Indulge in Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble
Craving a warm dessert? You’re in for a treat with this Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble recipe! This dish is all about that perfect balance of crispy topping and juicy fruit. I’ll share my kitchen-tested tips to help you nail that Ramsay-style crumble right at home. Let’s get cooking!
The First Time I Ruined This Dish
When I first attempted Gordon Ramsay’s Apple Crumble, I thought I could wing it. Spoiler alert: I ended up with a soggy mess. The key? Understanding the importance of caramelizing the sugar. Ramsay’s technique transforms the fruit, giving it a rich, deep flavor. Now, I simplify this step by using a hob-safe baking dish, which saves time and cleanup.
The One Ramsay Technique That Changed Everything
One Ramsay technique that changed my game was the crumble topping. Instead of just mixing flour and butter, he emphasizes the texture. I learned to rub the ingredients together until they resemble breadcrumbs, which creates that delightful crunch. It’s a small tweak that makes a huge difference!
The Must-Have Ingredients (and My Smart Swaps)
Here’s what you’ll need for this Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble:
- 6 tbsp caster sugar
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Seeds from 1 vanilla pod
- 6 apples (3 grated, 3 chopped)
- 3 tbsp dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 100g plain flour
- 2 tbsp demerara sugar
- 50g butter, chilled and cubed
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp nutty granola or muesli
For a twist, I often swap out some apples for pears or add a handful of nuts for extra crunch. The dried cranberries add a lovely tartness that complements the sweetness of the apples.
How I Prep This Dish Without Losing My Mind
Prepping this dish is a breeze if you follow these steps:
- Peel and chop your apples while the oven preheats.
- Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another.
- Keep your workspace tidy to avoid chaos!
My Ramsay-Style Cooking Walkthrough
Ready to cook? Here’s how to make your Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble:
Step | Tip |
---|---|
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F / Gas 6). | Get that oven hot for a crispy topping! |
Caramelize the sugar: In a hob-safe baking dish over medium heat, melt the caster sugar until golden and bubbling (about 5 minutes). | Watch it closely; burnt sugar is a no-go! |
Add flavor to the base: Stir in cinnamon, vanilla seeds, and grated apples. Cook for 1–2 minutes. | This step infuses the apples with flavor. |
Add the rest of the fruit: Stir in the apple chunks, cranberries, lemon zest, and juice. Remove from heat. | Mix well to combine all those flavors. |
Make the crumble topping: In a bowl, rub flour, demerara sugar, butter, and cinnamon together until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the granola. | Don’t overwork it; you want that crumbly texture! |
Assemble the crumble: Evenly scatter the topping over the fruit mixture. | Make sure it’s well-covered for even baking. |
Start on the hob: Heat the filled dish on the hob just until the fruit begins bubbling at the edges. | This helps kickstart the cooking process. |
Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. | Keep an eye on it; every oven is different! |
Serve warm with cream, ice cream, or custard. | Don’t skip the cream; it’s a game-changer! |
Serve This Like You’re Hosting Hell’s Kitchen
Presentation matters! Serve your crumble in individual ramekins for a touch of elegance. Drizzle some warm custard over the top or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect contrast. You can even sprinkle some extra granola on top for added crunch.
Leftovers That Actually Get Better the Next Day
Got leftovers? Lucky you! The flavors meld beautifully overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave it, but the oven keeps that topping crispy.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits in this crumble?
Absolutely! While this is a Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble, feel free to mix in pears, berries, or even stone fruits for a twist.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store your crumble in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll taste even better the next day!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the filling and topping separately and assemble just before baking. It’s a great time-saver!
What should I serve with my crumble?
Serve it warm with cream, ice cream, or custard for a truly indulgent experience.
Cook Bold Like Ramsay
There you have it! Your very own Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble, simplified for your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress!

Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F / Gas 6).
- Caramelize sugar: Melt caster sugar in a baking dish over medium heat until golden (~5 min).
- Stir in cinnamon, vanilla seeds, and grated apples; cook 1–2 min.
- Add apple chunks, cranberries, lemon zest, and juice; remove from heat.
- Make crumble topping: Rub flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon until breadcrumb-like; stir in granola.
- Scatter topping over fruit mixture.
- Heat dish on hob until bubbling at edges.
- Bake for 12–14 min until golden and crisp.
- Serve warm with cream, ice cream, or custard.