Apple and raisin crumble is one of those comforting desserts that many of us in Britain associate with home, warmth, and family gatherings. It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia, with its warm, sweet filling and crunchy, buttery topping. The combination of apples and raisins creates a delightful balance of tart and sweet, making it a favourite across generations.
A Brief History of the Crumble
Crumble as we know it today became popular in Britain during World War II. With rationing in place, traditional pastry ingredients like butter and flour were in short supply, making it difficult to bake pies and tarts. The crumble topping, made from a simple mixture of flour, sugar, and fat, became an ingenious alternative. It was quick to make, required fewer ingredients, and still provided that much-needed sense of indulgence in a time of scarcity.
Over the years, the crumble has remained a beloved staple in British kitchens. While the basic concept has stayed the same, the variety of fillings has expanded. Apples have always been a favourite, given their abundance in Britain, and the addition of raisins brings a lovely depth of flavour to the dish.
The Perfect Autumn Dessert
Apple and raisin crumble is especially popular during the autumn months when British apples are in season. The crisp, cool weather calls for something warm and satisfying, and a crumble is just the thing to take the edge off a chilly evening. The aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the house as the crumble bakes is simply irresistible, making it hard to wait until it’s ready to be served.
The dessert also has a certain versatility that adds to its appeal. It can be served on its own, allowing the fruity filling and crunchy topping to take centre stage. Alternatively, it pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a generous pour of custard. Each option brings out different aspects of the crumble, whether it’s the cool contrast of ice cream or the smooth, rich creaminess of custard.
Why Apple and Raisin?
The combination of apple and raisin is a classic for a reason. The tartness of the apples is perfectly offset by the natural sweetness of the raisins. When baked, the apples become soft and tender, while the raisins plump up, adding a chewy texture to the filling. The interplay of these textures, combined with the buttery, crumbly topping, makes each bite a delightful experience.
Raisins also bring a subtle richness to the dish. Their sweetness intensifies as they bake, infusing the entire crumble with a caramel-like flavour. Additionally, raisins have a way of complementing the spices often used in crumbles, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, enhancing the overall warmth and comfort of the dessert.
A Dessert for All Occasions
One of the joys of an apple and raisin crumble is its simplicity. It doesn’t require elaborate techniques or a long list of ingredients, making it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers. Yet, despite its simplicity, it’s a dessert that can be proudly served on any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special gathering, an apple and raisin crumble never fails to please.
In conclusion, apple and raisin crumble is more than just a dessert; it’s a cherished part of British culinary heritage. Its ease of preparation, comforting flavours, and adaptability make it a dish that continues to be loved by all. So, the next time you’re in need of a comforting treat, look no further than this timeless favourite.
Apple and Raisin Crumble
Apple and raisin crumble is a warm, comforting British dessert featuring tender apples and sweet raisins topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble. It’s perfect for autumn and pairs wonderfully with custard, ice cream, or whipped cream.
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Servings: 6 People
Calories: 458kcal
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 large apples Bramley or Granny Smith peeled, cored, and sliced
- 75 g raisins or sultanas
- 50 g brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 large lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 175 g plain flour
- 100 g unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- 75 g caster sugar
- 50 g oats optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Add the raisins or sultanas, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing until the apples and raisins are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.4 large apples, 75 g raisins, 50 g brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 large lemon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- In another bowl, combine the flour and butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar (and oats, if using).175 g plain flour, 100 g unsalted butter, 75 g caster sugar, 50 g oats
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple and raisin mixture.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Apple and raisin crumble pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
– Custard: A classic choice, warm custard complements the crumble’s sweetness and adds a creamy texture.
– Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy contrast of vanilla ice cream against the warm crumble is simply delightful.
– Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a touch of elegance and richness to the dessert.
Enjoy this traditional British dessert with your favourite topping, and savour the comforting flavours of autumn in every bite!
Nutrition
Calories: 458kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 366mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 502IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
6 comments
A lovely, nostalgic dessert that brought back childhood memories.
Such a simple yet delicious dessert
The crumble topping was buttery and golden, and the filling was perfectly sweetened with a lovely hint of cinnamon.
I used sultanas instead but it was delicious. Served hot with cold custard. Perfect
The apple and raisin crumble was an absolute delight
This crumble is comfort food at its best. Served with cold custard for a piece of heaven.