BBQ Smoked Apple Crumble with Cinnamon & Oats

 

BBQ Smoked Apple Crumble with Cinnamon & Oats

This recipe elevates the classic apple crumble by infusing it with a subtle smoky flavour from the BBQ and adding a delightful crunch from the cinnamon and oat topping. It's a perfect dessert to enjoy outdoors after a barbecue.

Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (such as Honey-crisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to sweetness of apples)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Cinnamon & Oat Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Equipment:

• BBQ grill with a lid
• Smoker box or foil pouch for wood chips
• Wood chips (applewood, hickory, or pecan work well)
• 9x13 inch baking dish (oven-safe)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry blender or your fingertips

Instructions:

Preparation:

1. Prepare the BBQ for Smoking: Preheat your BBQ grill to a low temperature, around 250-300°F (120-150°C). If using a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side for indirect heat. For a gas grill, use the lowest setting and turn off the burners directly beneath where the crumble will sit.
2. Soak Wood Chips: If using a smoker box, soak your chosen wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. If using a foil pouch, no soaking is strictly necessary, but it can help prolong the smoke.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Ensure the apples are evenly coated. Dot the top of the apple mixture with the small pieces of butter.
4. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Smoking and Baking:

1. Assemble the Crumble: Transfer the coated apple mixture into the 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon and oat crumble topping over the apples.
2. Add Smoke: Place the soaked wood chips in your smoker box according to your grill's instructions, or create a foil pouch by wrapping the drained wood chips tightly in heavy-duty foil, poking several holes in the top for the smoke to escape. Place the smoker box or foil pouch directly over the heat source.
3. Smoke the Crumble: Place the baking dish with the apple crumble on the indirect heat side of your BBQ grill. Close the lid and let it smoke and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling. The exact time will depend on your grill temperature and the thickness of the apple slices. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. You may need to rotate the dish halfway through for even cooking.
4. Check for Doneness: The crumble is ready when the topping is nicely browned and crisp, and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges and feels soft when poked with a fork.
5. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the BBQ grill and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly.

Tips for Success:

• Apple Choice: Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavour.
• Don't Overcrowd the Grill: Ensure there is enough space around the baking dish for the heat and smoke to circulate evenly.
• Monitor the Temperature: Keep the BBQ temperature consistent to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Use a grill thermometer if you have one.
• Adjust Smoke Level: The amount of smoke flavour will depend on the type and amount of wood chips used and the smoking time. Start with a moderate amount and adjust to your preference in future attempts.
• Crispy Topping: Ensure the butter for the crumble topping is cold. Work it in quickly to create those desirable crumbly pieces.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the BBQ smoked apple crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.

A Short Telling on its Delicious Taste:

Imagine the comforting warmth of a classic apple crumble, now kissed by the subtle, intriguing aroma of wood smoke. The sweet and slightly tart apples, softened to perfection beneath a blanket of golden-brown, buttery crumble infused with cinnamon and the nutty crunch of oats, take on a whole new dimension. The smoky whisper from the BBQ adds an unexpected depth, a savoury undertone that beautifully complements the sweet fruit and spiced topping. Each bite is a delightful interplay of textures and flavours – the tender apples, the crisp crumble, the warmth of cinnamon, and that unique, captivating hint of the outdoors. It's a surprisingly addictive dessert that's both familiar and exciting, leaving you wanting just one more spoonful of this smoky-sweet delight.