Doreen’s Apple Crumble

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Preheat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Spray the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray (or butter it). An 8x8-inch dish or individual dishes also work.

2. Step 2.

   In a large bowl, rub or cut ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (cut into small pieces) into 8 ounces (2 cups) self-rising flour until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter or a food processor (a few quick pulses). Mix in ½ cup brown sugar (demerara if available). Place the crumble mixture in the freezer while you prepare the apples.

3. Step 3.

   In a mixing bowl, combine 6 large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced about ½ inch thick) with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on apple tartness), 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Toss to coat. Transfer the apples to the prepared baking dish. Remove the crumble mixture from the freezer and sprinkle it evenly over the apples.

4. Step 4.

   Bake for about 45 minutes, until the apple juices bubble through the topping and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or custard.