Apple Crumble Without Oats

Apple crumble without oats – this is an easy dessert recipe of apples, caster sugar and butter. Have you ever tried cooking with oats just in the hope that they’d help your crumble mixture come together more easily? And then have your crumble not turn out so great? Well, worry no more — I have the ultimate recipe that combines rave reviews and 4-star Instagram posts.

apple crumble without oats

apple crumble pie

Apple Crumble Origin
Apple Crumble (known also as Apple Crisp) is a classic pudding enjoyed by many, or even all individuals who have ever tasted it.Although a concept of a similar recipe might have been recognized in the XIX century, this traditional British pudding was most likely made either for the first time or – famous -during the II World War. Due to food rationing, the suggestion of making a pudding that required less fat than a regular pastry (needed e.g. for Apple Pie ) was well accepted.

apple crumble gluten free

Apple Crumble – A Perfect DessertWith time, there have been various fashions for desserts. Nevertheless, you can hardly ever go wrong if you choose to offer Apple Crumble at the end of your meal.And my family members are no unique: Apple Crumble must be just one of the highest 3 preferred puddings in our home. I frequently make it just for the 4 of us. However, I also prepare it when we have guests, as its simpleness is the opposite of its deliciousness. Simply, fantastic caramelized apple filling paired up with the crunchy top is an incredible combination.However what additionally makes Apple Crumble an ideal dessert is the convenience of preparation as well as extremely simple ingredients needed

apple crumble with oats

Fragrant Apple Filling

Apples are clearly the crucial elements. You can make use of cooking apples (or apples for baking), however actually, any type will be OK as long as you are fine with either a mushier or chunkier apple part. Additionally, if you select tart apple, you may require to include even more sugar to balance the tart taste. However when I use sweet apples, I in some cases completely leave out the sugar in the apple combination.

Nevertheless, cinnamon for me is a required component in the apple filling. One tsp ground cinnamon makes sure the treat (as well as your whole place!) will smell lovely. You can additionally add some cloves to your apple pudding for some extra taste.

simple apple crumble recipe

Crumb Topping Elements

The crumble topping needs just 3 simple components: sugar, flour and also butter. However absolutely nothing is preventing you from being innovative and even daring with them. So you might make use of any type of sugar you like or at the moment have at house, including brown sugar, coconut sugar or granulated sugar.

Different dishes call for fat ingredients in different types. So you might use either cold butter or melted butter. Although I enjoy a luscious, buttery crumble, when I make it for people on a plant-based diet, I exchange butter with coconut oil. The texture will certainly be a bit different but the crumb topping will certainly be still tasty.

When it comes to the second from the dry components – flour, there are additionally many different options. In the Apple Crumble dish listed below, in addition to all-purpose flour, I also add almond meal (this is my secret component!). Yet you can also add some oats or various other ground or chopped nuts. Alternatively, if you are on a gluten-free diet, make use of a gluten-free flour mixture in place of ordinary flour.

Gluten Free Apple Crumble

Gluten free apple crumble is a simple dessert recipe that yields beautiful results time after time. Sliced apples mixed with sugar and spices bake under a crumble topping that can be made traditional or gluten free. Don’t let apple season pass you by without trying this easy dessert!

What is Apple Crumble?

A crumble is traditionally a baked fruit dessert with a streusel topping. Streusel is a crumb topping that may be made with flour, sugar, and butter.

In order to make a wheat free dessert, we make a few simple substitutes for the all purpose flour. Here the gluten free crumble topping is made with almond flour, rice flour, sugar and butter. (You won’t need a gluten-free flour blend since this recipe uses just almond and rice flours.)

You’ll be glad to know that this version of gluten free apple crumble tastes just like the traditional version so you can serve this to gluten-free and gluten-loving friends alike!

What’s the difference between an Apple Crumble and an Apple Crisp?

You might wonder what the difference is between a crumble and a crisp recipe. Well, this is subjective. Many a cook has debated this question. The answer varies from house to house, state to state.

The two desserts are quite similar but there is a main difference and it comes down to the oats (or lack of oats). I like to think of a crumble as having a topping with a soft crumble streusel whereas a crisp often has an oat-based layer that browns (or crisps) as it bakes.

What Ingredients do you need for GF Apple Crumble?

You’ll need apples of course! Granny Smith apples or Honeycrisp apples are the best apples for a crumble. If you bake with another variety, let me know your favorite in the comments below. Crumbles are great with so many type of apples.

To make this apple crumble gluten free, you’ll also need the following ingredients:

• almond flour (or almond meal)
• brown rice flour
• granulated sugar
• salt
• butter
• lemon juice
• brown sugar
• cornstarch
• ground cinnamon
• APPLES!

Quick recap of the steps:

1. Make the GF topping
2. Combine the sliced apples with sugar and spices. Layer the topping over the fruit.
3. Bake in an 8 by 8 square pan or in a pie dish.
4. Cool slightly then serve. Make it a la mode and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

How to make an gluten free crumble topping

Let’s start with the topping where the end goal is to be able to press a small crumb of the mixture together and have it form a large, pea-sized crumb. This almond flour crumble topping is made with almond flour and brown rice. A rice flour crumble yields a pleasant texture. 

Let’s get started with this simple crumble mixture. Place the almond flour, brown rice four, granulated sugar, salt and butter together in a large mixing bowl.

