Apple-Raisin Crumble with Orange Ice Cream

From the kitchen of Carly

Warm spiced apples and plump raisins meet a buttery shortbread crumble, brightened by orange juice. Serve it still steaming with a scoop of citrus ice cream for contrast. The cloves whisper through every bite.

Apple-Raisin Crumble with Orange Ice Cream

A buttery shortbread crumble with cloves and cornstarch that stays crisp even against warm spiced apples and raisins. The low oven temperature is the secret, baking slow enough for the topping to turn golden without browning too fast. Orange ice cream melting into the cracks is the whole point here.

Prep
n/a
Cook
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Total
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Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 14 tbspunsalted butter, room temperature
  • 6 tbspplus 5 tablespoons golden brown sugar
  • 1 1/3 cupall-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cupcornstarch
  • 1/4 tspground cloves
  • 1/8 tspsalt
  • 2 lbmedium-size Golden Delicious apples , peeled, cored, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
  • 3/4 cupraisins
  • 2 tbsporange juice
  • 1Orange Ice Cream

Instructions

  1. Set the oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, beat the butter and 6 tablespoons of sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, then beat in the flour, cornstarch, cloves, and salt. Work the mixture with your fingertips until moist clumps come together.

  2. Combine the apples, raisins, remaining 5 tablespoons of sugar, and orange juice in a large bowl, separating the apple slices as you toss so every piece gets coated. Spread the filling into an 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish, scatter the topping evenly over the surface, and press it down lightly to compact.

  3. Slide the dish into the oven and bake until the apples are tender and the topping is deep golden brown, about 1 hour 5 minutes. Spoon into bowls while still warm and serve alongside Orange Ice Cream.

Tips from the kitchen

  • Separate the apple slices as you toss them with sugar and juice, otherwise they'll stick together in clumps and cook unevenly.
  • Don't skip the 325°F temperature. A hotter oven will char the topping before the apples soften through.
  • Scatter the topping in uneven pieces rather than pressing it into an even layer, it'll stay crumbly and get those golden-brown edges you want.
  • Golden Delicious apples matter here because they hold their shape and have enough acid to balance the sweet raisins and cloves.

Variations

  • Swap raisins for dried cranberries and add a pinch of cardamom instead of cloves for a tart, floral spin.
  • Use all dark brown sugar in the topping for deeper molasses notes and a chewier crumb.
  • Replace half the butter with cold coconut oil for a more tender, less rich shortbread.
  • Serve with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream if orange feels too specific.

Make ahead and storage

Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to three days covered with foil. Warm gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes before serving again with fresh ice cream.