We are a nation of dessert lovers in the UK, according to Breville. Across the country we need little excuse to tuck into something sugary but the big question is, what is our collective favourite? An indulgent cake, something warm and comforting (i’m thinking sticky toffee pudding) or chilled and light like a cheesecake?
To find out, Breville launched a campaign researching the UK’s top desserts which was voted each region’s most loved. And guess what…APPLE CRUMBLE came out top! Have a nosey to see some fascinating insights of our pudding preferences and see where you stand on this hotly-debated topic.
To coincide with this recently revealed research from the kitchen appliance brand, I thought I’d put together a [paid] blog post dedicated to my own favourite desserts which I hope will entice you to make them yourself, whatever the occasion or season!
Starting with a few favourites, one of them has to be this Cardamom & Coconut Rice Pudding with stewed plums. A childhood favourite, this exotic twist makes it more of a ‘grown-up’ dessert and the plums add a delicious sharpness to this classic.
A pumpkin cheesecake with a chocolate swirl made with creamed coconut resulted in a rich, dairy-free alternative. With an oaty base for a bit of crunch, this is one of my favourite sweet treats to make in the autumnal months.
Little pots of creaminess with a tart blackcurrant compote and nutty oat layer make these individual desserts a great option for serving if you’ve got people round as you can prep them ahead. A perfect option for a warm summer day.
Chocolate Cookie Tarts – need I say more?! No need to bake, these oaty tart cases are filled with a rich caramel chocolate mixture topped with healthy little cookies for the finishing touch. One of my all-time favourites which always go down a storm.
And finally – since the top result came out as apple crumble, I thought I’d share my own (healthier!) version right here! With a coconut caramel coating smothering the apples and addition of dates for a ‘toffee’ twist, the topping is made with oats for a higher-fibre option. Served hot or cold, either way it’s a delicious version of our nation’s favourite!
TOFFEE APPLE OAT CRUMBLE
Ingredients:
- 4 Bramley apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks
- 50g dates, chopped (I used Beloved)
- 30g coconut sugar (I used The Groovy Food Company)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the crumble topping –
- 250g rolled oats (I used Quaker Oats)
- 75g dairy-free margarine (I used Pure)
- 75g coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Get making!
- Preheat oven to 180C.
- Place the apple chunks in a pan with just enough water to cover, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Stir in 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar and cinnamon and spoon into an oven-proof dish and sprinkle over the dates.
- Make the caramel sauce: Place the remaining coconut sugar into a pan with 100ml water and cook over a medium heat for a few minutes – keep stirring until you have a sticky caramel, then remove from the heat. Pour this over the apples and dates.
- Place half the oats into a blender or food processor and whizz up until a flour forms. Tip into a bowl with the remaining oats, coconut sugar and cinnamon and rub in the margarine to form a crumble mixture. Scatter this over the fruit to cover.
- Bake for 25 minutes until golden. Serve warm or cold!
