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
Scale
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
