Apple crumble is a simple yet tasty dessert that combines the warm, gooey goodness of baked apples with a crunchy, sweet topping, creating a delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion.
To prepare the topping, in a large bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined.
Cut the ¾ cup of room temperature butter into small pieces, then add these to your dry ingredients. Using a fork or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set this mixture aside for later.
For the filling, peel, core, and slice the 5 large apples into about ¼ inch slices.
In a separate large bowl, combine the apple slices with the ¼ cup of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Toss the apple slices until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
Transfer the apple mixture into a large cast-iron skillet or deep pie dish, spreading them out evenly.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple mixture, making sure to cover the apples completely.
Bake the apple crumble in your preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
Allow the crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Choose firm apples for the best texture in your crumble. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are all excellent choices.
When preparing your topping, ensure that your butter is at room temperature for the best results. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dry ingredients.
Cutting the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs ensures a crispy, crumbly topping. This process, known as "cutting in," is essential for creating the right texture in your topping.
Keep an eye on your crumble as it bakes, as oven temperatures can vary. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
Apple crumble is best served warm, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave.