Apple Crumble Graham Crackers: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the comforting warmth of a classic apple crumble, but now perfectly portable and delightfully crunchy. These aren’t your average graham crackers; they’re a flavor explosion that will transport you to autumn orchards with every bite.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from my deep love for both apple crumble and the simple pleasure of a graham cracker. Apple crumble, a dessert with roots in wartime Britain when resourceful cooks made the most of limited ingredients, has always been a symbol of cozy home baking. The combination of sweet, spiced apples and a buttery, crumbly topping is simply irresistible.
But why stop there? I wanted to capture that same comforting essence in a convenient, snackable form. That’s where the graham cracker comes in! People adore graham crackers for their subtle sweetness, satisfying crunch, and versatility. They’re perfect for s’mores, pie crusts, or simply enjoying on their own. By infusing the classic graham cracker with the flavors of apple crumble, we’ve created a truly unique and addictive treat. You’ll love how easy these apple crumble graham crackers are to make, and even more, you’ll love the incredible taste and texture. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure happiness!
Ingredients:
- For the Apple Crumble Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Optional:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Caramel sauce, for serving
Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the crust bakes evenly.
- Prepare the graham cracker crumbs: If you’re starting with whole graham crackers, place them in a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can place them in a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. I prefer the food processor method as it’s much faster and creates a more uniform crumb.
- Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until all the crumbs are moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand. This is crucial for the crust to hold together properly.
- Press into the pan: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate or square baking dish. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to help press it down evenly. Make sure to get into the corners if you’re using a square dish. A well-packed crust is key to preventing it from crumbling apart later.
- Pre-bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This helps to set the crust and prevent it from becoming soggy when the apple filling is added. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the apple filling.
Making the Apple Crumble Filling:
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. I like to use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for a balance of tartness and sweetness, but you can use your favorite apple varieties. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Combine the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly with the dry ingredients. The flour helps to thicken the filling as it bakes, and the lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
- Add the butter: Dot the apple mixture with the small pieces of unsalted butter. This adds richness and flavor to the filling.
- Pour into the crust: Pour the apple mixture into the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
Preparing the Crumble Topping:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The brown sugar adds a lovely caramel-like flavor to the topping.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold, as this will create a more tender and crumbly topping. If the butter gets too warm, the topping will become greasy.
- Sprinkle over the apples: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the apples.
Baking the Apple Crumble:
- Bake in the oven: Place the apple crumble in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
- Cool slightly: Remove the apple crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to thicken and the flavors to meld together. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Serving Suggestions:
This Apple Crumble Graham Cracker is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The combination of the warm, spiced apple filling, the crunchy graham cracker crust, and the creamy ice cream is simply irresistible. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion:
And there you have it! These Apple Crumble Graham Crackers are truly something special, a delightful fusion of comforting flavors and textures that will have you reaching for more. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the warm, inviting taste of apple crumble but wants a convenient and portable treat. The combination of the crisp graham cracker base, the sweet and spiced apple filling, and that buttery, crumbly topping is simply irresistible. Its a symphony of flavors that dances on your tongue, leaving you feeling satisfied and happy.
Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s easy, delicious, and versatile! You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up a batch of these. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, the result is a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick afternoon snack to a delightful dessert after dinner. Forget store-bought cookies; these homemade Apple Crumble Graham Crackers are a game-changer. They offer a homemade touch that elevates them far beyond anything you can find on a supermarket shelf.
But the best part? You can customize them to your liking!
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
* Warm them up! A few seconds in the microwave will make the apple filling even more gooey and delicious.
* Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This transforms the crackers into a decadent dessert experience. Imagine the warm, spiced apples mingling with the cold, creamy ice cream pure bliss!
* Drizzle with caramel sauce. For an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence, a drizzle of caramel sauce is the perfect finishing touch.
* Experiment with different spices. While cinnamon is a classic, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or even cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
* Use different types of apples. Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the crumble, while Honeycrisp apples offer a balanced sweetness and crispness. Feel free to mix and match!
* Add nuts to the crumble topping. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
* Make it gluten-free! Simply substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers and use a gluten-free flour blend in the crumble topping.
* Try a different fruit filling! While this recipe focuses on apple crumble, you can easily adapt it to use other fruits like peaches, berries, or pears. Just adjust the spices accordingly.
Im so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these Apple Crumble Graham Crackers for yourself. I poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear your feedback, see your photos, and learn about any variations you try. Tag me in your social media posts or leave a comment below. Let’s spread the joy of these delicious Apple Crumble Graham Crackers together! Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what you create!
Apple Crumble Graham Crackers: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
Comforting apple crumble with graham cracker crust and oat crumble topping. Serve warm with ice cream and caramel sauce!
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Caramel sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the graham cracker crumbs: If using whole graham crackers, process in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, crush in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
- Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until moistened.
- Press into the pan: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate or square baking dish.
- Pre-bake the crust: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Add the butter: Dot the apple mixture with the small pieces of unsalted butter.
- Pour into the crust: Pour the apple mixture into the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle over the apples: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake in the oven: Place the apple crumble in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
- Cool slightly: Remove the apple crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For the apples, a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provides a good balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Make sure the butter for the crumble topping is cold for the best texture.
- If the crumble topping browns too quickly, tent with foil during baking.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for the ultimate treat!
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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