Apple Crumble

Is there a more iconic fall crop than the apple? OK, maybe pumpkins, but let’s just agree to call it a tie. But really, even for fans of pumpkin spice, is there any better or more comforting smell than that of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar slowly melting together in a warm oven on a crisp fall day? Last night, I made apple crisp with all the flavors and smells of fall and it was nothing short of magical.

Apple crumble is a more rustic cousin to the more traditional pies one might include in a Thanksgiving celebration, but it is no less appropriate. And its super easy to make, so I hope you’ll try it and let me know how you like it!

Print Recipe

Apple Crumble

Author: keriawilliams

Ingredients

Servings

• 5 lbs apples (firm apples such as Mutsu, McIntosh or Macoun do better than)
• grated zest of one lemon
• grated zest of one orange
• 2 tbsp freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp freshly-squeezed orange juice
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups flour
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• ³⁄₄ tsp Kosher salt
• 1 cup oatmeal
• ¹⁄₂ lb butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350*. Peel, core and cut the apples into slices. Combine the apples with the zests, juices, sugar and spices in a ziplock or other plastic reusable bag, such as Stashers. Shake to coat the apples with the mixture and set aside to let the mixture macerate for a few minutes while you put together the topping.

   

1. Combine the flour, sugars, salt and oatmeal in a bowl and stir to mix. Melt the butter in the microwave and pour over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir well to coat the mixture with the melted butter.

1. I make this recipe in a 12-inch cast iron skillet, but you can just as easily use a 9 x 14 casserole dish--just watch the cook time--the casserole won't heat up as fast as the iron. Grease the skillet with softened butter.

   

1. Dump the apple mixture into the skillet.

   

1. Top with the crumble mixture and place in the oven. Cook for approximately 30 minutes and turn the pan to promote even cooking.

   

1. Check the crumble after another 20 minutes and see how it's doing. It should be starting to get bubbly and maybe a little toasty on top. Return to oven and let the top get a nice caramely-brown before taking it out. Let cook and then eat it right out of the pan. Kidding...sort of. Serve warm straight or with ice cream.