There is something truly magical about the combination of tart apples and juicy strawberries baked beneath a golden, buttery crumble. This Apple & Strawberry Crumble Recipe captures that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a crunchy texture that complements the tender fruit underneath. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family dinner or to impress friends at your next get-together, this dessert will quickly become a beloved favorite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying warm, fragrant goodness straight from the oven in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking a spectacular crumble. Each component in this Apple & Strawberry Crumble Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible harmony of flavors and textures you’re aiming for.
- 650 g Granny Smith apples: Their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries, adding a firm texture that holds up well during baking.
- 500 g strawberries: These bring vibrant color and juicy sweetness that complements the apples beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Helps prevent the apples from browning while enhancing the fruity zing.
- 3 tablespoons cornflour: Thickens the fruit juices, so your crumble filling isn’t too runny but luscious and neat.
- 200 g cake flour: Provides a light, tender base for the crumble topping.
- 200 g almond meal: Brings a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch to the topping.
- 200 g unsalted butter, chilled: Essential for that crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
- 200 g light brown sugar: Adds warmth and caramel notes to the crumble.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor depth.
How to Make Apple & Strawberry Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling
Start by washing, peeling, and chopping the Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces. Hull and halve the strawberries. In a large bowl, gently toss together the apple chunks, strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornflour. The cornflour will help thicken the juices released during baking, ensuring the filling has the perfect consistency to rest beneath your crumble topping.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the cake flour, almond meal, light brown sugar, and salt. Cut the chilled unsalted butter into small cubes, then use your fingertips to rub it into the dry ingredients. Aim for a mixture that looks like coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized bits of butter remaining—these chunks are what give the topping its delightful texture once baked.
Step 3: Assemble the Crumble
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the fruit filling into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit, covering it completely. The contrast between the juicy fruit base and the crunchy, golden topping is what makes this Apple & Strawberry Crumble Recipe so satisfying.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when the enticing aroma fills your kitchen and the top has a beautifully crisp texture.
How to Serve Apple & Strawberry Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your crumble warm straight from the oven is a joy, but adding a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of freshly whipped cream elevates the experience to pure indulgence. A sprinkle of toasted almonds on top can add even more crunch and a lovely nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the almond meal in the topping.
Side Dishes
This Apple & Strawberry Crumble Recipe is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a simple cup of steaming tea or a robust coffee to balance the sweetness. For a heartier dessert option, serve alongside custard or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, consider baking the crumble in individual ramekins for single servings—this is always a hit at dinner parties! You could also layer the crumble in a glass parfait with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a stunning look and a lighter twist on the classic dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crumble topping may lose some of its crispness over time, but the flavors will remain delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
This Apple & Strawberry Crumble Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the crumble in a freezer-safe dish before baking, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen—just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time until bubbling and golden.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover crumble in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps to restore some of the crunchiness of the topping while warming the fruit filling evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples depending on your sweetness preference.
Is it possible to substitute the almond meal in the crumble topping?
Yes, you can replace almond meal with additional flour, oats, or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a different taste and texture. Just keep the total dry ingredient weight consistent.
How do I prevent the fruit from becoming too soggy?
Using cornflour helps thicken the juices released during baking. Also, ensure your fruit pieces aren’t cut too small, and don’t overcrowd the baking dish so the heat circulates evenly.
Can I make this crumble gluten-free?
You can! Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your cornflour and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The crumble might be a bit different in texture but still delicious.
What are some good variations to try with this Apple & Strawberry Crumble Recipe?
Try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the fruit filling for warming flavor notes. Alternatively, mix in other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist on the classic.
Final Thoughts
This Apple & Strawberry Crumble Recipe is a heartwarming treat that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Its combination of luscious fruit, tangy freshness, and that perfectly textured topping makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser. Once you experience the simplicity and delight of baking it yourself, this dessert is sure to have a permanent spot in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it becomes an all-time favorite in your home.
PrintApple & Strawberry Crumble Recipe
This Apple & Strawberry Crumble combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble made from cake flour, almond meal, and light brown sugar. A perfect dessert for those who enjoy a delightful fruit filling paired with a rich, textured topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 650 g Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 500 g strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons cornflour
Crumble
- 200 g cake flour
- 200 g almond meal
- 200 g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 200 g light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced Granny Smith apples and halved strawberries with the lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornflour until evenly coated. The cornflour will help thicken the filling as it cooks.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine the cake flour, almond meal, light brown sugar, and salt. Add the chilled, diced unsalted butter and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces.
- Assemble the crumble: Transfer the fruit filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the fruit layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Remove the crumble from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This dessert is delicious served warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or custard.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the strawberries and sugar.
- Chilling the butter before mixing helps create a light and flaky crumble texture.
- The cornflour thickens the fruit juices, preventing the filling from becoming too runny.
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the almond meal lightly before using.
- This crumble can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
