Spiced Apple and Oat Crumble

Ingredients

• 6 unit tart baking apples (about 900 g)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 0,33 cup light brown sugar (filling)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1,5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0,25 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 0,75 cup all-purpose flour
• 0,5 cup light brown sugar (topping)
• 0,5 tsp fine salt
• 0,5 cup melted unsalted butter

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9-inch baking dish.

2. 2

   Peel, core and slice the apples into 1/2-inch wedges. Toss immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.

3. 3

   Add brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla to the apples. Toss until every slice is glossy and coated.

4. 4

   Transfer the apples to the baking dish, mounding slightly in the centre.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, whisk rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt for the topping.

6. 6

   Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture forms clumps ranging from pea- to marble-sized : don't overwork it.

7. 7

   Scatter the crumble evenly over the apples, leaving small gaps so steam escapes and the topping crisps.

8. 8

   Bake 40-45 minutes, until the topping is deep golden brown and the fruit juices bubble thickly at the edges.

9. 9

   If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

10. 10

    Rest 15 minutes before serving so the juices thicken and the flavours settle.