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SophiasnanaSat 20-Mar-21 09:10:30
Apple crumble on the menu tonight, but do I cook the bramley apples first? I have tried both ways. When I precook them, the crumble is far too soggy. But when I tried another recipe, just putting the crumble on top of the sliced apples, they were still hard when the crumble was cooked. Googling it, can find recipes for both ways.
Advice please?
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GreydusterSat 20-Mar-21 09:15:24
I usually give them a short blast in the microwave; not long enough to send them to mush, but just enough to keep their shape and texture and the oven will do the rest.
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LadyGracieSat 20-Mar-21 09:28:51
I usually slice the apples quite thinly then put the crumble mixture on top and put the dish on a baking sheet.
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MarydollSat 20-Mar-21 09:54:09
I part cook the apples. I also add some porridge oats to the flour, which makes the topping really crispy.
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MaizieDSat 20-Mar-21 10:02:15
I'd suggest part cooking them first, too.
Mind you, I usually use cooked apple and I quite like that intermediate layer of apple soggy crumble
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GrandmabattySat 20-Mar-21 10:09:32
I usually part cook the apples so they are soft. Like Marydoll I add some oats to the crumble mix too.
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LisagranSat 20-Mar-21 10:17:51
I usually part cook the apples, with a bit of lemon juice. If you use 1/2 cooking and 1/2 eating apples, you can use less sugar. I always mix oats in the topping too - and sometimes chopped walnuts.
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BigBertha1Sat 20-Mar-21 10:42:53
I part cook the apples and use a flapjack topping so I get a nice crisp crumble.
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CalendargirlSat 20-Mar-21 10:45:28
I always use cooked apples for the base, not keen on sliced apples. All a nice big mush when the custard is mixed in!
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timetogo2016Sat 20-Mar-21 10:50:37
I part cook the apples and sprinkle demerara sugar on top for a crispy/crunchy topping.
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Gwenisgreat1Sat 20-Mar-21 10:59:42
I don't precook the apple, unless they have been frozen. For the topping I use 75% porage oats, 25%oatbran and soft dark brown sugar - yummy!!
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MarmightSat 20-Mar-21 11:07:50
My daughter Facetimed me from Australia just this week, knife and apple in hand, to ask me just this question! I suggested gently partially cooking the apples before applying the crumble. Haven’t been updated on the result yet
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PurpledaffodilSat 20-Mar-21 11:23:08
Raymond Blanc has a recipe for cooking separately then assembling. But needs crumble mixture trebled ?
www.bbcgoodfoodme.com/recipes/apple-and-blackberry-crumble/?amp
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EllianneSat 20-Mar-21 11:28:45
I always cook them a bit first, (then add the blackberries afterwards if using) and top with crumble.
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tanithSat 20-Mar-21 12:18:38
I’ve never cooked the apples first just thinly slice with brown sugar and always add oats to the crumble I love it when the apple juice seeps into the edges it makes the crumble so crisp and tasty.
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SeptimiaSat 20-Mar-21 12:35:23
I usually make apple pie with thinly sliced uncooked apples but crumble always with pre-cooked. I usually use stewed apple (or blackberry and apple) from the freezer and a very thick layer of crumble - at least as thick as the apple. So at least an inch and a half depth of both of them.
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Nannan2Sat 20-Mar-21 12:41:59
If in doubt try the tinned apple slices- ones in own juice or water are not too sweet, drain that off,(not usually very much in anyway) then pour into dish & top with crumble. Cook for about 20- 30 minutes.(keep checking after 20, till golden) lovely.and just as nourishing.And less waste&hard work.
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GreyKnitterSat 20-Mar-21 12:45:18
I usually use apples from the freezer so defrost them first and then add crumble with porridge added as many other suggest. I don’t mind that middle bit - in fact I rather like it!
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Jane43Sat 20-Mar-21 12:46:34
I part cook the apples too. A friend of mine used to slice the apples very thinly using a potato peeler and that worked well for her.
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storynannySat 20-Mar-21 13:26:35
I slice mine , add a bit of water, sugar, put them in the glass pie dish then microwave for about 5/8 mins to soften. Sprinkle with the crumble mix and cook in oven.
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cornishpatsySat 20-Mar-21 14:00:32
I cook mine first as I like soft apples, depends on what you prefer.
Fortunately, I have some frozen apples so will make a crumble for later.
I learnt a tip recently of melting the butter in the microwave until liquid then add the flour stir with a fork until like breadcrumbs then add sugar, oats and spices. Quicker and cleaner than the traditional way.
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KamisoSat 20-Mar-21 14:04:20
Greyduster
I usually give them a short blast in the microwave; not long enough to send them to mush, but just enough to keep their shape and texture and the oven will do the rest.
That’s what I do. Learned the hard way though!
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NonogranSat 20-Mar-21 14:08:01
I always use the classic good ol' British Bramley Apples but if you're abroad maybe they're not available there?
I never pre cook them. I use ground almonds and oats sometimes in my toppings.
Never have undercooked apples. Everything always cooks beautifully together.
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storynannyWed 24-Mar-21 16:43:58
Cornish patsy I’m going to do it that way next time
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Janet5116Thu 25-Mar-21 10:56:39
Hi a short blast in the microwave as above and add a couple of eating apples as they don't 'fall' like Bramley's they add a good texture to apple crumble.