RecipesIrelandIrish Apple and Whiskey Crumble

Irish Apple and Whiskey Crumble

A comforting dessert featuring tender baked apples infused with Irish whiskey and warm spices, topped with a buttery, oaty crumble.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings6
DifficultyEasy
Irish Apple and Whiskey Crumble - Ireland traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Bramley apples(peeled, cored, and sliced)
  • 50 ml Irish whiskey
  • 75 g Brown sugar(for the filling)
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp Ground nutmeg
  • 200 g All-purpose flour(for the crumble)
  • 75 g Rolled oats(for the crumble)
  • 100 g Cold butter(cubed, for the crumble)
  • 50 g Demerara sugar(for the crumble topping)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4).

    💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated.
  2. 2

    Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Add the Irish whiskey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.

    💡 Tip: Bramley apples are ideal for their tartness and ability to break down.
  3. 3

    Spoon the apple mixture into a greased ovenproof dish.

    💡 Tip: A dish approximately 20cm x 20cm is suitable.
  4. 4

    To make the crumble topping, combine the flour and rolled oats in a separate bowl.

    💡 Tip: Using a mix of flour and oats provides a good texture.
  5. 5

    Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour and oats mixture. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

    💡 Tip: Keep the butter cold for a crispier crumble.
  6. 6

    Stir in the Demerara sugar.

    💡 Tip: Demerara sugar adds a lovely crunch.
  7. 7

    Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture in the dish.

    💡 Tip: Ensure the apples are completely covered.
  8. 8

    Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the apple filling is bubbling and tender.

    ⏱️ 40 minutes
    💡 Tip: If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
  9. 9

    Let the crumble stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

    ⏱️ 10 minutes
  10. 10

    Serve warm, ideally with custard, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.

    💡 Tip: A drizzle of extra Irish whiskey can be added to the serving suggestions.

💡 Pro Tips

  • If you don't have Irish whiskey, a good quality bourbon or even rum can be substituted, though the flavor profile will change.
  • For a nuttier crumble, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping mixture.
  • Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the whiskey and spices for consistent flavor.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a handful of raisins or sultanas to the apple filling for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Incorporate a few drops of almond extract into the apple mixture.
  • Use a mix of apples, such as Granny Smith for tartness and Gala for sweetness.

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