Spiced Peach Crumble Topping
Elevate your homemade peach crumble with this unique topping featuring the secret ingredient: a single grated apricot kernel. Its subtle, nutty aroma, combined with warm spices and buttery oats, creates an unforgettable texture and flavor that will make your dessert truly special.
For 8 servings
If baking immediately, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your fruit filling (e.g., sliced peaches mixed with a little sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch) in a 9x13 inch baking dish or individual ramekins.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, finely grated apricot kernel, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk briefly to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add the very cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two knives, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Alternatively, for a quicker method, pulse the dry ingredients and cold butter in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can warm the butter too much.
Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over your fruit filling in the baking dish. Do not press down; a loose topping will yield a crispier result.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Remove from the oven and let the crumble cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit filling to set and the topping to become even crispier.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of crème fraîche.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Keep the Butter Cold: Ensure your butter is as cold as possible. This is crucial for achieving a light, crumbly texture. If it warms up, pop the bowl in the freezer for a few minutes.
- 2Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten in the flour and melts the butter, leading to a tough, dense topping instead of a light, crisp one. Stop mixing as soon as coarse crumbs form.
- 3Make Ahead: You can prepare the crumble topping mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 1 month. Sprinkle directly over fruit from cold or frozen.
- 4Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on the sweetness of your fruit and your personal preference. For very sweet fruit, you might reduce it slightly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Boost
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
Spice VariationSpice Variation
Experiment with other warm spices like ground ginger, cardamom, or a pinch of allspice to complement different fruits. A touch of black pepper can also add an interesting kick.
Gluten Free OptionGluten-Free Option
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free for a delicious GF crumble topping.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Fiber-Rich Oats
Rolled oats are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Antioxidant Spices
Cinnamon and nutmeg contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may contribute to overall health and well-being.
Healthy Fats (in moderation)
While a dessert, the butter provides some fat-soluble vitamins, and when paired with fruit, this topping can be part of a balanced treat.
Frequently asked questions
Apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which can convert to cyanide. While one kernel is generally considered safe for most adults and adds a unique flavor, it's crucial to use only one and source it from a reputable supplier. If you are concerned, you can omit it or substitute with 1/4 tsp almond extract for a similar flavor profile.
