It’s easy, everyone loves it, and it’s so easy to prep ahead. Enjoy these Apple Crumble Sundaes.
My menu might change year to year on every Yom Tov. On Rosh Hashanah, though, this always makes it to the dessert menu. Apple crumble sundaes appeal to everyone (the kids might leave out the fruit on their sundae) and I don’t have to make each component at the same time. The ice cream is store-bought; the crunch can be made at any time and kept in an airtight container. The apples/pears and caramel can also be made in advance. Simply refrigerate after prepping and warm before serving.
Although many might prefer enjoying this in individual servings, my family likes when I serve it family-style. I layer the apples, scoops of ice cream, and crunch in one big platter and then drizzle the whole dish with caramel. The large serving dish makes a big impression when it’s carried to the table.
- 3 apples, peeled and sliced
- 3 pears, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup (1 stick) margarine, at room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup Rice Krispies
- ¾ cup oats
- ¾ cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- ½ cup heavy cream or non-dairy creamer
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 1 (16-ounce) container vanilla ice cream (dairy or pareve)
- In a saute over medium heat, combine apples, pears, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fruit is soft and golden, about 20 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare the crumble. Preheat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, combine brown sugar, Rice Krispies, oats, and flour. Using your hands, knead to combine until coarse crumbs form. Transfer mixture to a greased baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool. Crumble and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Prepare the caramel. Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup (optional) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil until the mixture is that perfect, golden caramel color. This is the most crucial part: it’ll be deeply golden right after it passes that pale amber color, but don’t wait too long or it’ll burn. You can swirl the pan as it boils if necessary, but don’t stir.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in cream very slowly and carefully, whisking to combine. Add salt and vanilla, if using. Let mixture boil for 1-2 more minutes to thicken.
- To assemble apple sundae, layer warm apples in the bottom of a dessert glass, add the crunch and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the ice cream. (or serve family-style).
When it’s not Rosh Hashanah (or if your custom allows), you can substitute any chopped nuts for the Rice Krispies. Extra crunch left over? Use it as an ice cream topping.
Note for 2023: I recently used the Nut-Free Granola instead of the crunch above. The ingredients are basically the same (I added a little more honey and oil), but I liked the extra crunch of the granola version!
Can the apple be made in advance?
zahava: read the first paragraph
I make something similar that was in the ami once but use melted lotus spread instead of the caramel.
Looks heavenly! One question. The recipe says the apples and pears are peeled but in the picture they’re not. To peel or not to peel?!
The one dessert I make every Rosh Hashanah is the Pomegranate Ice Cream from Leah Schapira on Cookkosher. A winning favorite everytime for anytime!
Thanks for suggesting. Made it this year! Loved the pink and white marble effect. Topped it with a large snow kiss (which was sprinkled with sugar crystals for extra crunch) and freeze dried raspberries. The crunch and tartness complimented it perfectly!!
Planning on making this for 17 but okay making exactly enough because not everyone will want. To double the apples and caramel or triple?
I’m assuming we combine that whole stick of marg to the oat crumble as it’s not listed in the instructions but is in the ingredients.
Yes, correct, thanks for pointing out.
Thanks for reminding me of this recipe! I loved it last year!
What apples would u recommend using for this?
I’m not particular! I usually use what I have on hand. I cook with the same apples I like to eat.
Delicious! Made it this year only with apples, couldnt find nice ripe pears in time. Total winner! I drizzled in some of the caramel into vanilla ice cream ahead of time so we got a double dose of caramel, cold ripple and the hot sauce over the top.
the caramel hardened into a solid once it cooled. How can i fix this?
You can either warm it up again and it’ll be runny again once warm. Or, if you want to be able to serve room temperature, warm it and whisk in a little more creamer. Then it should be a little looser once cooled. Note that it’ll always get solid in the fridge and need to be at least room temp to be drizzling consistency. Let me know if you have any other questions.
How far in advance can this be made? Should the apples be frozen?
You can prep now. No, I’d keep the apples in the fridge. Just warm before serving. Crumble can be frozen.
Hi! Can the caramel sauce be kept in the fridge for a week? I’d love to use it again for dessert. Thanks
Yes of course. It will last indefinitely. It will get very firm in the fridge but will loosen again when warmed up.
To anyone who wants to know if the cooked apples and pears can be frozen: I’ve been making a similar recipe for years but with apples only (maybe I’ll try it with pears this year) and the cooked apples freeze well. This is our favorite Rosh Hashana dessert!
I make this dessert every Rosh Hashanah and it became a family favorite!
I love the martini cups which you served them in where would I be able to purchase them?
HI,
This recipe looks yum! I’m in Israel and I can’t find non dairy creamer or parve caramel. Can I sub whip topping for the non dairy creamer? Will the caramel work?
Yes, that sub is fine.
I make this crunch and use it instead of the granola topping on the lotus, strawberries and Parve ice cream recipe that was posted. It takes it to the next level!
Thanks for sharing!
Can I freeze the apple base in advance?
Put it in the fridge in an airtight. It’ll stay.
Can I use coconut milk or something like that instead of creamer? I don’t like using creamer if I could help it…
Thanks! This looks delicious!
Yes, that would be a great sub. Real coconut milk in a can.
How long will apple mix last in the fridge?
If you’re asking if you can prep it today, a week before Yom Tov, yes absolutely. You’re good for at least a week.
Has anyone ever tried just baking the apple base and oat crumble together to save a step? 🙂
The apples are prepared in a saute pan. They would be drier and not soft and caramelized in the oven.