A Stealthy Hit
Apples and brown sugar are common baking stables in grandma’s pantry. They usually don’t come with a “wow” factor. No one jumps for joy at apple season or expresses a deep, guttural want for brown sugar like chocolate. However, the simple combination of apples, brown sugar, and butter transforms into a caramel-crusted temptress. Served with coffee, and the humble crumble becomes lustful. Topped with ice cream, and the sweet dish sneakily invades your taste buds. The mundane Sunday afternoon treat will surprise you.
Music accompaniment
“Put Your Records On”
by Corinne Bailey Rae
Ingredients: Crumble
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup of dry oats
- 6 Tbs vegan butter (cold)
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 Tbs of water (as needed)
Ingredients: Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples (granny smith & pink ladies are best)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 Tbs flour
- 2 Tbs vegan butter
- 1 Tbs lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon clove
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Make
Filling:
- Core and cube apples (skin on for texture and to hold structure)
- Combine ingredients in a bowl
- Place into a buttered dish (9×12) or individual ramekins
Crumble:
- Place ingredients into mixer on low or combine by hand
- Add a Tbs (more or less) of water if too dry (should be clumpy yet moist like wet sand)
- Spread over apple filling
Bake:
- Bake on 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes (until curst is browned and bubbling)
Serve
- Serve with morning coffee or afternoon tea
- Top with ice cream as a dinner dessert or late night treat
- Pair with stone fruit or bananas as side dish
- Add a dollop on top of cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, or fruit compote