The Origins Of The Humble Apple Crumble, Recipe Inside
Image Credit: Unsplash

Apple crumble is a dessert made by baking sliced apples with a topping made of flour, sugar, and butter. The apples are typically seasoned with cinnamon and other spices, and the topping is often mixed with oats, nuts, or other ingredients for added texture and flavour. As the crumble bakes, the topping becomes golden brown and crispy, while the apples soften and become tender. Apple crumble can be served warm or cold and is often accompanied by ice cream or whipped cream.

The History Of Apple Crumble

This comforting and delicious dessert has been enjoyed for centuries and has a rich history. The origins of apple crumble can be traced back to the early 20th century when it was first mentioned in British cookbooks as a popular dessert. During World War II, food shortages led to a shortage of pastry ingredients, and apple crumble became a popular alternative to apple pie, which required more ingredients.

The dish gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s, as it was a cheap and easy way to use up leftover apples. The first apple crumble recipe was published in 1924 in a cookbook titled "War-time Cookery Book" by Marguerite Patten. However, it is likely that apple crumble had been a popular dish for many years before this recipe was published. The dessert quickly became a staple in British homes and was often served with custard or cream. It also gained popularity in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Canada, where it is known as apple crisp.

Over time, variations of the classic recipe emerged, with some adding oats, nuts, or spices to the crumble mixture. Some recipes even include other fruits, such as pears, blackberries, or rhubarb.

Apple crumble remains a popular dessert today and can be found on menus in restaurants and cafes around the world. Many people enjoy making it at home, as it is a simple and delicious dessert that requires only a few basic ingredients.

In recent years, chefs and food enthusiasts have experimented with new twists on the classic recipe, using different types of apples, adding herbs or spices, or incorporating unusual ingredients like bacon or cheddar cheese.

Despite the variations, the basic recipe for apple crumble remains the same, consisting of sliced apples coated in sugar and cinnamon, topped with a crumbly mixture of butter, flour, and sugar, and baked until golden brown and crispy.

In conclusion, apple crumble has a rich and varied history, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century. The dessert gained popularity during World War II as a substitute for apple pie, and it remains a beloved dessert today. While variations of the classic recipe have emerged over the years, the basic ingredients and preparation remain the same, making it a simple and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed by all.

How To Make Apple Crumble?

Apple crumble is a simple and delicious dessert that can be made at home with just a few basic ingredients. Here's the best recipe you can use to make the most delicious apple crumble from the comfort of your home.

Ingredients:

 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

 1/2 cup granulated sugar

 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

 Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

 Sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon should all be combined in a sizable bowl and blended thoroughly. Transfer the apple mixture to a baking dish (9-inch square or round dish).

 In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, and salt. Add the softened butter and use your fingers to mix until the mixture is crumbly.

 Spread the crumble mixture over the top of the apple mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface.

 Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apple mixture is bubbling.

 Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

 Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or custard.

 Enjoy your delicious homemade apple crumble!

Yummy Ways To Serve Apple Crumble

Apple crumble is a delicious dessert that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preference. Here are some serving suggestions:

 Warm: Apple crumble tastes best when it is served warm. Before serving, you can warm it in the oven for a while.

 Ice cream, whipped cream or custard: Apple crumble can be served with a variety of toppings, such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard. The creamy texture of the toppings contrasts nicely with the crunchy crumble topping.

 Fruit and herbs: You can garnish the apple crumble with fresh fruit or herbs, such as a sprig of mint or a few slices of fresh apple.

 Tea or coffee: Apple crumble pairs well with coffee or tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Remember, the key to serving apple crumble is to keep it simple and delicious. Experiment with different toppings and presentation styles to find the perfect way to serve this classic dessert.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover apple crumble, you can store it in the refrigerator to enjoy later. Here's how to store apple crumble:

 Room temperature: Allow the apple crumble to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps to prevent moisture from building up inside the container. Cover the apple crumble tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil to keep it fresh. Make sure that the wrap or foil is pressed directly onto the surface of the crumble to prevent air from getting in.

 Refrigerate it: Place the covered apple crumble in the refrigerator and store it for up to 3-4 days.

 Reheat it: To reheat the apple crumble, remove the plastic wrap or foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Remember, the crumble topping will become slightly soft after being stored in the refrigerator, but it will still taste delicious. Enjoy your leftover apple crumble as a dessert or as a sweet treat throughout the day!