Apple Crumble 3 Ingredient: Quick & Easy Recipe

Apple Crumble 3 Ingredient: Can you imagine a dessert so comforting, so utterly delicious, and yet so unbelievably simple to make? I’m talking about a warm, bubbling apple crumble, its sweet and tart filling topped with a buttery, crumbly blanket of goodness. And what if I told you that you could achieve this autumnal dream with just three ingredients?

Apple crumble, in its various forms, has been a beloved dessert in households across the globe for generations. While its exact origins are debated, similar baked fruit desserts have graced tables for centuries. This simplified version, however, takes the essence of that classic comfort food and distills it down to its purest, most accessible form. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, less truly is more.

People adore apple crumble for its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The soft, yielding apples, infused with cinnamon and spice (even without it being an official ingredient!), contrast beautifully with the crisp, buttery crumble topping. It’s a dessert that evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and pure, unadulterated happiness. Plus, the ease of this Apple Crumble 3 Ingredient recipe makes it a winner for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Who can resist a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction? Get ready to experience the magic of simple baking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 kg Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 200g Rolled Oats
• 150g Melted Butter (unsalted)

Preparing the Apple Base:

Okay, let’s start with the heart of our crumble – the apples! This is where the magic truly begins. I always find that using a mix of apple varieties adds a lovely depth of flavor, but for this super simple recipe, sticking to one type is perfectly fine. Granny Smiths will give you that classic tartness, while Honeycrisp offers a sweeter, crisper bite. The choice is yours!

1. Peel, Core, and Slice: First things first, give those apples a good wash. Then, using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the skin. Next, cut the apples in half and use an apple corer (if you have one) or a knife to remove the core. Now, slice the apples into roughly ½ inch thick pieces. Don’t worry about being too precise; a rustic crumble is part of the charm!
2. Arrange in Baking Dish: Grab your favorite baking dish. An 8×8 inch square dish or a similar sized round dish works perfectly. Lightly grease the dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent the apples from sticking. Arrange the sliced apples evenly in the dish. You want a nice, compact layer, but don’t overcrowd them.
3. Optional: Add a Touch of Cinnamon (Not Required, But Recommended!): While this recipe is all about simplicity, a little sprinkle of cinnamon can really elevate the apple flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss the sliced apples with about ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon before arranging them in the baking dish. It adds a warm, comforting note that complements the apples beautifully. I highly recommend it!

Making the Oat Crumble Topping:

Now for the star of the show – the oat crumble topping! This is where the 3-ingredient magic happens. It’s incredibly simple, but the combination of oats, butter, and a touch of natural sweetness creates a wonderfully crunchy and satisfying topping that perfectly complements the soft, baked apples.

1. Combine Oats and Melted Butter: In a medium-sized bowl, pour in the rolled oats. Then, add the melted butter. Make sure the butter is completely melted but not hot. Hot butter can start to cook the oats and make the topping a bit greasy.
2. Mix Thoroughly: Using a spoon or your hands (my preferred method!), mix the oats and melted butter together until the oats are evenly coated. You want every oat to be glistening with butter. This is what will give the topping its lovely golden-brown color and crispy texture.
3. Check the Consistency: The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two more of melted butter until it comes together. If it seems too wet, add a tablespoon or two more of rolled oats. The key is to find that perfect balance where the topping is crumbly but holds together slightly.

Assembling and Baking the Apple Crumble:

We’re almost there! Now comes the fun part – putting everything together and baking our delicious apple crumble. The aroma that will fill your kitchen while it bakes is simply divine!

1. Sprinkle the Crumble Topping: Evenly sprinkle the oat crumble topping over the layer of apples in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the apples. Don’t be afraid to use your fingers to gently press the topping down slightly to help it adhere to the apples.
2. Bake in Preheated Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Once the oven is preheated, carefully place the baking dish in the center rack.
3. Baking Time: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You can test the apples for tenderness by inserting a fork into the center of the crumble. If the fork slides in easily, the apples are done. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
4. Cool Slightly Before Serving: Once the crumble is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the apples to settle and the topping to crisp up even more.

Serving Suggestions:

Now for the best part – enjoying your homemade apple crumble! While it’s delicious on its own, here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• With Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing! The warm, comforting crumble with a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is simply heavenly.
• With Custard: Another classic choice. The rich, creamy custard complements the tartness of the apples and the crunchiness of the topping perfectly.
• With Whipped Cream: A light and airy option. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance to the crumble.
• On Its Own: Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. A warm bowl of apple crumble on its own is a comforting and satisfying treat.

Tips and Variations:

This 3-ingredient apple crumble is incredibly versatile. Here are a few tips and variations to customize it to your liking:

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts to the crumble topping. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all work well.
• Use Different Fruits: While this recipe is for apple crumble, you can easily substitute other fruits, such as berries, peaches, or plums.
• Add Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or allspice, to add a unique flavor to the crumble.
• Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the melted butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter crumble, you can add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the apple mixture or the crumble topping.
• Make Individual Crumbles: Instead of baking the crumble in a large dish, you can bake it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Storing Leftovers:

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two, or bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works:

You might be thinking, “Only 3 ingredients? Can it really be that good?” And the answer is a resounding YES! Here’s why this recipe works so well:

• Simplicity: The simplicity of the recipe allows the natural flavors of the apples and oats to shine through.
• Texture: The combination of the soft, tender apples and the crunchy, buttery topping creates a delightful textural contrast.
• Comfort: Apple crumble is a classic comfort food that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
• Versatility: As mentioned earlier, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your liking.

Troubleshooting:

Even with a simple recipe like this, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Topping is Too Dry: Add a tablespoon or two more of melted butter until the topping comes together.
• Topping is Too Wet: Add a tablespoon or two more of rolled oats until the topping is crumbly.
• Apples are Too Tart: Add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the apple mixture.
• Topping is Burning: Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• Apples are Not Tender: Bake for a few minutes longer, or until the apples are tender.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this incredibly simple and delicious 3-ingredient apple crumble as much as I do! It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

This 3-Ingredient Apple Crumble is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire. Why? Because it delivers that warm, comforting, classic apple crumble flavor we all crave, but with an unbelievably minimal effort. We’re talking about a dessert that’s ready to bake in under five minutes – perfect for those last-minute cravings, unexpected guests, or when you simply don’t have the energy for a complicated baking project. The simplicity doesn’t compromise on taste; the combination of sweet apples, buttery shortbread, and a hint of cinnamon creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve presented the basic recipe, feel free to get creative and personalize it to your liking. For a richer, more decadent experience, try adding a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top while it’s still warm. The contrast between the warm crumble and the cold creaminess is simply divine. Alternatively, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans would add a delightful nutty sweetness.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different fruits. Pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries would work beautifully in place of the apples. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as some fruits may release more moisture than others. You could also add a touch of spice, like nutmeg or ginger, to complement the fruit.

For those who prefer a slightly healthier option, you can substitute the shortbread cookies with a homemade crumble topping made from oats, flour, butter, and a touch of brown sugar. This will add a bit more texture and fiber to the dessert. Another great variation is to add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the apple mixture for a chewy and flavorful surprise.

Serving suggestions are endless! This 3-Ingredient Apple Crumble is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea. It’s an ideal dessert for a cozy night in, a casual gathering with friends, or even a holiday celebration. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t be impressed by a homemade apple crumble, even if it only took you a few minutes to prepare?

I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their back pocket. It’s a lifesaver when you need a quick and easy dessert that’s guaranteed to please. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help. I am confident that this recipe will become a family favorite.