Forget those massive apple crumbles that feed a crowd – sometimes, a cozy dessert for two is exactly what you need. This recipe delivers all the warm, comforting goodness of a classic apple crumble, perfectly portioned for a romantic evening in or a quiet night to yourself. It’s one of those easy recipes that feels incredibly indulgent, even though it's surprisingly quick to make. This is homemade cooking at its finest, and a fantastic addition to your healthy meals repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Braeburn recommended), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get started with the apple filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease two individual ramekins or a small oven-safe dish.
- In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. This helps prevent the apples from browning and adds extra flavor.
Prepare the crumble topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix; you want some larger pieces for a nice texture.
Assemble and bake:
- Spoon the apple filling evenly into the prepared ramekins.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on it – ovens can vary!
- Let cool slightly before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch (if you’re feeling extra indulgent!).
Tips for the Best Apple Crumble:
- Use a mix of apples: Combining different apple varieties adds complexity to the flavor.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked crumble can be dry. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour in both the filling and topping.
- Add some spice: A pinch of ginger or cardamom adds a lovely warmth to the crumble.
Variations:
- Berry Crumble: Substitute berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries) for the apples.
- Pear Crumble: Use pears instead of apples for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Nutty Crumble: Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This easy apple crumble recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or a delightful treat for two. It's a delicious and satisfying dish, making it a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy!