The mere thought of this recipe conjures up many fond memories. It takes me back to cold winter nights at my childhood home, sitting around the fireplace chatting about the day’s events whilst devouring our deliciously warm dessert.
My Mum has been making this apple crumble for years. We would have it often as an after dinner treat. When you see how wonderfully simple it is, I’m sure you too will add it to your repertoire.
A classic, simple dish that warms the soul.
SERVES 8
For the stewed apples:
1.5kg apples of your choice (approx. 12 smallish apples), peeled, cored and cut into eight
½ cup sultanas
¼ cup apple juice
½ tsp cinnamon
For the crumble topping:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup plain flour (I generally use a gluten free flour)
¾ cup raw sugar
180g butter, melted
Preheat your oven to 170 degrees fan forced.
Put the chopped apples, apple juice, sultanas and cinnamon into a medium sized, heavy based saucepan. Stir everything together, coating the raw apples in the cinnamon and apple juice.
Bring apples to a simmer and cook with the lid on for about 10-12 minutes. You want them soft but with a bit of bite. Don’t overcook them or they will be too soft. Keep and eye on them, tossing them around occasionally while you prepare your topping.
Add all the dry ingredients to a medium sized mixing bowl and give them a stir. Add the melted butter and mix well until combined. You should have a lovely, moist crumble mixture.
Once your apples are done, pop them into a 30cmx15cm baking dish. Sprinkle your crumble mixture evenly over the top, then press it down lightly, ensuring all the apples have been covered.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until crisp and golden on top. Serve with natural yogurt, ice cream, cream, or whatever tickles your fancy!
Note: When in season, berries make a nice addition. Just stir them through the cooked apple mixture before baking.
Alternatively, for a full berry crumble, coat freshly picked blackberries with a sprinkling of sugar. This is a great seasonal variation and the berries require no prior stewing. Just top with crumble and cook.
