Spiced Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Oat Topping
Indulge in this delightful Spiced Cinnamon Apple Crumble, a warm dessert that combines sweet and tangy apples with a crumbly oat topping. Each bite is bursting with flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, enhanced by a hint of orange juice. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own, this comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and can easily be shared with family and friends. Make this crave-worthy dessert for gatherings or simply to savor at home, and watch it become a new favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking apples
4 cups (peeled, cored & thinly sliced)
Orange juice
3 tablespoons
Sugar
1/4 cup
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (divided)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Flour
1/4 cup
Butter
1/4 cup (cold)
Oats
1/2 cup (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart glass baking dish or a clay baker with butter or cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced baking apples with the orange juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
3
Add the sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the apple mixture. Gently toss until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
4
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5
In a separate medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly. Stir in the oats until combined.
7
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
9
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Cinnamon Apple Crumble?
Spiced Cinnamon Apple Crumble is a warm dessert made of sweet and tangy apples seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a crispy, buttery oat mixture.
What kind of apples should I use?
The recipe calls for baking apples; common varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best as they hold their shape during baking.
How do I prepare the apples?
You should peel, core, and thinly slice the apples to ensure they cook evenly and result in 4 cups of fruit.
What is the purpose of orange juice in this recipe?
Orange juice helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a subtle tangy brightness that balances the sweetness.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in total, divided between the apple filling and the oat topping.
Why is cornstarch added to the apples?
Cornstarch acts as a thickener for the juices released by the apples during baking, creating a delicious syrup.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before starting the assembly.
What type of baking dish is best?
A 2-quart glass baking dish or a clay baker is ideal for this recipe.
Should the butter be cold or room temperature?
The butter must be cold to achieve a coarse, crumbly texture for the oat topping.
What type of oats are recommended?
You can use either quick oats or old-fashioned uncooked oats for the topping.
How long does the crumble take to bake?
Bake the crumble for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Can I use a food processor to mix the topping?
While you can use your fingertips or a pastry blender, a food processor can be used to pulse the cold butter into the flour mixture quickly.
How do I know when the crumble is finished cooking?
The crumble is ready when the topping is crispy and golden, and the apple mixture is bubbling around the edges.
Is the brown sugar measured packed or loose?
The brown sugar for the topping should be firmly packed into the measuring cup.
What should I serve with apple crumble?
It is best enjoyed warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How do I reheat the crumble?
Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F to keep the topping crispy, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition to the oat topping for extra crunch.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
While optional, vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the apples and complements the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Can I use a different juice instead of orange juice?
Lemon juice or apple cider can be used as substitutes if you do not have orange juice.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar if your apples are particularly sweet, though it may affect the caramelization of the topping.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the fruit from sticking.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Steel-cut oats are not recommended for this topping as they will remain too hard; stick with rolled or quick oats.
What makes this a 'fall recipe'?
The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with fresh apples makes it a seasonal favorite for autumn.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger 9x13 inch baking pan, though baking time may increase slightly.
Can I make this vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the butter with cold vegan butter sticks or solid coconut oil.
How do I prevent the topping from burning?
If the topping browns too quickly before the apples are soft, lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is coarse and crumbly, providing a crunchy contrast to the soft, baked apples.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can assemble the components a few hours early, but it is best to bake it just before serving for the crispiest topping.