This British Toffee Apple Crumble is the perfect comforting dessert. Imagine tender apples in a rich toffee sauce, all topped with a buttery, crisp crumble. It’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apples: Firm, tart apples like Bramley, Granny Smith, or Braeburn work best. You can use softer apples but they might break down more.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar for that deep toffee flavor. Granulated sugar can be used in a pinch but won’t give the same depth.
- Butter: Unsalted butter for both the crumble and the toffee. Margarine can be used for the crumble but avoid it for the toffee.
- Plain Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for the crumble. Gluten-free flour blends can work too.
- Rolled Oats: Optional, but they add lovely texture to the crumble topping.
Ingredients
For the Toffee Apple Filling:
* 6 medium apples (about 2 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
* 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons water
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Crumble Topping:
* 1 1/2 cups (180g) plain flour
* 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (100g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup (25g) rolled oats (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, large saucepan, large bowl.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Toffee Apples
In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the apples begin to soften and the sauce thickens.
2. Make the Crumble Topping
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and optional oats. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger pea-sized lumps.
3. Assemble Your Crumble
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the cooked toffee apple filling into your 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, making sure to cover them completely.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover British Toffee Apple Crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use different types of apples?
A: Yes, a mix of tart and sweet apples works well. Just avoid very soft varieties that might turn to mush.
Q: My crumble topping isn’t crispy enough. What went wrong?
A: Make sure your butter is cold when you make the crumble. Also, avoid pressing down the crumble too much when assembling; keep it loose for crispiness.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the apple filling and the crumble topping separately the day before. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.
Q: What can I serve with Toffee Apple Crumble?
A: It’s delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, custard, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Q: Can I freeze apple crumble?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked crumble for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.