin (France): This is an upside-down tart where caramelized pears are topped with a pastry and baked, then flipped over for serving. The French love this rustic dish, which highlights the natural sweetness of the pears, akin to the apple crumble.

Dessert: Apfelstrudel (Austria): Translated to Apple Strudel, this dessert is made by layering thin pastry with a sweet apple filling, then rolling and baking until golden and crisp. It's a beloved treat in Austria and has similar ingredients to apple crumble.

Dessert: Apple Cobbler (United States): Similar to a crumble, this dessert has a sweet apple filling. However, the topping is more of a biscuit or scone, making it a slightly different texture and experience.

Dessert: Apple Brown Betty (United States): This dessert consists of layers of apples and sweet breadcrumbs. Originating from colonial America, it's a simple but delightful way to enjoy apples.

Dessert: Apple Sharlotka (Russia): This is a Russian-style apple cake where chunks of apple are mixed into a sweet batter and baked until set. The result is a moist, dense cake that's similar to an apple crumble in flavor but different in texture.

Dessert: Szarlotka (Poland): A Polish apple pie, the Szarlotka is made with a rich pastry and a chunky apple filling. Unlike British apple crumble, the pastry encases the apples, creating a different texture and presentation.

Dessert: Caramel Apple Pie (United States): An American twist on the traditional apple pie, this version features a layer of caramel sauce beneath the apple filling and a lattice pastry top. It offers a different, but equally delicious, way to enjoy the classic combination of apples and pastry.

HISTORY:

The Apple Crumble, a heartwarming, quintessentially British dessert, is known for its simplicity, comforting flavors, and association with home cooking. Its origins lie within the frugal yet inventive British cooking during World War II when rationing was a way of life.

The Apple Crumble's predecessor, the Apple Cobbler, had been a popular dessert in Britain for many years, but the pastry top was labor-intensive and used a lot of fats and sugars, which were strictly rationed. The crumble, using less butter and sugar, was a culinary response to these rationing measures. By taking advantage of the fruit from backyard gardens, this dish turned minimal ingredients into a delightful dessert.

As for the creator of the first apple crumble, this remains a mystery. It was likely the product of many home cooks needing to adapt their recipes to the limitations imposed by rationing. Despite its humble beginnings, the apple crumble quickly became a national favorite, beloved for its delicious simplicity and versatility.

Apple Crumble's cultural usage extended beyond the dinner table. It played a vital role during a challenging time in history, proving that limited resources could still result in satisfying, heartwarming dishes. It demonstrated the resiliency and creativity of the British people.

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In post-war Britain, as rationing ended, the apple crumble continued to hold its place in the country's culinary landscape. It has since been adapted and refined over the years, with cooks adding their own touch, such as including oats in the crumble topping or incorporating other fruits like blackberries.

Today, Apple Crumble remains a popular dessert, not only in Britain but around the world. Served traditionally with custard or cream, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, keeping the spirit of its origins alive. It stands as a testament to British resourcefulness and the power of simple, comforting food.

TIPS:

Making Half-and-Half Substitute: Though this recipe doesn't call for half-and-half, should you need it in the future, it can be made at home by combining equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream. It's a useful ingredient for adding richness to various dishes without being overly heavy.

Apple Preparation: Rather than simply chopping the apples, consider slicing them thinly. This can change the texture of the baked apple layer and could make for a more refined dish. Alternatively, consider partially pre-cooking the apples with a bit of butter and sugar for caramelization, which will give the dish added depth.

Infuse the Sugar: Infuse your caster sugar with a vanilla bean or cinnamon stick stored in the sugar jar for a few weeks. This can subtly boost the aroma and complexity of the dessert.

Crumble Topping: To add more texture to your crumble, consider adding some oats or chopped nuts to the mixture. This will provide a pleasing contrast to the soft apples beneath.

Spices: Don't underestimate the power of spices. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can work wonders for your apple filling.

Alcohol Addition: For a bit of added warmth and depth, consider adding a splash of Calvados or brandy to your apples. This will lend a pleasant boozy note to the dish.

Serving: While traditionally apple crumble is served with custard, you could consider serving it with a homemade vanilla or cinnamon-infused cream. Another option could be a scoop of salted caramel ice cream for a twist.

