Toffee Apple Crumble

Published: February 10, 2026

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and rich toffee creates an irresistible taste that warms your heart.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, even novice cooks can master this recipe.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve warm on its own, or top with ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or festive gatherings, this crumble fits right in.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the toffee sauce in advance to save time on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Toffee Apple Crumble, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Saucepan
Heatproof jug
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

Importance of Each Tool

Saucepan: Essential for creating the smooth toffee sauce that makes this crumble special.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the crumble ingredients effectively.
Baking dish: A sturdy dish ensures even baking and easy serving.

Ingredients

For the Toffee Sauce

75g Golden Syrup
75g Soft Light Brown Sugar
50g Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
60ml Double Cream
500g Cooking Apples, such as Bramleys, peeled, cored and sliced
500G Eating Apples, such as Galas, Braeburns or Pink Lady, peeled, cored and sliced
150G Golden Caster Sugar or Soft Light Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon water or apple juice
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional)
5 Tablespoons of the Cooled Toffee Sauce

For the Crumble

225g Plain Flour
A pinch of salt
150G Cold Diced Butter
75G Rolled Oats
75G Demerara Sugar

How to Make Toffee Apple Crumble

Step 1: Make the Toffee Sauce

Place all the ingredients for the toffee sauce into a saucepan.
Simmer on low to medium heat until everything melts together into a smooth sauce.
Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof jug.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, and a pinch of salt.
Rub in cold diced butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Stir in demerara sugar.

Step 3: Cook the Apples

Preheat your oven to 180C/160Fan/350F/Gas Mark 4.
In a large saucepan over low heat, place the sliced cooking and eating apples.
Add sugar and ground cinnamon (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes until apples begin to soften.
Once softened and pulpy, remove from heat and pour apples into a large pie dish.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spoon over the cooled toffee sauce evenly across the apples.
Top with the crumble mixture, spreading it evenly over the fruit.
Bake for 30–40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
Serve warm with extra caramel sauce and ice cream if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Toffee Apple Crumble!

How to Serve Toffee Apple Crumble

Toffee Apple Crumble is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it classic or with a twist, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream beautifully complements the warm crumble.
Caramel Ice Cream: For a richer experience, pair your crumble with caramel ice cream for added sweetness.

With Custard

Traditional Custard: A warm pour of custard enhances the flavors and adds extra comfort.
Spiced Custard: Infusing your custard with cinnamon or nutmeg can add a delightful twist.

With Whipped Cream

Sweetened Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a nice contrast to the warm apples.
Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract for an extra touch of flavor.

As a Breakfast Treat

Yogurt Parfait: Layer leftover crumble with yogurt and fresh fruits for a delicious breakfast option.
Overnight Oats: Mix crumbled pieces into your overnight oats for a unique morning treat.

With Fresh Fruit

Sliced Bananas: Fresh banana slices provide a sweet and healthy addition to each serving.
Mixed Berries: A handful of berries can brighten up the dish and add freshness.

How to Perfect Toffee Apple Crumble

Perfecting your Toffee Apple Crumble is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out just right.

Use the Right Apples: Choose a mix of cooking and eating apples for the best flavor balance.
Chill Your Butter: Make sure your butter is cold when making the crumble for a flaky texture.
Don’t Overmix: When preparing the crumble, mix just until combined to keep it light and crumbly.
Add Nuts: Incorporating chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add extra crunch and flavor.
Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the crumble warm straight from the oven.
Experiment with Spices: Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can enhance the overall flavor profile of your crumble.

Best Side Dishes for Toffee Apple Crumble

Pairing side dishes with Toffee Apple Crumble can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent side options to consider.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to the warm crumble.
Custard: A rich custard sauce adds warmth and sweetness, perfect for drizzling over your dessert.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream balances the richness of the crumble wonderfully.
Fresh Fruits: Seasonal fruits like berries or bananas offer freshness and color on the plate.
Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can provide savory elements that complement sweet desserts nicely.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and an interesting flavor contrast alongside your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Toffee Apple Crumble turns out perfect, avoid these common pitfalls.

Skipping the Toffee Sauce: Many people overlook making the toffee sauce from scratch. This step is essential for rich flavor. Always prepare the sauce before assembling the crumble.
Using the Wrong Apples: Not all apples work well in this recipe. Stick to cooking apples like Bramleys and sweet eating apples such as Galas or Braeburns for the best texture and taste.
Overmixing the Crumble: If you overwork the crumble mixture, it can become tough. Aim for a breadcrumb-like texture by gently rubbing the butter into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat it to ensure your crumble cooks evenly and achieves that golden top.
Serving Without Extras: Serving your Toffee Apple Crumble plain can miss out on its full potential. Pair it with cream or ice cream for a delightful contrast!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your leftover Toffee Apple Crumble in an airtight container.
It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator without losing its deliciousness.

Freezing Toffee Apple Crumble

For longer storage, freeze your crumble after baking.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It keeps well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Toffee Apple Crumble

Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 30-60 seconds; check and stir if needed.
Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Toffee Apple Crumble.

Can I make Toffee Apple Crumble ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything in advance! Just assemble it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

What types of apples are best for Toffee Apple Crumble?

The best choices are firm cooking apples like Bramleys combined with sweeter varieties like Galas or Braeburns for balance.

How do I customize my Toffee Apple Crumble?

Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to the crumble topping for extra texture and flavor. Spices like nutmeg also work well!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

While this recipe is tailored for apples, you can experiment with pears or even mixed berries for a twist on this classic dessert!

Final Thoughts

This Toffee Apple Crumble is not just comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different fruits or toppings. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite during chilly evenings!

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