Apricot dessert

Caramelized Apricot Crumble Dessert

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

The history of fruit desserts is rich in flavor and creativity. In every culture, seasonal fruits have been transformed into sweet delights, often combined with simple ingredients to create a truly memorable taste. Today, I present to you a dessert recipe featuring apricots, inspired by the American concept of "crumble," which will turn a simple baking mishap into a delicious masterpiece. This recipe is not only easy but also a clever way to use leftover cake, bringing together fruity flavors and a crunchy texture in an irresistible way.

Ingredients

- Fresh apricots (6-8 pieces, depending on the size of your baking dish)
- 2-3 slices of cake (preferably dry or leftover from another meal)
- 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut
- Sugar (about 100 g, adjust to taste)
- Butter (70 g for greasing the dish and small cubes for topping)

To achieve the best results, choose ripe but firm apricots. They will add natural sweetness and a pleasant texture to the dessert. If you don’t have cake, you can use any type of stale bread or even crushed cookies. The coconut will add an extra layer of flavor and an exotic touch, but it can be omitted if it’s not to your liking.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 200°C (400°F) to heat evenly before placing the dessert inside.

2. Prepare the apricots: Rinse the apricots under cold running water. Cut them in half and remove the pits. Place the apricot halves in a buttered tart dish. If you prefer a sweeter taste, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the apricots; this will help create a delicious caramel while baking.

3. Make the cake mixture: In a bowl, crumble the cake slices until they are fine. Add the shredded coconut and mix well. This mixture will form a crunchy topping over the apricots.

4. Assemble the dessert: Evenly sprinkle the cake and coconut mixture over the apricots in the dish. Add a few cubes of butter on top to achieve a rich and flavorful texture.

5. Bake the dessert: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy. You can check if it’s done by gently pressing down; if the topping is firm and browned, it’s ready.

6. Serve: Allow the dessert to cool for a few minutes before serving. It is delicious warm but also at room temperature. You can accompany it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt to add a creamy and refreshing touch.

Helpful Tips

- If you don’t have apricots, feel free to experiment with other fruits like peaches, apples, or plums. Each fruit will bring a unique flavor to the dessert.
- Instead of white sugar, you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized taste. Honey or maple syrup are also excellent alternatives.
- If you want to add a hint of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the cake mixture.

Approximate nutritional values (per serving)

- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, frozen fruit can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using.

2. How long does the dessert last?
The dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it slightly before serving to restore its crunchy texture.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by using vegan cake or bread and vegan butter to fit a plant-based diet.

This caramelized apricot crumble dessert is not only a way to save leftovers but also an opportunity to create a delicious treat that will impress everyone at the table. Try this simple and quick recipe and turn every meal into a special moment!