Apple crumble is not as hard to master as you may think. We take you through the process with step by step pictures. Instead of apples, other fruit can be used. Rhubarb, gooseberry or cherry are very good.
Watch our video lower down this page showing exactly how we made this apple crumble. Also read some of the comments left by other cooks at the bottom of this page, they may well inspire you to tweak the recipe slightly and make it your own.
3 medium cooking apples
170g / 6oz granulated sugar
170g / 6oz butter or cooking margarine
280g / 10oz Self-raising flour
When apples are peeled and especially when sliced, their attractive white flesh will very quickly turn a 'not-so-attractive' brownish colour. This makes absolutely no difference to the taste, but 'looks' are important. The method described below therefore leaves the peeling and cutting of the apples to the last minute.
There is one 'trick' described at the end to make the crumble surface look really brown and nice, but please do keep an eye on the timing. A brown crumbly topping looks absolutely delicious, but a black and burnt top is not so good.
VIDEO ON HOW TO COOK APPLE CRUMBLE
First, make the 'crumble' mixture. I've tried this with my hands, an electric blender and a fork. I think a fork is best but the experts prefer hands!
Mix the butter / margarine with the flour in a dry bowl using a fork until you have a texture like breadcrumbs. It's not important that every single bit is like breadcrumbs, but try and get most of it like that. This will take about 3 minutes. If you are adding the optional ingredients of oatmeal or Corn Flakes, do it now. Mix it all in well.
STEP 2Add half (not all) of the sugar to the mixture and mix it all together with a fork or your fingers. This will tend to make the mixture even more like breadcrumbs. That's your crumble mixture made and ready.
STEP 3Peel the apples and cut each one into four parts. Cut out the core from each of the sections (see picture on the right).
Slice the apple quarters - no need to slice them too thinly, about six slices per quarter section of apple will do just fine.
STEP 4Put the apple slices into the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining sugar evenly over the apples.
Now, evenly spread the 'crumble' mixture over the sugared apples.
STEP 5Put the apple crumble into the middle of your pre-heated oven at 190°C / Fan 170°C / 375°F / Gas Mark 5 for 40 minutes.
One trick you can use when the crumble is cooked (if the top of of the crumble is not browned) is to put the apple crumble under a hot grill for about 25 seconds to 'brown' the crumble topping. Keep a good eye on it though because 30 seconds too much can result in a very black crumble topping!
STEP 6When the crumble is cooked, leave it to cool for at least 15 minutes. Beware, apple crumble can stay really hot for an hour or so. Serve hot or cold with ice cream, cream or custard.
If there is any apple crumble left over, cover the dish with tin foil and it will keep in the fridge for a couple of days.