Apple, Cream & Spiced Rye Crumble Pots Recipe
Introduction
This Apple, Cream & Spiced Rye Crumble Pots recipe offers a delightful blend of tender stewed apples, aromatic spices, and crunchy rye breadcrumbs, all topped with a luscious whipped cream. Perfect for a cozy dessert that feels rustic yet refined, it brings Scandinavian-inspired flavors to your table in charming individual portions.
Ingredients
- 4 cooking apples
- 6 tbsp caster sugar
- 50g unsalted butter
- 100g brown breadcrumbs
- 100g soft light brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Ground cardamom from 8 cardamom pods
- 100g rye breadcrumbs
- 500ml whipping cream
- 5 tbsp icing sugar (or add to taste)
- Good squeeze of lemon
- 2 tbsp aquavit (optional), or to taste
- 2 tbsp blanched hazelnuts, halved and toasted
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and core the apples, then cut the flesh into chunks. Place them in a large saucepan with the caster sugar and 3 tbsp of water. Cook over gentle heat until the apples are completely tender, stirring occasionally and mashing roughly with a wooden spoon. If the mixture is too wet, simmer gently to reduce moisture.
- Step 2: Taste the stewed apples to ensure they’re not too sweet, then transfer to a bowl to cool. You can mash smooth or leave some chunks for texture.
- Step 3: Melt half the butter in a frying pan. Add the brown breadcrumbs and half the brown sugar, sautéing over medium heat until golden, stirring constantly. Mix in half the cinnamon and cardamom and cook for 1 more minute. Spread on a tray to cool to room temperature.
- Step 4: Repeat the breadcrumb mixture process with the rye breadcrumbs and remaining sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Once cooled, combine both breadcrumb mixtures in a bowl.
- Step 5: Whip the cream, adding the icing sugar and lemon squeeze just before it thickens fully (the lemon helps thicken the cream). If using, stir in the aquavit after whipping.
- Step 6: Layer the dessert in glass bowls starting with the stewed apples, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, and finish with a thick layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts on top just before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, puree the stewed apples completely before layering.
- If you prefer, substitute aquavit with a splash of brandy or omit alcohol entirely.
- Use toasted walnuts or almonds instead of hazelnuts for a different nutty crunch.
- Adjust the spices by adding nutmeg or ginger for added warmth.
Storage
Store any leftover crumble pots covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The breadcrumb layer may soften over time, but the flavors will deepen. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Rewhip the cream topping if it loses volume before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep textures fresh and the crumbly topping crisp.
What can I use if I don’t have rye breadcrumbs?
If rye breadcrumbs aren’t available, substitute with panko or regular breadcrumbs, though the distinctive rye flavor will be less pronounced.
Print
Apple, Cream & Spiced Rye Crumble Pots Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Apple, Cream & Spiced Rye Crumble Pots recipe combines tender stewed cooking apples with a fragrant spiced breadcrumb crumble and luscious whipped cream. The sweet and tart layers are infused with warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom, balanced by a squeeze of lemon and optional aquavit for a Scandinavian twist. Toasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch, creating an elegant, layered dessert that’s perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Stewed Apples
- 4 cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 6 tbsp caster sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- Good squeeze of lemon
Crumble Topping
- 50g unsalted butter
- 100g brown breadcrumbs
- 100g soft light brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Ground cardamom from 8 cardamom pods
- 100g rye breadcrumbs
Whipped Cream
- 500ml whipping cream
- 5 tbsp icing sugar (or to taste)
- Good squeeze of lemon
- 2 tbsp aquavit (optional), or to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp blanched hazelnuts, halved and toasted
Instructions
- Stew the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the cooking apples into chunks. Place them in a large saucepan with the caster sugar and 3 tablespoons of water. Cook over gentle heat, stirring occasionally and mashing the fruit roughly with the back of a wooden spoon, until the apples are completely tender. If the mixture is too wet, simmer on low to reduce moisture. Taste and ensure apples are not overly sweet since sweetness will be added later. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
- Prepare the Brown Breadcrumb Crumble: Melt half the butter in a frying pan and add the brown breadcrumbs and half the light brown sugar. Sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden. Add half the cinnamon and half the ground cardamom and cook for about 1 more minute. Spread out the mixture on a tray to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Rye Breadcrumb Crumble: Repeat the procedure with the remaining butter, rye breadcrumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Once cooled, mix both breadcrumb mixtures together in a bowl.
- Whip the Cream: Pour the whipping cream into a bowl. Add the icing sugar and a good squeeze of lemon while whipping, to achieve a thickened whipped cream through the acid’s effect. If using aquavit, add it at this stage once the cream has thickened.
- Assemble the Crumble Pots: In clear glass bowls or pots, layer the dessert starting with the cooled stewed apples, then the spiced breadcrumb crumble, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers if desired but finish with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, scatter the toasted, halved blanched hazelnuts over the top for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Stewed apples can be kept chunky or pureed smoothly depending on preference.
- The optional aquavit adds an authentic Scandinavian flavor, but the dish works beautifully without it.
- Use rye breadcrumbs for a distinct earthy note reminiscent of traditional Nordic baking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whipping cream with coconut cream, though this will alter the flavor profile.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor combination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
Keywords: apple crumble, spiced rye crumble, whipped cream dessert, Scandinavian dessert, cinnamon cardamom dessert, autumn dessert
