This recipe for Apple Crumble with a Streusel Topping makes 2 medium sized desserts with 4 to 6 servings each. It uses a Homemade Streusel Topping with oats and nuts, from a large batch I make regularly and keep in the freezer, ready to use any time I need to top a pie, or small tarts like these Streusel Mince Pies or fruit crumble. I just grab what I need straight from the freezer.
Ingredients and Possible Substitutions
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used to make this recipe, along with possible alternatives and why I may have used them. A complete list of ingredients and full instructions can be found in the Recipe Card below.
Ready made Crumble Mixture - You can use shop bought crumble mixture, but I prefer to make my own freezer friendly, easy grab and use crumble mix to avoid adding unnecessary ingredients.
Apples - To make an apple crumble without added sugar, choose naturally sweet Dessert apples. Cooking apples are very tart and will need a little sugar, but don’t add too much. Try using a mix of sweet and sharp tasting varieties as an alternative
Sugar - If needed and when using cooking apples, use soft brown sugar to give a slight toffee flavour. But you will find there is sufficient sweetness from the sugar in the ready made crumble mixture.
Spices - Cinnamon is a natural flavour for any apple crumble or apple pie. But you could use ground nutmeg, or any of your favourite sweet tasting spices.
Vanilla Extract - Optional. If you choose to stew the apples first, add half a teaspoon of vanilla to the pan and mix well.
Make the Crumble Apple Filling
Preheat the oven to 180 deg C fan oven. Have a ready 2 x pie dishes each measuring approx 8” x 5”
Step 1: Core the apples; there is no need to remove the peel.
Step 2: Cut the Apples into chunks.
Step 3: Place the apples in a bowl and add the ground cinnamon. Give everything a good mix to ensure all the apples are coated in the cinnamon spice.
Step 4: Tip the apples evenly into the two prepared ovenproof dishes. Add 1 tablespoon of cold water to each dish. This will help to cook the apples and keep them soft and moist.
Step 5: Sprinkle half of the ready made crumble topping over the top of the apples in each dish. 150g each dish.
Step 6: Bake in the oven for 30 - 35 mins or until baked and the apples have softened.
Serve hot with fresh cream, creme fraise or hot homemade custard. In summer, serve with Vanilla Ice Cream. These Individual Mincemeat and Pear Crumbles are ideal when cooking for one or two people.
Tips and FAQ
Why Isn’t my Crumble Topping Crispy?
Too much juice or liquid can make the crumble topping soft as it bubbles to the top.
Don’t add too much crumble topping, and avoid smoothing it over. Leave some crumbly pieces to bake a crunchy topping.
What can you have with Crumbles?
You can use all kinds of fruit, such as forced rhubarb, summer berries, or autumn fruits like plums and pears. All make delicious Fruit Crumbles.
Is this a Streusel or a Crumble Topping?
I explain the difference between Streusel and Crumble in this post Crunchy Oat and Nut Streusel Topping. For this recipe, we are going for a crunchy, nutty streusel topping.
Storage
Fridge - Baked crumble will keep in the fridge for a couple of days.
Freezer - Wrap in a suitable freezer bag and freeze the baked crumble for up to a month. Bring back to room temperature before baking in a moderate oven for approx 25 minutes until the crumble has heated all the way through.