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Apple Crumble

Apple crumble is a classic British dessert with tender cinnamon apples baked under a sandy golden crumble topping. This method bakes until the fruit bubbles at the edges and the topping turns pale golden for crisp, buttery bites.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

apple filling
  • 1.5 kg cooking apples peeled and sliced
  • 75 g granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
crumble topping
  • 225 g plain all-purpose flour
  • 150 g unsalted butter cold, cubed
  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • 50 g light brown sugar packed
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp salt
serving
  • 1 custard, cream, or ice cream for serving

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and bake
  1. Preheat oven to 190C (375F) and grease a large baking dish.
  2. Toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, then spread them in the prepared dish.
  3. Place flour and cold unsalted butter in a bowl, then rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger pieces.
  4. Stir in granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed.
  5. Spread the crumble evenly over the apples without packing it down.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 190C (375F) until the topping is pale golden and the apple filling bubbles at the edges.
Serve
  1. Serve warm with custard, double cream, or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

For best texture, keep the butter cold while rubbing the crumble so it bakes into crisp, sandy clusters. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 180C (350F) until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the topping can soften. Dietary swap: use a dairy-free butter stick for a similar crumb (choose one that bakes well).