Brown Butter Apple Crumble: 5 Irresistible Ways to Indulge

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Brown Butter Apple Crumble is a delightful combination of warm apples and rich brown butter, perfect for any occasion. This recipe features a luscious, buttery topping that transforms a classic apple dessert into something extraordinary. The nutty aroma of browned butter fills your kitchen as you prepare this delicious treat, making it a perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire. Let’s dive into how to create this scrumptious dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Apple Crumble

This Brown Butter Apple Crumble is not just an ordinary dessert. Here are several reasons why it stands out:

Rich, nutty flavor from browned butter that elevates the traditional crumble.
Warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight baking.
Versatile recipe that can be adapted with different apples or toppings.
Can be served warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Offers healthy options, including gluten-free and vegan variations.

This recipe is a perfect example of a Buttery Apple Crumble Recipe that combines seasonal ingredients and techniques to deliver a delightful dessert experience.

Ingredients for Brown Butter Apple Crumble

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter (brown)
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1.25 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
0.75 cups pecans (finely chopped)
0.75 cups light brown sugar
0.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
5 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
0.33 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp light brown sugar
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp turbinado sugar
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
a pinch fine salt

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Crumble Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring to leave an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, brown 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns a rich, nutty color. Cool for 5-10 minutes, then measure out 3/4 cup for the crumb while reserving 1/4 cup for drizzling.
Step 3: Make the Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Stir in 3/4 cup of the browned butter until the mixture resembles sandy crumbs. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture and press the rest into the bottom of the lined pan. Par-bake for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling: Toss together 5 cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars: Spread the prepared apple mixture evenly over the warm crust in the pan. Mix the reserved crumb with 2 tbsp turbinado sugar and sprinkle it generously over the apples. Drizzle the reserved 1/4 cup of browned butter on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden. Cool in the pan for 1 hour before whisking together the glaze ingredients and drizzling over bars.

Pro Tips for the Best Brown Butter Apple Crumble

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor.
Don’t skip browning the butter; it adds incredible depth to the flavor.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.
Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for different flavor profiles.
Let the crumble cool slightly before cutting to ensure cleaner edges.

Irresistible Brown Butter Apple Crumble fresh from the oven on a cooling rack

Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Apple Crumble

Here are some serving suggestions:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Pair with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.

How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter Apple Crumble

To store, keep the crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this dessert throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Apple Crumble

What’s the secret to perfect Brown Butter Apple Crumble?

The secret lies in browning the butter correctly; it enhances the flavor profile and adds a nutty richness that elevates the entire dish. Ensure you watch it closely to prevent burning!

Can I make Brown Butter Apple Crumble ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the crumble a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This is great for gatherings!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Butter Apple Crumble?

Avoid overmixing the crust mixture; it should be crumbly. Additionally, ensure your apples are evenly diced for consistent cooking. Follow the steps closely for the best results.

Variations of Brown Butter Apple Crumble You Can Try

Ready to mix things up? Here are a few variations:

For a Vegan Brown Butter Apple Crumble Recipe, substitute butter with coconut oil.
Create a Brown Butter Apple Crisp by adding rolled oats to the topping.
Try a Gluten-Free Brown Butter Apple Crumble using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Add walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist in your crumble topping.

These variations offer something for everyone and keep your baking exciting!

Delicious Brown Butter Apple Crumble served warm with ice cream

For more delicious recipes, check out this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake or Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms. You can also explore Banana Pudding for a delightful dessert option!