Apple crumble is the quintessential fall dessert, combining the tartness of fresh apples with a buttery, crunchy topping. This Apple Crumble recipe, made with a brown butter pecan crumble, is a true celebration of the season’s best apples. The addition of browned butter and toasted pecans makes this crumble an unforgettable dessert, perfect for both casual family dinners and special gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble Recipe
What makes this Apple Crumble stand out is the combination of tart Granny Smith apples and a rich, browned butter pecan topping. The brown butter adds a layer of nutty, caramelized flavor, which complements the crisp apples and the slightly spiced filling. It’s a simple yet indulgent dessert that’s both comforting and elegant, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients for Apple Crumble
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients that come together to create this irresistible dessert:
For the Apple Filling:
- Granny Smith Apples: Tart apples that retain their texture and tartness even after baking. They perfectly balance the sweetness of the crumble topping.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apples, allowing the tartness to still shine through.
- Orange Juice: Adds a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with the tart apples.
- Tapioca Flour: Used as a thickener for the filling, ensuring a smooth, clear consistency. If you don’t have it, cornstarch can be substituted.
- Ground Cinnamon: Classic spice that enhances the apples’ natural flavors without overpowering them.
For the Pecan Crumble Topping:
- Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the crumble, helping it form the perfect topping.
- Dark Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the brown butter.
- Ground Cinnamon and Cardamom: These spices add warmth and depth to the topping.
- Unsalted Butter: Browned to perfection, it contributes a rich, nutty flavor to the crumble.
- Chopped Pecans: Toasted for extra crunch and flavor.
Suggested Ingredient Substitutes:
If you need to adapt this recipe for dietary preferences or availability, consider these substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans and substitute with extra oats or coconut flakes for added texture.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter filling, add more granulated sugar or use brown sugar in place of some of the granulated sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Crumble
Making this Apple Crumble is straightforward, but the key to success is taking your time to brown the butter and layer the flavors properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Brown the Butter: Place unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the butter to melt and then bubble until the milk solids turn golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the butter to cool to room temperature before refrigerating until solid.
- Prepare the Pecan Crumble Topping: In a bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Add the browned butter and use your fingers or a pastry blender to incorporate it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in brown sugar and chopped pecans. Refrigerate the topping for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel and core the apples, then chop them into small cubes. Toss them with orange juice. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, tapioca flour, cinnamon, and salt, then combine this mixture with the apples.
- Assemble the Crumble: Spoon the apple mixture into a buttered baking dish. Evenly distribute the chilled crumble topping over the apples.
- Bake the Apple Crumble: Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 40-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the crumble cool for about 20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Apple Crumble
To ensure your Apple Crumble turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Taste Your Apples: Depending on the tartness of the apples, you may need to adjust the sugar in the filling.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the apple filling is spread evenly in the baking dish to allow proper bubbling.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the crumble cool slightly before serving, as this helps set the juices and makes it easier to scoop.
Variations and Pairing Ideas for Apple Crumble
While this Apple Crumble is perfect on its own, there are plenty of ways to make it even more special:
- Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing, but you can also try butter pecan ice cream for a rich, complementary flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the topping for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with Custard: If you’re looking for a luxurious touch, serve your crumble with a side of homemade vanilla custard or whipped cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat your Apple Crumble:
- Room Temperature: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate the crumble for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To enjoy it warm, reheat the crumble at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Why This Apple Crumble Recipe Is a Must-Try
This Apple Crumble with browned butter pecan topping is the perfect way to celebrate apple season. The combination of tart apples, rich brown butter, and a crunchy, spiced pecan topping is nothing short of perfection. Whether you’re baking it for a family dessert or a special gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Seasonal Appeal
This recipe perfectly captures the flavors of fall, making it ideal for Thanksgiving or cozy autumn evenings. The tartness of the apples combined with the warmth of the spices brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy it warm, cold, or with your favorite toppings — there’s no wrong way to indulge in this delightful dessert!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Apple Crumble with Brown Butter Pecan Topping is the ultimate fall dessert. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and the rich, nutty brown butter pecan topping creates a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family dinner or serving it at a festive gathering, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different types of apples for this Apple Crumble?
Yes, you can experiment with other apple varieties, but tart apples like Granny Smith work best for this recipe. If you prefer sweeter apples, you can mix Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious for a balanced flavor.
2. Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the pecan crumble topping up to one week in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
3. How do I prevent the apple filling from becoming too runny?
To avoid a watery filling, make sure to use the recommended tapioca flour as a thickener. Tapioca flour helps create a smooth, clear filling. You can also adjust the sugar based on the tartness of your apples to achieve the right balance.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintApple Crumble
This Apple Crumble with Brown Butter Pecan Topping combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the richness of a browned butter pecan crumble, making it the perfect dessert for fall. The buttery crumble adds a delightful crunch to the soft, spiced apples, creating a sweet and savory balance that is irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Granny Smith Apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Orange Juice
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Tapioca Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1 cup Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
- 9 1/2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided)
- 2/3 cup Chopped Pecans (toasted)
Instructions
- Brown the butter by melting it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until the milk solids turn golden brown. Remove from heat and refrigerate until solid.
- Prepare the pecan crumble topping by mixing flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt in a bowl. Add the browned butter and work it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in brown sugar and chopped pecans. Refrigerate the topping for at least 30 minutes.
- Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apples. Toss with orange juice in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, tapioca flour, cinnamon, and salt, then combine with the apples.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and butter the baking dish. Spoon the apple mixture into the dish and evenly distribute the crumble topping over the apples.
- Bake for 40-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for the best tartness, but feel free to mix with other varieties for a different flavor balance.
- If you prefer a sweeter filling, adjust the sugar to taste based on the tartness of your apples.
- The crumble topping can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add coconut flakes or oats for added texture.
