Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
TikTok Creator Revives Classic British Pub Food with Apple Crumble Recipe
British pub food, a cornerstone of UK cuisine often misunderstood internationally, is experiencing a surge in popularity thanks to online culinary enthusiasts. One prominent TikTok creator is guiding home cooks in mastering quintessential pub fare, starting with a beloved dessert. George Darbyshire, widely recognized as Food with George, shares accessible recipes, demystifying the art of preparing hearty British dishes at home. His recent video spotlights a comforting classic: apple crumble with custard, enhanced with a surprising ingredient and a medley of apple varieties for a truly exceptional flavour.
Beyond the expected sugar and butter, Darbyshire incorporates 50 millilitres of whisky into his apple crumble filling. The online response to George’s recipe has been overwhelmingly positive, evidenced by over 313,000 views, 22,300 likes, and 260 comments. Viewers have expressed enthusiastic approval, with one declaring George has “single-handedly saved the reputation of British food.”
Another commenter exclaimed, “Good LORD that looks delicious,” while another playfully requested vanilla ice cream as an alternative to custard. Numerous users have lauded the recipe creator for consistently delivering top-tier, delectable dishes. Inspired to recreate this pub favourite in your own kitchen? Here’s what you’ll need:
Apple Crumble with Custard Recipe
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 3 Bramley apples
- 3 Granny Smith apples
- 3 Russet apples
- 50g butter
- 3 tbsp golden syrup
- 75g golden sugar
- 75g brown sugar
- 50ml whisky
Crumble Topping
- 250g plain flour
- 100g rolled oats
- 150g butter, cold and cubed
- 100g golden sugar
- 100g brown sugar
- 50g almond flakes
- 50g walnuts, chopped
- Sea salt flakes, to top
Custard
- 6 egg yolks
- 100g golden sugar
- 500ml whole milk
- 1 vanilla pod
Method
Preparing the Apple Base
In a sizable pan set over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Introduce the golden syrup, golden sugar, and brown sugar to the melted butter. Stir continuously until all sugars are thoroughly dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Incorporate the whisky into the sugar and butter mixture. Continue to cook for approximately five minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce slightly and intensify in flavour. Introduce the prepared apples to the pan, ensuring each piece is evenly coated in the caramelised whisky mixture. Cook for a brief period, around two minutes, until the apples are lightly softened.

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Remove the pan from the heat source. Take a large, deep oven tray and grease it generously with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the apple mixture into the greased tray, spreading it uniformly across the base.
Creating the Crumble Topping
To prepare the crumble topping, in a spacious mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, rolled oats, and cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour and oats until the mixture achieves a coarse, breadcrumb-like consistency. Stir in the golden sugar, brown sugar, almond flakes, and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the crumble mixture.
Distribute the crumble topping evenly over the prepared apple mixture in the oven tray. Gently press the crumble down to create a firm and consistent layer. Sprinkle sea salt flakes generously over the surface of the crumble topping to enhance the flavour profile.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Position the dish on the middle shelf of the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The crumble is ready when the topping is beautifully golden and crisp, and the apple filling is visibly bubbling at the edges.
Preparing the Custard
In a saucepan, combine the whole milk with the vanilla pod and its seeds. Heat the milk over low heat until it is just about to reach boiling point – do not boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and golden sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture in a slow and steady stream, whisking constantly and vigorously to temper