Presentation: For individual servings, consider baking your apple crumble in mini cast iron pans or ramekins. Not only does this look lovely, but it also ensures a perfect ratio of apple to crumble in each serving.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (1 Dish or 6 People 23x18cm / 9x7in) Cups (2 Dishes or 12 People 23x18cm / 9x7in) Cups (3 Dishes or 18 People 23x18cm / 9x7in) Cups (4 Dishes or 24 People 23x18cm / 9x7in) Cups (5 Dishes or 30 People 23x18cm / 9x7in) Cups (6 Dishes or 36 People 23x18cm / 9x7in) Cups (8 Dishes or 48 People 23x18cm / 9x7in) Imperial (1 Dish or 6 People 9x7in) Imperial (2 Dishes or 12 People 9x7in) Imperial (3 Dishes or 18 People 9x7in) Imperial (4 Dishes or 24 People 9x7in) Imperial (5 Dishes or 30 People 9x7in) Imperial (6 Dishes or 36 People 9x7in) Imperial (8 Dishes or 48 People 9x7in) Metric (1 Dish or 6 People 23x18cm) Metric (2 Dishes or 12 People 23x18cm) Metric (3 Dishes or 18 People 23x18cm) Metric (4 Dishes or 24 People 23x18cm) Metric (5 Dishes or 30 People 23x18cm) Metric (6 Dishes or 36 People 23x18cm) Metric (8 Dishes or 48 People 23x18cm)

Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 180C / 375F

02 - Prepare the Apples: Grab your Apples and start peeling them. After peeling, remove the cores and chop the apples into medium-sized pieces. Aim for a size that's not too big, not too small. You can also slice you Apples... or mix chunks and slices. Place them in a medium-large bowl.

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The following pictures will illustrate both methods, chunks and slices. Have a look which one you fancy the most! You'll be the one deciding.

03 - Sweeten the Apples: Now, take the Superfine Dark Golden Caster Sugar and sprinkle it over your chopped Apples. This will give your Apples an extra sweet touch. Cover, and set aside or refrigerate while you prepare the topping.

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04 - Move these Apple chunks (or slices) into a shallow baking dish, approximately 23x18cm / 9x7in in size.

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05 - Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large baking bowl, combine your Flour, Sugar and Butter. This mixture forms the base of the crumble topping.

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06 - Add the Butter: Now, cut your Butter into small pieces and add it to the Flour and Sugar mix. Using your fingers, gently rub the Butter into the Flour and Sugar mixture. Aim for a coarse texture, and don't worry too much about it being perfectly even.

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07 - Sprinkle your Crumble mixture over the sugared Apples in the baking dish, creating a good, even layer.

08 - Bake your Dish: Bake your Apple Crumble for about 30 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden color. You'll know it's ready when you see the Apples bubbling up from underneath.

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09 - Cool Down: Once out of the oven, let your Apple Crumble rest for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to serve and enhance the flavors. Enjoy!

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Notes:

Sugar Is Key: Caster Sugar is also known as fine sugar. Superfine Dark Golden Caster Sugar is unrefined and tends to be more golden in colour. If you can' find it, use ordinary White Caster Sugar instead.

Electric Mixer: If you are using an electic mixter, combine all topping ingredients together and mix until you obtain a rustic blumble mixture.

Topping: When spreading the Topping over the Apples, try to work on a depth half that of the Apples, too thick won't cook.

Prep in Advance: You can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping separately, up to two days ahead of time.

Storing: Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more flavorful dish when baked.

Freezing: The crumble topping can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, there’s no need to thaw it out first - you can sprinkle it directly over the apples and bake. The apple filling can also be frozen, although it’s recommended to do this in the dish you plan to bake it in, and thaw it completely before adding the crumble topping and baking.

In the Oven: To reheat the whole crumble, cover it loosely with foil to prevent the topping from burning, and place it in a preheated oven (180C/356F) for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through.

Microwave: If you’re reheating individual portions, using a microwave is quick and convenient. Keep in mind that while this method will heat your crumble effectively, it may also soften the topping somewhat.

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Written by: Uncut Recipes

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