I made this crumble the week my apple tree and my neighbour’s strawberry patch both produced at the same time. Three apples peeled, cored, and cubed with two hundred grams of strawberries, tossed in condensed milk, lemon juice, and cinnamon. The topping is flour, chopped almonds, butter, and brown sugar mixed until crumbly. Baked at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes.
The condensed milk in the fruit mixture is the unusual ingredient. It caramelises during baking and turns the fruit layer thick and toffee-like. The almonds in the crumble topping toast golden and give each bite a nutty crunch. This one has become a keeper for the recipe box.
Tips for Making Apple and Strawberry Crumble
Cube the apples small
Peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes. They cook through in the baking time and mix evenly with the strawberries.
The strawberries break down faster than the apples. Small apple cubes ensure both fruits have the same soft, jammy texture when done.
Make the crumble topping by hand
Flour, chopped almonds, melted butter, and brown sugar stirred together until clumpy and sandy.
Scatter over the fruit in uneven pieces. Do not press down. The loose pieces bake into individual crunchy bites.
Apple and Strawberry Crumble
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This crumble is absolutely divine. The combination of sweet apples with tart strawberries is heavenly, topped with an almond crumble for a nutty texture.
Ingredients
- 3 apples, peeled, cored and cubed
- 200 grams (7 oz) strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, combine apples, strawberries, condensed milk, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
- Transfer the fruit mixture to a baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix flour, almonds, butter, and brown sugar to form a crumble topping.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Why condensed milk?
It thickens the fruit layer and caramelises during baking. Without it, the fruit releases juice and the bottom becomes watery. It also adds sweetness that lets you use less sugar.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw and drain them first. Frozen strawberries release more liquid, so add an extra tablespoon of flour to the fruit mixture.
Can I use a different nut?
Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts all work. Chop them roughly. Any nut that toasts well in the oven works in a crumble topping.
