Baked Apple Crumble on Cinnamon Cream – Dessert in a Glass

There’s something about the combination of warm, spiced apples, a crunchy streusel topping, and silky cinnamon cream that simply feels like home. This “Baked Apple Crumble on Cinnamon Cream – Dessert in a Glass” recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a comforting dessert, this dish provides a sophisticated yet comforting treat. What makes this dessert even more special is the fact that it’s served in glasses—making it both visually appealing and easy to serve.

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Each bite of this indulgent dessert is an experience of contrasts: the soft, baked apples, the creamy cinnamon-spiced topping, and the crunchy streusel crumble all come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors. The best part? It’s simple to make yet delivers a taste that feels indulgent and decadent. Let’s dive into the recipe, where every step enhances the final presentation and flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

This dessert consists of three key elements that come together beautifully: the streusel, the baked apple compote, and the cinnamon cream. Let’s break them down:

Streusel:

• 80 g soft butter – Provides a rich base for the crumble.
• 125 g flour – The main structure for the crumble.
• 40 g sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1 packet of Bourbon vanilla sugar – For an extra hint of vanilla flavor.
• Optional cinnamon – Adds warmth and a cozy touch to the crumble.

The streusel provides the satisfying crunch that contrasts the soft apples and creamy topping. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and spice.

Baked Apple Compote:

• 3 apples – Choose apples that hold up well to baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Juice of one lemon – Prevents the apples from browning and adds a tart balance.
• 1 cinnamon stick – For a mild, fragrant spiciness.
• 1 star anise – A subtle, licorice-like flavor that complements the cinnamon.
• 100 ml orange juice – Adds a citrusy brightness that enhances the apples.
• 1 drop of bitter almond oil – Imparts a subtle almond flavor.
• 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds depth and sweetness to the apples.

The baked apple compote is where the magic begins. The combination of apple, citrus, and warming spices results in a fragrant mixture that’s both sweet and slightly tart, with a beautiful texture as the apples break down into a chunky, yet juicy compote.

Cinnamon Cream:

• 250 g quark (20%) – A soft, fresh cheese with a slightly tangy taste, it’s similar to yogurt but thicker.
• 200 ml cream – Whipped to fluffy perfection.
• 50 g powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream and gives it a smooth texture.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Gives the cream a lovely, spiced flavor that complements the apples.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or a bag of Bourbon vanilla sugar) – Adds a rich, sweet aroma.

The cinnamon cream is the final touch that brings everything together. Its velvety texture contrasts the crunchy streusel and the tender apples, while the cinnamon and vanilla enhance the warm, cozy flavors of the compote.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we know what goes into this dessert, let’s break down the steps to make this delicious creation.

1. Preparing the Streusel

Preheat your oven to 175°C (150°C fan). Begin by preparing the streusel: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, and flour. Rub everything together with your fingers until the mixture forms small crumbles. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon here if you prefer a more spiced crumble.

Spread the crumbles evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for around 15 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and crispy. Set the baked streusel aside to cool. It will get even crunchier as it cools, making for the perfect topping.

2. Preparing the Baked Apple Compote

While the streusel bakes, turn your attention to the baked apple compote. Begin by peeling the apples (although you can leave the peel on if you like a bit of texture). Core them and cut them into eighths, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Immediately toss the chopped apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning. In a casserole dish, place the apple chunks and nestle the cinnamon stick and star anise among them. Pour in the orange juice and add the sugar, depending on the sweetness of the apples. Drizzle in a drop of bitter almond oil to elevate the flavor profile.

Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally, and check the apples: they should start to break down but still maintain a bit of texture. Once they’re soft but not mushy, remove from the oven and let the compote cool to room temperature before refrigerating until you’re ready to serve.

3. Whipping the Cinnamon Cream

Now, it’s time for the cinnamon cream. In a mixing bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Then, gently stir in the quark, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract. The result should be a smooth, fluffy cream with a subtle cinnamon flavor.

Refrigerate the cinnamon cream until it’s time to assemble the dessert.

4. Assembling the Dessert

Once everything is cooled and ready, it’s time to assemble this dessert in a glass (or glasses, depending on how many servings you need). Start by layering the cinnamon cream at the bottom of the glass. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth it out evenly.

Next, add a generous layer of the baked apple compote on top of the cream. Be sure to spoon in the apples along with the flavorful juices to add more richness to each layer. Finally, sprinkle the baked streusel on top, ensuring that each bite will be balanced with the perfect amount of crunch.

If you like, top with a handful of toasted almond flakes for an extra nutty finish. The nuts add another layer of texture and flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

5. Chilling and Serving

Cover the glasses and refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The longer it chills, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a richer, more harmonious dessert. When ready to serve, remove the dessert from the fridge and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• Apple Varieties: Depending on the flavor profile you prefer, try using different types of apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon cream, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala will create a more mellow, less tangy dessert.
• Add More Crunch: If you prefer a crunchier topping, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel mix. The nuts will toast nicely in the oven, adding even more texture to the crumble.
• Vegan Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the quark and cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy yogurt, and use plant-based butter for the streusel.
• Spice Variations: If you like your desserts spicier, consider adding extra spices like ginger, nutmeg, or cloves to the apple compote. These warm spices will add an extra layer of depth to the dish.

Conclusion

Baked Apple Crumble on Cinnamon Cream – Dessert in a Glass is the perfect balance of textures and flavors: crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spiced. The layers of baked apple compote, cinnamon cream, and streusel crumble combine to create a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also a treat for the senses. Whether served at a dinner party or as a special treat for yourself, this dessert is bound to be a hit. The fact that it’s so easy to make, with minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, makes it even more rewarding to enjoy.

So, get ready to indulge in this comforting and luxurious dessert—the perfect sweet ending to any meal!