Gordon Ramsay’s apple crumble is a quick baked dessert that pairs caramelised apples with a crunchy granola crumble topping. Made with grated and chunked apples, dried cranberries, vanilla seeds and a simple flour-butter crumble, it bakes in just 12–14 minutes at 200°C. It serves 4 and works beautifully as a warm autumn or winter pudding.
This apple and cranberry crumble stands out because of its caramel base. Instead of simply mixing fruit with sugar, you melt caster sugar directly in the dish until it caramelizes, then cook grated apple into it to create a thick, jammy sauce while larger chunks hold their shape, giving you two textures from the same fruit. The cranberries and lemon zest add brightness that keeps the flavour from falling flat. The only real challenge is watching the caramel closely so it doesn’t burn.
The topping follows the classic butter-flour-sugar rub but gets an upgrade with granola stirred through for extra crunch. Starting everything on the hob means the filling is already bubbling when it hits the oven, so the topping crisps quickly in just twelve minutes without drying out the fruit. Originally from Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course, it’s one of those recipes that looks far more impressive than the effort it actually takes, and that’s exactly what makes it a keeper.
Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble Recipe
Course: DessertsCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
10
minutes30
420
kcalA warm apple crumble with a caramelised fruit base and crunchy granola topping from Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course.
Ingredients
- Filling
6 tbsp caster sugar
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1 vanilla pod, seeds only
6 apples, cored but not peeled, 3 of them grated, 3 cut into chunks
3 tbsp dried cranberries
Zest of 1 lemon, juice of ½
- Crumble Topping
100g plain flour
2 tbsp demerara sugar
50g butter, chilled and cubed
Pinch of ground cinnamon
4 tbsp nutty granola or muesli
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6.
- Heat a small hob-proof baking dish, add the caster sugar and heat for about 5 minutes until it caramelises. Add the cinnamon, vanilla seeds and grated apples and cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir in the apple chunks, then mix in the cranberries, lemon zest and juice. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- To make the topping, place the flour, sugar, butter and cinnamon in a bowl and rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the granola and mix until fully incorporated.
- Scatter the crumble topping over the fruit and heat the dish again on the hob. Once the apple mixture is bubbling, transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 12–14 minutes until the topping is a deep golden colour. Remove and serve warm.
FAQs
Can I make this apple crumble ahead of time?
You can prepare the crumble topping in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of granola in the topping?
Rolled oats with a handful of chopped nuts work perfectly. You’ll still get that extra crunch without needing shop-bought granola.
Why is my crumble topping not crispy?
The butter probably wasn’t cold enough. Warm butter blends too smoothly into the flour and creates a dense, doughy layer instead of a crumbly one.
Can I freeze leftover apple crumble?
Yes, let it cool completely then freeze in portions for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 180°C rather than the microwave to keep the topping crisp.
What’s the best way to reheat apple crumble?
Cover loosely with foil and warm in the oven at 160°C for about 10 minutes. This brings back the bubbling fruit without burning the top.
What should I serve with apple crumble?
A big spoonful of warm custard is the classic choice. Vanilla ice cream or cold double cream work just as well if you want that hot-and-cold contrast.
I’m Ava Taylor. I’m A Self-taught Home Cook Who Loves Gordon Ramsay Recipes. I Try Every Dish In My Small Apartment Kitchen And Tweak It Until It Works. I Write Clear Steps With Simple Words So Anyone Can Follow. I Share Honest Wins, Mistakes, And Quick Tips To Help You Cook With Confidence.