The Spiced Caramel Apple Crumble is more than just a dessert; it's the essence of fall wrapped in a warm, sweet, and slightly spiced blanket. Perfect for cozy evenings, it combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with a rich caramel and a crunchy, buttery topping.
The tartness of Granny Smith apples is ideal for baking because it balances beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel and topping. Granulated sugar and water form the base of our homemade caramel, which is surprisingly easy to make and adds an irresistible depth of flavor. Incorporating unsalted butter into both the caramel and crumble gives the dish a rich, velvety texture. A dash of lemon juice brightens the caramel, enhancing the apples’ natural flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg are the quintessential fall spices, infusing warmth and a hint of spice. The all-purpose flour and quick oats create a crumbly, textured topping, while brown sugar adds a molasses-like sweetness. A touch of salt in the crumble helps balance the sweetness, highlighting all the flavors.
This crumble is delightful on its own, but for an indulgent treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, spiced apples beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be ready to go once you've assembled everything. Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the granulated sugar and water. Place it over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This is your base for the caramel, so patience here pays off.
Once dissolved, crank up the heat to high. Let it boil without stirring until it turns a light amber color. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it—caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Once you reach that golden hue, remove it from the heat and carefully stir in the butter, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The mixture may bubble vigorously, so be cautious.
Now, get your apples ready. Arrange the apple slices in a baking dish, then pour your freshly made caramel over them. Make sure the apples are well coated, as this helps them to bake evenly and soak up all that flavor.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Incorporate the cold, cubed butter by cutting it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let it cool slightly before serving, just enough so it doesn't burn your tongue but remains warm and inviting.
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