Apple crumble pie

Apple crumb tart is a classic dessert, cherished by many generations, that brings together delicious flavors and a crunchy texture. This simple recipe is perfect for both special occasions and everyday culinary indulgence. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes and a baking time of 35-40 minutes, the tart will quickly become your favorite, especially when you smell the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the house. Let's get started!

Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 4-5 tablespoons of butter or margarine (ideally at room temperature)
- 3 cups of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 large egg
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 5 apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples)
- 50 g of butter
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of sugar

For the crumb topping:
- 1 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of nuts (optional, you can also use almonds or hazelnuts)
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of butter or margarine

Preparation

Step 1: Preheating the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is important to ensure even baking of the tart.

Step 2: Preparing the crust
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until you achieve a creamy and slightly light mixture. Add the egg and continue mixing until well incorporated. Then, add the flour mixture and mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough that is neither too hard nor too soft. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour.

Step 3: Forming the tart
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 0.5 cm thick. Place the dough in a tart pan or a springform pan, greased with butter and dusted with flour or lined with parchment paper. Make sure the dough evenly covers the bottom and sides of the pan.

Step 4: Preparing the apple filling
Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small cubes. In a saucepan, add the apple cubes, butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft but do not turn into mush. Transfer the filling to a strainer and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Preparing the crumb topping
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, nuts (if you choose to use them), sugar, and diced butter. Use your fingers to combine the ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. These bits of dough will add a crunchy contrast on top of the apples.

Step 6: Assembling the tart
Place the cooled apple filling over the tart crust, distributing it evenly. Then, sprinkle the crumb topping over it, making sure to cover the apples as much as possible.

Step 7: Baking
Transfer the tart to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crumb topping becomes golden and crunchy.

Step 8: Serving
Once the tart is done, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve the tart warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor.

Chef's tip
For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the apple filling or sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the crumb topping. Also, if you enjoy spices, feel free to experiment with a dash of nutmeg or cardamom in the filling.

Nutritional benefits
This apple tart is a good source of fiber due to the apples, which contribute to healthy digestion. It also contains antioxidants that may help protect the body. The calories vary depending on the ingredients used, but on average, a serving may contain around 250-300 calories.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Absolutely! You can replace the apples with pears, peaches, or even berries to create a delicious and varied tart.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the fridge.

3. Is it possible to make the tart gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free flour to adapt the recipe. Make sure to use a flour blend that contains binding agents so that the dough has a pleasant texture.

Possible variations
Instead of nuts, you can use coconut flakes for an exotic flavor. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a sweet-tart contrast.

Serving suggestions
For a special experience, try serving the tart with a caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of tea or a glass of warm cider will perfectly complement this delicacy.

Apple crumb tart is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, it will surely bring joy to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!