Autumn is the time when most apples are harvested, but this dessert can be enjoyed year-round, thanks to our modern food distribution networks that can make out-of-season produce available throughout the year. You can even purchase an abundance of apples during the fall harvest season, peel them, slice them into thick slices and freeze them.

Apples that you have frozen like this will taste fresh when you thaw them, but their texture is not as firm as that of fresh apples picked right from the tree or those available at your local market. They are perfect for use in crisps, cobblers, pies and crumbles, such as this one.

 

INGREDIENTS

For the Apples

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

5 large apples, peeled and cut into chunks

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Topping

2/3 cup oats

2/3 cup loosely packed brown sugar

¼ cup flour

½ teaspoon cinnamon

3-4 tablespoons softened butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

INSTRUCTIONS

In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, apples, salt, and cinnamon. Spread onto bottom of slow cooker.

Mix your crumble topping ingredients until it comes together. Sprinkle it over top of the apples. Cook on low for 4 hours, or high for 2 hours.

Turn off heat and let sit, covered, for one hour to let the caramel thicken.

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Quick Tip:  When choosing apples, you want to look for varieties that are firm enough to hold up to the heat of baking. At the same time, you want them to be juicy enough to create the sauce. Some options are Jonagolds, Fuji, Gala and Pink Lady apples. Of course there’s that old standby, the Granny Smith apple.

Recipe courtesy of Amanda at Fake Ginger, image courtesy of abapplez at allrecipes.com