Apple Apricot Crumble with Oats and Pecan Streusel Topping – A Perfect Winter Dessert

As winter wraps its comforting embrace around us, there's nothing quite like the warmth that comes from a family gathered around a table. In the heart of this season, we are currently finding solace in shared moments, laughter, and the aroma of freshly baked treats.

There is so much chaos in the world right now and many of the current events are tearing down many emotional barriers for me. I have been fleeing into the kitchen to find my peace and consolation. Enter my Apple Apricot Crumble – not just a dessert but a delightful tradition that beckons loved ones to gather. Bittersweet guilty pleasures knowing that in another part of the world - a part that is close to my heart there is so much suffering.

A table adorned with the humble ingredients of my cherished crumble recipe. Apples and dried apricots, come together in a symphony of flavours, creating a dessert that's as heartwarming as the company it keeps.

As I layer the oats and pecan streusel atop the fruit-filled goodness, it's not just a dessert; it's building memories. The sweet scent wafting through the kitchen becomes a beacon, drawing in Soeren like a magnet, eager to lend a hand with the crumble, Thomas sharing tales of winters shared with his family – it's a moment frozen in time, yet alive with the energy of togetherness.

Winter, after all, is the season of huddling close, of finding comfort in shared spaces. The Apple Apricot Crumble becomes not just a sweet treat but a catalyst for conversation, a reason to linger a little longer at the table. It's a dessert that transcends taste; it's a reminder that the best moments in life are the ones we create together.

So, as the winter winds howl outside, let your home be filled with the warmth of family and the aroma of Apple Apricot Crumble. Because in every spoonful, there's not just the taste of deliciousness – there's the flavour of love, laughter, and the joy of being together.

Did you know that apples have been cultivated by humans for over 4,000 years? From the ancient orchards of Kazakhstan to the legendary Garden of Hesperides in Greek mythology, these fruits have journeyed through time, symbolizing everything from temptation to knowledge.

The world probably does not need another apple crumble recipe, but there is something very special about this one. It simmers the apples with dried apricots in citrusy orange juice to release a beautiful sunny flavour. Otherwise, you take those lightly caramelized apples, and you put them in your baking dish and then comes the topping. The topping itself is often my reason to make the crumble. I add rolled oats for extra texture and flavour -they not only contribute a delightful crunch but also bring a wholesome, earthy flavour that enhances the overall taste. Meanwhile, the pecans add a buttery richness and a subtle nuttiness that lingers on the palate.

Recipe: Apple Apricot Crumble with Oats and Pecan Streusel Topping

Print Recipe

By Meeta K. Wolff
Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 1 hour 45 min
Makes: 1 shallow oveproof pie/tart dish or 2 smaller 20cm pie forms

Ingredients

Topping

• 65g flour
• 45 g rolled oat flakes
• 110 g pecan nuts, coarsely chopped
• 100g brown raw sugar
• 70 g butter, softened

Filling

• 6 medium crisp and tasty apples with a good balance of sweetness and acidity
• 95 g dried apricots, roughly chopped
• 1 organic orange, zest and juice
• 100g muscovado sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• pinch of sea salt

Method

1. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat oven to 180° C. Butter one large baking dish or two smaller ones.
2. To make the topping: combine all ingredients and mix well. Transfer to a freezer bag and put in freezer till you make the filling.
3. To make the filling: in a medium saucepan, combine orange zest, juice and chopped apricots. Bring to a simmer and cook until the apricots are soft. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl mix sugar, vanilla paste and cinnamon. Halve and core apples. Cut in roughly bitesize chunks. Add the chunks to the bowl and toss apples with sugar, vanilla paste and cinnamon. Sprinkle cornstarch over apples and give another mix through. This binds the juices of the filling once it starts to cook. Stir in apricots and juice from the saucepan.
5. Scrape mixture into the buttered dish (or dishes) and spread evenly. Distribute the crumbly topping evenly over apples. Bake until crumble is browned on top and juices are bubbling and thickened. If you are making this in one large dish it should take about 1.5 hours. If you are using two smaller pans it will take roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Serve warm or cold.

Notes

• Choose the Right Apples: Select apples that hold their shape well during baking and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Popular choices for baking include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of different varieties.
• Experiment with Spices: Besides cinnamon, feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger. These can add depth and complexity to the flavour profile.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: To avoid a soggy bottom, consider baking the crumble on a preheated baking sheet. This helps the bottom of the dish to cook faster and crisp up.
• Pair with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Serve the crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a creamy and indulgent element.

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Verdict

With the first spoonful of this Apple Apricot Crumble, your taste buds are met with a harmonious blend of sweet and tart notes. The soft, cinnamon-kissed apples and succulent apricots create a symphony of flavours that dance on your palate. The natural sweetness of the fruits is complemented by the toasty richness of the oats and the nutty warmth of the pecan streusel.

As your fork descends through the layers, you'll encounter the comforting textures that define a perfect crumble. The fruit filling, tender and juicy, contrasts beautifully with the slightly crunchy, golden-brown topping. Each bite is a medley of textures, creating a satisfying and indulgent experience.

In essence, this Apple Apricot Crumble is a celebration of flavours and textures – a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also takes you on a journey through the comforting essence of family, tradition, and the richness of winter gatherings.

You might like these baked sweet ideas from What’s for Lunch, Honey?:

CHERRY COCONUT CLAFOUTIS	PEAR AND CRANBERRY CRUMBLE WITH RAW HONEY AND GINGER	CHERRY AND ROASTED ALMOND MARZIPAN TART

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