APPLE CRUMBLE

INFO

Preparation time: Less than 30 mins.
Cooking time: 30 mins to 1 hour.
Serves: 6.

INGREDIENTS

CRUMBLE

300g plain flour, sieved
pinch of salt
175g brown sugar
200g butter at room temperature, cubed, plus a little for greasing

FILLING

450g apples, peeled, cored & cut into 1cm pieces (see recipe tip)
50g brown sugar
1 tbsp plain flour
1 pinch ground cinnamon

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4.
Place the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl and mix well. Taking a few cubes of butter at a time rub into the flour mixture. Keep rubbing until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs and all the butter is incorporated.
Place the fruit in a large bowl and sprinkle over the sugar, flour and cinnamon. Stir well, being careful not to break up the fruit.
Butter a 24cm ovenproof dish. Spoon the fruit mixture into the bottom, then sprinkle the crumble mixture on top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until the crumble is browned and the fruit mixture bubbling.
Serve with thick cream or custard.

RECIPE TIPS

How do you prevent apples going mushy in crumble?

Bramley apples (also known as cooking apples) will cook down and become beautifully soft and fluffy. If you prefer more distinct apple pieces, use eating apples and reduce the sugar quantity a little (as they are naturally sweeter than Bramley apples).

Why is my crumble topping not crumbly?

Using plenty of butter is they key to a good crumble topping, but take care not to over-mix when rubbing it in as that can make your crumble doughy (if you use a food processor take particular care). You can use your fingers to encourage clumps after rubbing in the butter. To further encourage clumps, sprinkle over a little cold water and stir — it will make the crumbs stick together in lumps.

Using a mixture of demerara and a finer brown sugar adds a pleasing crunch to your crumble, too.

Can you put oats in a crumble mix?

Oats are a lovely addition to crumble mixes and give great texture as well as a healthy dose of fibre. Just stir through a handful after rubbing in the butter.

SOURCE

Easy apple crumble recipe — BBC Food