Use your hands or a pastry blender to cut the topping ingredients together in a large bowl. You should end up with a bowl of small pieces of pea-sized crumbs. (If you wanted to use a food processor, that makes quick work of making the gluten free crumble mixture too.)

By the way, either almond flour and almond meal can be used in this gluten-free crumble mixture. Almond flour is usually made with peeled almonds and is fine in texture. Almond meal is made with raw almonds so you’ll see bits of the brown almond skins throughout the meal. Both taste great and work well in baked apple recipes.

Put this crumble topping in the freezer while you move on to the apple filling.

How do I make the apple filling for apple crumble?

One of the beauties of making crumbles is that you are basically enjoying an apple pie without the trouble and fuss of making a pie crust.

Let’s make this apple mixture. Slice your apples– no need to bother peeling them– and toss them in lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning. Add the brown sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon and toss to combine.

Assemble the Apple Crumble:

Place the apples in an 8 x 8 glass square baking dish. Take the cold crumble topping and press it gently onto the apples.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 55-60 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll have a tender apple filling. Crumbles are best served warm and (in my opinion) topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A healthier topping option is a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt.

 WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• It’s a simple and quick apple crumble recipe that uses basic ingredients and a fast method. 
• Easy stewed apples take 10 minutes to cook.
• The oat crumble topping comes together fast in one bowl. 
• Bakes in 45 minutes, ready in time for dessert!
• Perfect for all ages. 
• Makes the best leftovers. 

With old-fashioned stewed apples that are spiced with ground cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of sugar, this quick and delicious apple filling cooks in 10 minutes.

The quick crumble topping is created with oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter in one mixing bowl. There is no need to rub the butter into the flour and oats, just melt and mix! 

This basic apple crumble recipe is perfect to serve as a warm dessert with scoops of vanilla ice cream. It makes the best leftovers too! Simply warm your desired amount back up in the oven or microwave and it’s ready to enjoy again. 

📋 INGREDIENT NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS

• Apples: The most popular apples to use for apple crumble are Granny Smith apples. Alternatively, use Pink Lady Apples or Royal Gala Apples. 
• Sugar: Use either golden or white granulated sugar. There is a small amount of added sugar in the apple filling as I find apples offer plenty of natural sweetness. 
• Vanilla: A vanilla extract or vanilla bean extract is perfect.
• Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon, not a cinnamon stick.
• Water: Use room temperature filtered or tap water. 
• Plain flour: A plain all purpose flour works best. For a gluten-free option, use a plain all purpose gluten free flour from the supermarket. 
• Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned whole rolled oats. Do not use steel cut or quick oats. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats. 
• Brown sugar: Use light brown sugar and not dark brown sugar. It needs to be measured by lightly packing it, see my how-to guide here. 
• Nutmeg: Use a ground nutmeg spice. 
• Unsalted butter: You can also use salted butter if you don’t have unsalted. 
• Ice cream: to serve with your warm apple crumble. Use your favorite ice cream flavor of choice, classic vanilla is scrumptious!

🥣 STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

There is a full and detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1) In a medium-sized pot, add cubed apples, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and water. Mix to coat the apples. Place over medium heat and bring the liquid to a simmer, mixing occasionally. 

2) Once simmering, continue to cook for 10 minutes until apples have softened and they’re fork tender, mixing occasionally so they don’t stick to the base of the pot. Remove the pot from the heat and pour the mixture into the greased pie dish. Set aside. 

3) In a large mixing bowl, add flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined. Pour over melted butter and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until it forms a crumbly dough. You can also use your hands for this step. 

4) Sprinkle the crumble over the apple filling. Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the crumble is golden all over and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream or allow it to completely cool and warm up later in the oven. 

💭 TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS

• Use Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Royal Gala Apples. 
• Make this apple crumple gluten-free by using gluten-free plain all purpose flour and certified gluten-free rolled oats. 
• Use old-fashioned whole rolled oats and not steel cut or quick oats. 
• Stew the apple until they’re fork-tender, not mushy. 
• Make this easy apple crumble in advance by making and assembling the apple crumble, setting it aside until the filling has cooled, and then cover it with cling film or foil and refrigerate for 24 hours before cooking it. 

⏲️ STORING INSTRUCTIONS

Store apple crumble by cooling it completely and keeping it in the pie dish, covered with a layer of plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for 2-3 days. Or transfer to an airtight container, refrigerated, for 3-4 days. 

Freeze your apple crumble in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave to serve. 

💬 RECIPE FAQ’S

What are the best apples for easy apple crumble?

Use your favorite apples or in-season apples such as Granny Smith Apples, Pink Lady Apples or Royal Gala Apples. 

Can you refrigerate apple crumble and cook it later? 

Yes, make and assemble the apple crumble, set it aside until the filling has cooled, and then cover it with cling film or foil and refrigerate for 24 hours before cooking it. 

Can you make crumble topping in advance? 

Yes, make the crumble topping beforehand and store it in an airtight container, in the fridge for 24 hours before adding it to your apple filling and cooking it. 

Can I make apple crumble without oats?

Try using quinoa flakes as an alternative to oats for your crumble topping. 

Is apple crumble and apple crisp the same?

Yes, they both use cooked fruit fillings and are topped with some sort of rough pastry dough. Traditionally, crisps contained oats and crumbles did not. However these days, they’re both used interchangeably.