Apple and Fudge Crumble Squares

This little beauty is actually one of the recipes that I made for my Junior Cert Home Economics practical exam. The only difference is I did it in a muffin form which is also absolutely fantastic. As a result of it being for an exam, I have made this recipe more times then I could possibly remember and the amazing thing is that it never, ever let me down and nobody ever got sick of them because they were just that darn good. I have to thank my brother, sister and my mom for complimenting me every time I made them which sky rocketed my confidence and which I’m sure is the main reason as to why I did them so well in my exam that got me my A. I decided to make them in a traybake form this time as I was bringing them to a showjumping league and I figured it would be easier to feed a crowd if they were in this form. I’m glad to say that everyone liked them as much as my family and my examiner did and there wasn’t a crumb left to be seen. Personally, I think the most delicious aspect of this dish is the fudge because after it is cook, the fudge pieces melted and become all gooey and down right magnificent. Need I say any more?

Apple and Fudge Crumble Squares (9 x 13 inch traybake)

Cake Mix:

100g butter, softened

125g caster sugar

2 eggs

4tbsp milk

3-4tbsp natural yogurt

225g plain flour

1/2tsp bicarbonate of soda

2tsp ground cinnamon

Flavorings:

2 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and diced

30g dark brown sugar

1tsp cinnamon

100g fudge chunks

Crumble Topping:

50g flour

1tsp cinnamon

40g butter, softened

2g coarse light brown sugar

• Preheat the oven to 180ºc/350ºf and grease and line a 9 x 13 inch baking tray.
• In a small bowl, mix together the apple, dark brown sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
• For the crumble, put the flour in a medium bowl and rub in the butter until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, milk and yogurt. It may look curdled but don’t worry.
• Sieve in the flour, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon and fold in with a large metal spoon until fully incorporated.
• Add in the diced apple and fudge chunks and fold in again until fully combined.
• Spoon the cake mix into the prepared baking tray and smooth out evenly. Sprinkle the crumble in an even layer over the traybake and pop in the oven for about 25-30mins or until a skewer comes out clean.
• Let cool completely in the tray then remove and cut into squares.
• Serve on its own or for a nice dessert , reheat it and pair it with some salted caramel sauce and good quality vanilla ice cream.