Toffee Apple Crumble
This Toffee Apple Crumble really is the ultimate warming Winter pudding. Soft apples coated in rich caramel sauce and topped with a buttery oat crumble, it’s perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. Whether you serve it at a holiday feast or as a comforting treat after dinner, this dessert will leave everyone craving more. The unique blend of sweet and tart apples combined with the indulgent toffee elevates the traditional crumble to something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is straightforward for all cooking levels.
- Comforting Taste: The combination of warm apples and caramel creates a rich, satisfying flavor that is hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive celebration, this crumble fits right in.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices or add nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Serves Many: This recipe yields eight servings, making it great for sharing with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Provides even heat distribution for cooking the crumble thoroughly.
- Saucepan: Ideal for creating the toffee sauce; its size helps prevent spillage during cooking.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients without mess, especially when making the crumble topping.

Ingredients
For the Toffee Sauce:
- 75g Golden Syrup
- 75g Soft Light Brown Sugar
- 50g Butter
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 60ml Double Cream
- 500g Cooking Apples, such as Bramleys, peeled, cored and sliced
- 500g Eating Apples, such as Galas, Braeburns or Pink Lady, peeled, cored and sliced
- 150g Golden Caster Sugar or Soft Light Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon water or apple juice
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional)
- 5 Tablespoons of the Cooled Toffee Sauce
For the Crumble:
- 225g Plain Flour
- A pinch of salt
- 150g Cold Diced Butter
- 75g Rolled Oats
- 75g Demerara Sugar
How to Make Toffee Apple Crumble
Step 1: Make the Toffee Sauce
- In a saucepan over low to medium heat, combine all ingredients for the toffee sauce.
- Simmer until everything has melted together into a smooth sauce.
- Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof jug to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, and a pinch of salt.
- Rub in cold diced butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in demerara sugar.
Step 3: Cook the Apples
- Preheat your oven to 180C/160Fan/350F/Gas Mark 4.
- Place both types of sliced apples in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add sugar and ground cinnamon if using; cook for about 5 minutes until just beginning to soften.
- Pour softened apples into a large pie dish.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Spoon cooled caramel sauce over the apples evenly.
- Top with crumble mixture, spreading it out evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling on top. Serve warm with extra caramel sauce or ice cream if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Toffee Apple Crumble!
How to Serve Toffee Apple Crumble
Toffee Apple Crumble is a delightful dessert that warms your soul, especially during the colder months. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds a creamy texture and balances the sweetness of the crumble.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream – Infuses a warm spice flavor that complements the apple filling perfectly.
Drizzled with Extra Toffee Sauce
- Extra Toffee Sauce – Drizzling more of the homemade toffee sauce over each serving intensifies the caramel flavor and adds moisture.
Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Sliced Apples – Freshly sliced apples on top can add a refreshing contrast to the warm crumble.
- Berries – A handful of berries can provide a burst of tartness, balancing out the sweetness.
Whipped Cream
- Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds richness and lightens up the dish without overpowering it.
How to Perfect Toffee Apple Crumble
Creating the perfect Toffee Apple Crumble requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for an irresistible dessert.
- Choose the right apples – Use a mix of cooking apples and eating apples for depth of flavor and texture.
- Make ahead – Prepare your toffee sauce in advance; it saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Don’t overmix crumble – When combining ingredients, mix just until crumbly; overmixing can lead to tough texture.
- Adjust sweetness – Taste your apples before baking; feel free to adjust sugar levels based on their tartness.
- Bake until golden – Ensure your crumble is baked until it’s golden brown; this enhances both flavor and appearance.
- Serve warm – For the best experience, serve your Toffee Apple Crumble warm straight from the oven.
Best Side Dishes for Toffee Apple Crumble
Pairing side dishes with your Toffee Apple Crumble can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options.
- Vanilla Custard – Smooth and creamy custard adds a luxurious touch that pairs well with the fruity crumble.
- Apple Sauce – Homemade apple sauce can complement the flavors while providing a different apple experience.
- Cheese Board – A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the crumble beautifully.
- Roasted Nuts – A mix of roasted nuts adds a crunchy texture that contrasts with the softness of the dessert.
- Spiced Chai Tea – A warm cup of spiced chai tea offers comforting spices that enhance the overall tasting experience.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides freshness and acidity, counteracting the rich flavors of the crumble.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Toffee Apple Crumble can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Skipping the Toffee Sauce Preparation: Many people rush this step. The sauce adds depth and flavor, so take your time to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Using Overripe Apples: Overripe apples can turn mushy during cooking. Choose firm apples for the best texture and taste in your crumble.
- Not Letting the Crumble Cool: Serving immediately can cause the sauce to run. Let it cool slightly for better serving and flavor integration.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Always check your crumble a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid burning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Toffee Apple Crumble
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Toffee Apple Crumble
- Oven: Preheat to 180C/350F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until hot, but avoid overheating as it may affect texture.
- Stovetop: Cover in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Toffee Apple Crumble?
Toffee Apple Crumble is a delightful dessert featuring cooked apples topped with a sweet, buttery crumble and drizzled with rich toffee sauce.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! Feel free to mix varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a unique flavor profile in your Toffee Apple Crumble.
How do I make my crumble topping crispier?
For a crispier topping, ensure you rub the butter into the flour well until it resembles breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use coconut cream instead of double cream for the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Toffee Apple Crumble not only warms you up on chilly nights but also offers endless customization options. Experiment with spices or add nuts for extra crunch! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite comfort dessert.
Toffee Apple Crumble
Indulge in the warmth of Toffee Apple Crumble, the ultimate comfort dessert that encapsulates the cozy essence of winter. This delightful treat features tender apples enveloped in a luscious caramel sauce, all crowned with a buttery oat crumble. Perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings, this dessert offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Serve it warm with a drizzle of extra toffee sauce or a scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 500g Cooking Apples, such as Bramleys, peeled, cored and sliced
- 500g Eating Apples, such as Galas, Braeburns or Pink Lady, peeled, cored and sliced
- 75g Golden Syrup
- 75g Soft Light Brown Sugar
- 50g Butter
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 60ml Double Cream
- 150g Golden Caster Sugar or Soft Light Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon water or apple juice
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional)
- 5 Tablespoons of the Cooled Toffee Sauce
- 225g Plain Flour
- A pinch of salt
- 150g Cold Diced Butter
- 75g Rolled Oats
- 75g Demerara Sugar
Instructions
- To make the toffee sauce, combine golden syrup, soft light brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and cream in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool.
- For the crumble topping, mix flour, oats, and salt in a bowl. Rub in cold diced butter until crumbly and stir in demerara sugar.
- Preheat your oven to 180C/350F. Cook sliced cooking and eating apples with sugar and cinnamon in a saucepan until slightly softened; transfer to a baking dish.
- Pour cooled toffee sauce over the apples, top with crumble mixture evenly, and bake for 30–40 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
