There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of Jamie Oliver Simple Apple Crumble Recipe on a chilly evening. This Jamie Oliver Simple Apple Crumble Recipe brings comfort to your home with very little effort.
1.5kgof cooking appleslike Bramley or Granny Smith.
100gof granulated sugaradjust based on apple tartness.
1tablespoonof ground cinnamon.
A splash of water or optional lemon juice.
For the crumble topping:
200gof all-purpose flour.
100gof cold unsalted buttercut into cubes.
50gof rolled oatsfor extra crunch.
100gof demerara sugarbrown sugar also works.
A pinch of sea salt.
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C or 375°F. Make sure the oven rack is in the middle position. This ensures the heat circulates evenly around your baking dish for a perfect golden top.
Peel and Chop the Apples
Peel the apples carefully using your vegetable peeler. Core them and cut the fruit into thick, chunky wedges. Do not slice them too thin, or they will turn into mush during the baking process.
Stew the Fruit Slightly
Place the apple chunks into a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and a tiny splash of water. Cook for about 5 minutes until the apples soften just a little bit.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the softened apples and their juices into your baking dish. Spread them out evenly so every bite has plenty of fruit. The smell of cinnamon will start to fill your kitchen now.
Rub the Flour and Butter
In a large bowl, mix the flour and cold butter cubes. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour. Keep going until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs with some larger lumps.
Add the Crunchy Elements
Stir the rolled oats and demerara sugar into the flour mixture. Add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Mixing by hand keeps the texture light and prevents the topping from becoming tough.
Top the Fruit
Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples in the dish. Do not press it down; keep it loose and fluffy. This allows the heat to make the topping incredibly crispy and light.
Bake Until Golden
Place the dish in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The fruit should be bubbling at the edges. The top should be a beautiful, deep golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use Cold Butter: Always use chilled butter for the topping. If the butter is warm, the crumble will turn into a greasy paste instead of crunchy flakes.
Mix the Fruits: Try adding a handful of blackberries or raspberries to the apples. This adds a lovely pink color and a tart flavor profile.
The Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping. This adds a protein boost and a wonderful earthy taste to the dessert.
Spice it Up: If you love warmth, add a grating of fresh nutmeg or ginger. These spices pair perfectly with apples and create a more complex flavor.
Avoid the Mush: Do not overcook the apples on the stove. They will continue to soften in the oven, so they only need a head start.