Ontario Apple Crumble

Introduction

Ontario Apple Crumble is a beloved dessert in Canada, particularly in the province of Ontario where apples are a cherished local product. This dessert showcases the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh apples, combined with a buttery, crispy topping. This dessert has origins tracing back to World War II when rationing made making pastry difficult, and creative home cooks invented crumbles as a delightful alternative. Over the years, it has become a staple dessert enjoyed during apple season, in the fall, and at family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 large Ontario apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature ensures the perfect baking environment for your crumble, allowing the apples to cook through while crisping the topping.

2. Start by preparing the apples. Peel, core, and slice them into thin wedges. Ontario apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or McIntosh work best for this recipe, offering a balance of tartness and sweetness. As you slice the apples, place them in a mixing bowl and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a fresh zing to the taste.

3. Add the sugar and cinnamon to the apples, ensuring every slice is well coated. This mixture forms the juicy and spiced base of your crumble.

Making the Topping

1. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and rolled oats. These dry ingredients form the foundation of the crumble topping, offering structure and crunch.

2. Add the butter, which should be cold and cut into small cubes. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry mixture. The goal is to achieve a crumbly texture where the flour and other ingredients are moistened and form pea-sized clumps.

Assembly and Baking

1. Transfer the spiced apple mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

2. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering them as evenly as possible to ensure consistent baking.

3. Bake the crumble in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The crumble is ready when the top is golden brown and the apples beneath are tender. Monitor the cooking time closely as ovens can vary.

Enjoying Your Ontario Apple Crumble

Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, balancing the warmth of the crumble with a creamy contrast. It can be enjoyed straight from the oven for a cozy comfort food experience or served cold as a refreshing treat.

Ontario Apple Crumble is versatile; serve it as a delightful conclusion to a dinner party or enjoy it at breakfast with a spoonful of yogurt. It's a true celebration of simple ingredients, making the most of the seasonal bounty.

Whether you are in Ontario or anywhere else, this apple crumble is sure to bring joy and satisfy sweet cravings with its classic flavors and satisfying textures.