Christmas Crumble

Say hello to my Christmas Crumble – an apple crumble, with a festive twist! It’s spiced with classic Christmas flavours – orange, cinnamon, clove and other warm spices. If you’re wondering what gives it a beautiful, deep red hue it’s cranberry sauce! Everyone always has extra cranberry sauce, so I thought to myself, why not incorporate it into a delicious, comforting dessert?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredient Breakdown
• The Beauty of Christmas Spices
• Cranberry Sauce: The Unexpected Hero
• The Perfect Christmas Crumble Topping
• The Importance of Custard
• Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Crumble
• Christmas Crumble: A Festive Twist on Tradition
• More Christmas Recipes

Introduction

Ah, the humble apple crumble. A comforting dessert that warms you from the inside out, especially on those chilly winter evenings. But this isn’t just any apple crumble—this is a Christmas Crumble. I’ve taken the classic and given it a festive makeover, infusing it with the warm, nostalgic flavours of the holiday season. Imagine the familiar tang of apples, now enhanced with the zesty punch of orange, the aromatic warmth of cinnamon and clove, and a surprise splash of cranberry sauce that not only adds a tart contrast but also gives the crumble its beautiful, deep red hue.

Whether you’re looking to use up leftover cranberry sauce or just want to try something new, this Christmas Crumble is a must-try. Best served with a generous ladle of vanilla custard, because, let’s be honest, custard is the ultimate crumble companion.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Bramley Apples: The classic choice for crumbles. Bramleys are tart and hold their shape well when baked, providing the perfect balance to the sweet and spicy notes in the crumble.
• Cranberry Sauce: The festive star of this dessert. Cranberry sauce adds a tangy depth and a stunning deep red colour that sets this crumble apart.
• Orange (juice and zest): Adds a fresh citrusy kick that complements the apples and balances the sweetness. The zest brings aromatic oils that enhance the overall flavour.
• Golden Caster Sugar: Used twice in this recipe—first in the fruit mixture for sweetness and then in the crumble topping for that delicious caramelised finish.
• Ground Cinnamon: A classic spice that instantly brings the warmth of Christmas to any dish. Cinnamon pairs beautifully with apples and adds a lovely depth.
• Ground Clove: Just a pinch. Clove is potent, so a little goes a long way. It adds a sweet, spicy warmth that’s unmistakably festive.
• Ground Nutmeg: A subtle addition that brings a sweet, nutty flavour. Nutmeg rounds out the spice blend perfectly.
• Plain Flour: The base for our crumble topping. It helps create that delightful, crumbly texture we all love.
• Cold Butter (grated): The secret to a perfect crumble topping. Grating the butter ensures it mixes evenly with the flour and sugar, creating a tender, crumbly topping.
• Fine Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavour.
• Fresh Vanilla Custard: The ultimate accompaniment. Its creamy texture and vanilla notes pair perfectly with the warm, spiced crumble.

The Beauty of Christmas Spices

One of the key elements that sets this Christmas Crumble apart is the blend of spices. Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg are the trifecta of Christmas baking, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort. But what makes these spices so special?

• Cinnamon provides a sweet, warmths that softens the tartness of the apples and cranberry sauce.
• Clove is a powerful spice with a distinctly sweet, almost peppery flavour. Just a pinch in the crumble adds a festive warmth without overpowering the other flavours.
• Nutmeg has a sweet, slightly nutty flavour that complements the other spices. It adds a subtle layer of complexity, enhancing the overall warmth and richness of the crumble.

Cranberry Sauce: The Unexpected Hero

We often associate cranberry sauce with savoury dishes, like roast turkey, but its sweet-tart profile makes it an excellent addition to desserts. In this Christmas Crumble, the cranberry sauce provides a tangy contrast to the sweet apples and spices. The natural pectin in cranberries also helps to thicken the fruit filling as it bakes, creating a luscious, jammy consistency.

And let’s talk about that colour! The cranberry sauce gives the crumble a stunning red hue that looks as festive as it tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover cranberry sauce you might have from Christmas dinner. Waste not, want not!

The Perfect Christmas Crumble Topping

A good crumble is all about balance: the filling should be soft and fruity, while the topping needs to be buttery and crisp. The secret to achieving that perfect crumble topping lies in the butter. Using very cold, grated butter helps to distribute it evenly throughout the flour and sugar mixture. This technique ensures that the topping is light and crumbly, not dense and doughy.

When mixing the topping, use a light touch. Start with a whisk to coat the butter in flour and sugar, then switch to your hands to rub the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. The goal is to create a topping that’s both crispy and slightly chewy—a textural contrast to the soft, juicy filling beneath.

The Importance of Custard

I can’t stress enough how vital custard is to this dish. There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm crumble with a generous pour of custard. The creamy vanilla notes of the custard meld with the spiced fruit filling, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

While some might prefer cream or ice cream, for me, custard is the ultimate choice. It’s a nostalgic nod to the crumbles of my childhood, where the custard was always homemade, rich, and generously poured over a steaming bowl of spiced fruit and buttery crumble. If you’ve never tried your crumble with custard, now’s the time to start.

Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Crumble

• Use Bramley Apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Plus, they hold their shape well when baked.
• Keep the Butter Cold: This is crucial for a light, crumbly topping. Grating the butter ensures it’s evenly distributed.
• Mix the Spices Well: Make sure your cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg are evenly mixed through the filling to ensure a consistent flavour throughout.
• Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: The top should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges. This ensures the fruit is cooked and the topping is perfectly crisp.

Christmas Crumble: A Festive Twist on Tradition

This Christmas Crumble is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of festive flavours and a nod to the comforting classics we all know and love. Whether you’re gathered around the table with family or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, this crumble is sure to bring warmth and cheer to your home this holiday season. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s bake some magic!

More Christmas Recipes

For more Christmas recipes, check out my Christmas Recipe Collection, where you’ll find a curated selection of festive recipes, perfect for the holiday season. From indulgent mains and comforting sides to delightful desserts and warming drinks, each recipe is crafted to bring joy to your Christmas celebrations.