Apple Crumble in a Glass: Quick Layered Dessert with Cream Cheese and Cinnamon
Craving a sweet and easy dessert? This Apple Crumble in a Glass is the perfect solution! With layers of cinnamon-spiced apples, crunchy crumbles, and creamy goodness, this dessert is simple to make and a real crowd-pleaser. Ideal for beginners, it comes together quickly and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Try it today for a delicious, no-fuss treat!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American, German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for the Crumbles:
- 150 g spelt flour (You can substitute this with regular wheat flour if that’s what you have on hand. Spelt flour adds a nutty flavor, but wheat flour works just as well for a more neutral taste.)
- 70 g chopped hazelnuts (Hazelnuts add a lovely, buttery crunch to the crumbles, but you can swap them with almonds, walnuts, or even a mixture of your favorite nuts if desired.)
- 80 g brown sugar (Brown sugar gives the crumbles a rich, caramelized flavor. Feel free to experiment with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different sweetness profile.)
- 1 pinch of salt (A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the crumbles.)
- 100 g cold butter, cut into small pieces (Using cold butter is essential for creating flaky, crispy crumbles. Make sure to cut it into small pieces so it’s easier to work into the dry ingredients.)
Ingredients for the Cream:
- 200 ml heavy cream (Make sure the cream is chilled before whipping for the best results. Cold cream whips better and gives the dessert a light, airy texture.)
- 200 g cream cheese (Cream cheese adds a tangy richness to the cream layer. Make sure it’s softened to make it easier to mix.)
- 50 g powdered sugar (Powdered sugar dissolves easily, creating a smooth texture in the cream layer. If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can substitute with regular granulated sugar, but powdered sugar is ideal.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cream. Alternatively, you can use a packet of vanilla sugar for a more intense vanilla flavor.)
Ingredients for the Apple Compote:
- 6 apples (Choose a variety of apples that suit your taste. Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the crumble, while Fuji apples offer a naturally sweeter flavor. A mixture of both can give a perfect balance.)
- 70 g brown sugar (Brown sugar works wonderfully in the apple compote, adding a caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon.)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (Cinnamon brings warmth and spice to the apples. If you like your apple compote with extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the apples and prevents them from browning. It also adds a slight tanginess that complements the sweetness of the sugar.)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Cornstarch is optional but helps thicken the apple compote, giving it a jam-like consistency. If you prefer a thinner compote, you can skip this step.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crumbles:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the spelt flour, chopped hazelnuts, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir the ingredients together briefly to mix them evenly.
- Add the cold butter to the bowl in small cubes. Use your hands to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure to work quickly so the butter doesn’t melt. If you prefer larger crumbles, leave the butter in bigger pieces, and if you like finer crumbles, work it in more thoroughly.
- Once the crumbles are ready, set the bowl aside and let the mixture chill for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the Crumbles:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the chilled crumbles evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are in a single layer for even baking.
- Bake the crumbles for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Stir halfway through to ensure they bake evenly.
- Once they are done, remove the tray from the oven and let the crumbles cool completely. If you’re not assembling the dessert right away, store the cooled crumbles in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.
- Make the Apple Compote:
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. Place the diced apples in a saucepan or pot.
- Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the apples from sticking to the pan.
- Once the apples have softened, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir it into the apples. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with a hand mixer until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix gently with a spatula until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the cream is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- To assemble the dessert, start by spooning a layer of crumbles into the bottom of each dessert glass. Make sure the crumbles are evenly distributed.
- Next, add a layer of the cream mixture on top of the crumbles. Spread it out gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Then, spoon the apple compote over the cream layer, making sure it covers the entire surface.
- Finally, add another layer of crumbles on top to finish off the dessert.
- Place the assembled dessert glasses in the fridge and allow them to chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together. The longer they chill, the better the flavors will develop.
Notes
- Chill the Butter:
When making the crumble, it’s essential to use cold butter. This ensures that the butter doesn’t melt into the dough but instead creates the signature crumbly texture when baked. - Work Quickly with the Butter:
If you’re using your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients, try to work quickly to avoid melting the butter. If the dough feels too warm, place it in the fridge for a few minutes to cool before baking. - Customize Your Apple Compote:
Feel free to experiment with the flavor of your apple compote. Add a little bit of ginger or cloves for extra spice, or mix in some raisins or cranberries for added texture and flavor. - Use a Hand Mixer for the Cream:
A hand mixer is ideal for whipping the cream quickly and achieving stiff peaks. If you don’t have a hand mixer, you can use a whisk, but it will take longer to reach the desired consistency. - Refrigerate for the Best Results:
Letting the dessert chill in the fridge for a few hours helps to set the layers and gives you a smooth, deliciously creamy dessert. Don’t skip this step!