A baked dessert featuring a base of soft fruit, typically apples and strawberries, topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and sugar. This mixture bakes to a golden-brown, providing a textural contrast to the fruit filling. Variations may incorporate spices or nuts within the topping.
This dessert offers a comforting blend of sweet and tart flavors, often enjoyed warm. Its popularity stems from its simplicity and adaptability, allowing for seasonal fruit substitutions. Historically, crumbles evolved as a convenient alternative to pies, requiring less pastry and preparation time, making it a quick and satisfying dessert option for many households and food establishments alike.