Ingredients:

  • 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Braeburn), about 6-8 oz each (170-225g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (30g)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed (30g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice (60ml)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats (20g)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (25g)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (50g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (57g)
  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (40g) - Optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (20g) - Optional
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30ml) - Optional

Instructions:

  1. Core the apples, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm) at the bottom intact.
  2. Combine raisins, nuts, and maple syrup (if using) in a bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  4. Brush the apples inside and out with the spice mixture. Fill the apple cores with the optional raisin/nut mixture. Place the apples in the baking dish.
  5. Pour apple cider or juice into the bottom of the baking dish.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
  8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Check doneness with a fork - apples should be easily pierced.
  9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.