Save This hearty Apple Cider Crumble Crunch Slab has been my autumn baking tradition for years, combining the nostalgic flavors of apple orchards with a satisfying textural contrast that makes it impossible to resist just one piece.
I first developed this recipe after a particularly abundant apple-picking adventure left my kitchen overflowing with Granny Smiths. What started as a practical solution became our most requested dessert at family gatherings from September through November.
Ingredients
- Tart apples like Granny Smith: offer the perfect balance to the sweet elements and hold their shape when baked
- Apple cider: intensifies the apple flavor throughout the filling
- Lemon juice: brightens the overall flavor and prevents browning
- Ground cinnamon nutmeg and allspice: create that quintessential fall spice profile
- Cornstarch: thickens the apple juices into a luscious sauce
- Rolled oats: provide hearty texture in the crumble base
- Brown sugar: adds caramel notes that complement the apples
- Pretzels or graham crackers in the topping: create an unexpected crunchy contrast
- Demerara sugar: gives a sparkly finish and caramelized crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper ensuring you leave enough overhang on the sides to act as handles for easy removal later. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup significantly easier.
- Create the Apple Filling:
- In a spacious mixing bowl combine your peeled cored and thinly sliced apples with apple cider granulated sugar lemon juice and all your spices. Add the cornstarch and salt then gently toss until every slice is evenly coated. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the crumble base.
- Mix the Crumble Base:
- In another large bowl combine the flour rolled oats brown sugar melted butter baking powder and salt. Use your fingers or a fork to work the ingredients together until you achieve a consistent crumbly texture where no dry spots remain. The mixture should hold together slightly when pressed between your fingers.
- Form the Base Layer:
- Take approximately two thirds of your crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use the back of a measuring cup to create a smooth compact layer that will serve as the sturdy foundation for your dessert.
- Layer the Apples:
- Arrange your spiced apple mixture evenly across the crumble base ensuring an equal distribution of apple slices. Pour any accumulated juices from the bowl over the apples as these contain concentrated flavor and will be absorbed during baking.
- Add Remaining Crumble:
- Sprinkle the remaining one third of your crumble mixture over the apples. Do not press down instead allow it to remain loose for a textural contrast to the firm base.
- Create the Crunchy Topping:
- In a small bowl mix together your chopped nuts crushed pretzels or graham crackers melted butter and demerara sugar until everything is moistened. Distribute this mixture evenly over the top layer of crumble ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Place your assembled slab in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You will know it is done when the top has turned a deep golden brown and you can see the apple filling bubbling around the edges.
- Cool Before Slicing:
- Allow the slab to cool in the pan for at least one full hour. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the filling to set and makes for clean slices. Once cooled use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert out of the pan before cutting into squares.
Save The apple cider is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power by accident when I ran out of lemon juice one day and substituted reduced cider instead. The concentrated apple flavor created such depth that it has become non negotiable in my autumn baking arsenal.
Make Ahead Magic
This slab dessert actually improves with a day of rest as the flavors meld and deepen. Prepare it up to two days before your gathering and store it covered at room temperature. If you prefer to serve it warm simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 seconds or place the entire slab covered with foil in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes before serving.
Seasonal Variations
Summer Adaptation Replace apples with 8 cups of mixed berries reduce cornstarch to 1 tablespoon and omit the apple cider
Winter Holiday Version Add 1 cup of fresh cranberries and 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the apple mixture for a festive touch
Spring Rhubarb Twist Substitute 3 cups of the apples with diced rhubarb and increase sugar to 3/4 cup to balance the tartness
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own this slab dessert reaches new heights when paired thoughtfully. Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the classic contrast of hot and cold. For brunch gatherings offer it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. When packaging for bake sales or potlucks cut into smaller squares and dust with powdered sugar for an attractive presentation that travels well.
Storage Solutions
Room Temperature Store covered for up to 2 days to maintain the perfect crunch
Refrigerator Will keep for up to 5 days though the topping will soften somewhat
Freezer Cut into individual portions wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months
Save Always slice your apples to a uniform thickness around 1/4 inch to ensure they cook evenly. For the most dramatic flavor contrast use the tartest apples you can find.