Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's also bursting with fresh fruit flavor? Look no further! This Apple and Strawberry Crumble is the perfect recipe for a cozy night in or a delightful weekend treat. It's incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. This recipe is a celebration of the best of both worlds – the sweetness of strawberries and the comforting tartness of apples, all baked to golden perfection under a crunchy, buttery crumble topping. Get ready to experience a taste of homemade heaven!
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Fruit Filling:
- In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced apples, strawberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure the fruit is evenly coated. Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
- Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for the Best Apple and Strawberry Crumble:
- Choose your apples wisely: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Don't overmix the crumble topping: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough topping. Work quickly and gently.
- For a crispier topping: Use a little less butter or bake for a few extra minutes. You could also add a tablespoon of coarse sugar to the topping for extra crunch!
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the crumble ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds would add a delightful crunch to the crumble topping.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Berrylicious: Substitute other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for some or all of the strawberries.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g Sugar: 20-25g Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it a healthy and satisfying dessert option. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings with minimal effort! It's a great example of simple homemade cooking that delivers big on flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special dessert. It's one of the best recipes for those looking for delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.