This cozy Mini Apple Walnut Crumble is the perfect autumn treat, combining tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat and walnut topping. Ideal for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or holiday celebrations, this dessert is sure to warm hearts. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe takes just 20 minutes of prep time, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of Granny Smith apples and warm spices creates a comforting and delightful flavor profile.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this crumble warm on its own or pair it with ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday feast, this dessert fits right in and impresses everyone.
- Healthier Dessert Choice: With wholesome ingredients like oats and walnuts, this crumble offers a satisfying sweet without excessive guilt.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Mini Apple Walnut Crumble, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (8×8-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures your crumble bakes evenly and holds all the delicious filling.
- Mixing bowls: Allow you to easily combine ingredients without mess.
- Measuring cups: Provide accurate measurements for perfect results every time.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
For the crumble topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
How to Make Mini Apple Walnut Crumble
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or small ramekins. This ensures that your dessert doesn’t stick during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl:
1. Mix apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and melted butter until well coated.
2. Ensure all apple slices are evenly covered for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl:
1. Combine flour, granulated sugar, oats, cinnamon, and walnuts.
2. Add cold butter and rub the mixture with your fingertips until it becomes crumbly. This step creates the perfect texture for your topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples.
Step 5: Bake the Crumble
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent over-browning.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream for that perfect comfort food experience.
How to Serve Mini Apple Walnut Crumble
Serving Mini Apple Walnut Crumble is all about enhancing its warm, comforting flavors. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dessert that will make your taste buds sing.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic choice that complements the cinnamon and apple perfectly.
- Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: Adds a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crumble topping.
Top with Whipped Cream
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture and balances the dish.
- Cinnamon Whipped Cream: A twist on the traditional, infusing extra spice into every bite.
Serve with a Drizzle
- Warm Caramel Sauce: A decadent addition that enhances each spoonful of crumble.
- Maple Syrup: Offers a natural sweetness and pairs well with the walnut topping.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- Espresso: The bold flavor of espresso can balance the sweetness of the crumble.
- Chai Tea: The spices in chai complement the cinnamon and cardamom in the dessert.
How to Perfect Mini Apple Walnut Crumble
Making a great Mini Apple Walnut Crumble is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips to elevate your dessert.
- Use Fresh Apples: Fresh Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness and texture for baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Topping: Rub cold butter into dry ingredients just until crumbly for a light, flaky topping.
- Add Nuts for Crunch: Experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds for added flavor and texture.
- Let it Cool Slightly Before Serving: This allows the juices to settle, making it easier to serve and enhancing flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Apple Walnut Crumble
To create a complete meal around your Mini Apple Walnut Crumble, consider these tasty side dishes that pair well with this delightful dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A mix of sharp cheeses balances out the sweetness of the crumble. Include crackers for crunch.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavor complements the sweetness of apples while offering a healthy option.
- Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes: They echo the warm spices in your crumble, creating harmony on your plate.
- Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A light salad adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the dessert.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: Filled with quinoa and cranberries, it’s hearty but won’t overshadow your sweet finale.
- Savory Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl adds comfort and seasonal flair, pairing nicely with apple flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Mini Apple Walnut Crumble, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.
- Using the wrong apple type: Not all apples work well in a crumble. Stick to tart varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- Overmixing the crumble topping: If you overwork the butter and flour mixture, it can become too dense. Gently rub the ingredients together until crumbly.
- Skipping the lemon juice: Lemon juice helps prevent browning and enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step for optimal taste.
- Not letting it cool before serving: Serving immediately can lead to a soggy texture. Allow it to cool slightly so flavors meld beautifully.
- Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your crumble; it should be golden brown and bubbly when done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure it’s completely cooled before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing Mini Apple Walnut Crumble
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- For best results, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a container.
Reheating Mini Apple Walnut Crumble
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Mini Apple Walnut Crumble.
How can I make my Mini Apple Walnut Crumble healthier?
You can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or use whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can also add great texture and flavor to your crumble.
How do I prevent my apples from browning too quickly?
Coating apple slices with lemon juice not only prevents browning but also enhances their flavor.
Is Mini Apple Walnut Crumble suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a delicious gluten-free version.
What should I serve with my Mini Apple Walnut Crumble?
It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting dessert experience.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Apple Walnut Crumble is an ideal dessert for any autumn gathering. The combination of spiced apples and crunchy topping creates a cozy treat that everyone will love. Feel free to customize with different fruits or nuts based on your preferences!
Mini Apple Walnut Crumble
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with this delightful Mini Apple Walnut Crumble. This easy-to-make dessert features tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples topped with a buttery oat and walnut crumble. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, each bite offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will make your heart sing. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until coated.
- In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon, and walnuts. Add cubed butter and rub until crumbly.
- Spread apple mixture in the prepared dish and top with the crumble.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and apples are tender.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crumble (120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in different nuts like pecans. Experiment with spices by adding nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
