Delicious & Easy Individual Apple Cinnamon Crumbles: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe
As the crisp air of autumn begins to settle, signaling a time for cozy sweaters and warm fires, certain flavors and aromas naturally come to mind. When you ask someone what embodies the essence of fall, many will instinctively say nutmeg, cinnamon, and, of course, apples. These cherished ingredients are more than just flavors; they are the very scent and taste of the season, invoking feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and home. Our Apple & Cinnamon Crumble recipe encapsulates all these delightful elements and so much more, offering a perfect dessert that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to make.
Embracing the Magic of Fall Flavors with Apple Cinnamon Crumble
There’s an undeniable magic in the combination of sweet, tart apples and warm, aromatic spices. This classic pairing is a cornerstone of autumn baking, from pies and tarts to crisps and crumbles. The beauty of an apple cinnamon crumble lies in its simplicity and the sheer joy it brings with every spoonful. Imagine the tender, spiced apples bubbling underneath a golden, buttery, and slightly crunchy topping – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that truly celebrates the season. This particular recipe elevates the experience by presenting these delightful crumbles in individual portions, making them not only charming for guests but also perfectly portioned for a personal indulgence. Each serving is a mini celebration of fall, promising warmth and satisfaction.
A Culinary Journey: Discovering “Searching for Spice” Through the Secret Recipe Club
My culinary adventures often lead me down fascinating paths, and one such path was paved by the Secret Recipe Club. This wonderful community brings together food bloggers from around the world, assigning each member another blog to explore and cook from in secret. It’s a fantastic way to discover new recipes, techniques, and fellow food enthusiasts. Last month, for my September assignment, I had the pleasure of delving into the blog Searching for Spice.
The creator behind “Searching for Spice” is Corina, a talented home cook residing in the UK. As a busy mother of two young children, Corina knows the importance of keeping things simple in the kitchen. Her blog’s name is a perfect reflection of her passion for exploring and experimenting with a diverse array of spices, discovering how they can transform everyday dishes into something extraordinary. If your palate craves the vibrant flavors of curries, the quick sizzle of stir-fries, or the delightful kick of spicy cuisine, then “Searching for Spice” is undoubtedly a blog you’ll want to add to your bookmarks! While browsing her extensive collection, several savory recipes caught my eye, including her intriguing Chicken and Noodle Salad (Ji Shi Liang Mein) and the ever-popular Chicken Fried Rice.
Crafting My Version: Enhancements and the Charm of Individual Servings
Despite being tempted by Corina’s savory offerings, I knew that September brings with it an inherent craving for all things apple. The season simply begs for the sweet and tangy fruit to be incorporated into warm, comforting desserts. So, my mission became clear: find an apple recipe on “Searching for Spice” that would satisfy this autumnal desire. Corina’s blog featured a couple of apple-centric dishes, but it was her Apple & Cinnamon Crumble that truly resonated with me. I regularly make apple crisp year-round because my children absolutely adore it, so I was genuinely curious to see how Corina’s crumble varied from my usual recipe. This opportunity to try a new take on a family favorite was exciting.
I did introduce a few personal touches and modifications to Corina’s original recipe, while ensuring I stayed true to its delightful core concept. My goal was to enhance the flavor profile and presentation. One key addition was Craisins, which bring a wonderful burst of tartness and chewiness, beautifully complementing the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the spices. I also decided to boost the spice factor slightly, adding a little more cinnamon and cloves to deepen the autumn aroma and taste. Perhaps the most charming modification was preparing these crumbles in individual portions. My kids, in particular, thought it was incredibly neat to have their very own dessert ramekins, and their immediate “mmmm’ing” as they ate was all the confirmation I needed that these changes were a success. The dessert was not only fun to make but was enthusiastically enjoyed by everyone!
A huge thank you to Corina for the wonderful inspiration! You can view her ORIGINAL RECIPE here. While you’re visiting her site, be sure to explore her other fantastic recipes and discover more of her spice-filled culinary creations.
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Print Recipe
Apple & Cinnamon Crumble
Ingredients
- For the inside:
- 3 Tablespoons of water
- 3 apples peeled, cored and cubed (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/3 cup Craisins (dried cranberries)
- For the Crumble:
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons cold butter cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- a sprinkling of cinnamon and cloves for topping
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly spray 4 large ramekins with non-stick cooking spray and set them aside, ready for filling.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled, cored, and cubed apples with 3 tablespoons of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the apples begin to soften and become tender, which should take approximately 10 minutes.
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Once the apples have reached your desired tenderness (remember they will continue to soften slightly during baking in the oven), remove from heat. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and Craisins until all ingredients are well combined and the apples are evenly coated with the spices.
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Carefully divide the warm apple mixture evenly among the four prepared ramekins.
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In a small, separate bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crumble topping. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs and the butter is fully incorporated. This creates that wonderfully crumbly texture.
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Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the surface of the spiced apples in each ramekin, ensuring good coverage.
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Lightly sprinkle the tops of the crumble with a little extra cinnamon and cloves for an added aromatic touch and beautiful finish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling gently. Serve these delightful crumbles warm, ideally with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard.
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**A quick note for safety: Ramekins retain heat for a significant amount of time after coming out of the oven. Please handle them with care to avoid burns.**
Nutrition
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Individual Apple Crumble
- Choosing Your Apples: For the best crumble, select apples that hold their shape well when cooked and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Excellent choices include Granny Smith (for tartness), Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, or a mix of two different varieties for complex flavor.
- Perfect Crumble Topping: Ensure your butter is very cold and cut into small cubes. This helps create pockets of steam during baking, leading to a truly crumbly and crisp topping, rather than a dense one. You can even use a pastry cutter or a food processor for a quicker, more consistent crumble.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your personal preference. A pinch of ground ginger or allspice can also add another layer of warmth.
- Adding Texture: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, consider adding a couple of tablespoons of chopped walnuts, pecans, or rolled oats to your crumble topping mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: While vanilla ice cream is a classic and highly recommended pairing, these individual apple crumbles are also delightful with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, a warm vanilla custard, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the apple filling and the crumble topping separately in advance. Store the apple mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, and the crumble topping in the refrigerator (or freezer) in a sealed bag. Assemble and bake just before serving for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover crumbles can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a microwave or for a crisper topping, place them back in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
This Apple & Cinnamon Crumble truly embodies the spirit of fall in every bite. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings or kept intimate for a family treat. The comforting aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is almost as satisfying as the first warm, spiced bite. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delightful harmony of flavors for yourself.
To discover more incredible recipes from my talented friends in The Secret Recipe Club, be sure to check out the links below and explore a world of culinary inspiration!
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