Indulge in the delightful combination of buttery crumble and rich chocolate with our Chocolate-Filled Crumble Cups. These treats are a perfect blend of crispy crumble and a gooey chocolate center, making them an irresistible dessert or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these cups will not disappoint. Their unique presentation in muffin tins adds a touch of elegance, while the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate filling takes the experience to another level.
A Brief History of Crumble Desserts
Crumble desserts have a long history rooted in British cuisine, traditionally made with fruit fillings such as apples or berries, topped with a buttery mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. Over time, variations of the crumble have evolved, including savory versions and the use of different fillings, like chocolate. Our recipe combines this classic technique with the universally beloved flavor of chocolate, creating a dessert that is both familiar and innovative.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 180 g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) butter, softened
- 80 g (⅔ cup) powdered sugar
- 70 ml (⅓ cup) oil (vegetable or canola oil works well)
- 1 egg
- 8 g (1 tbsp) vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- 350 g (2 ¾ cups) flour
For the Filling:
- Chocolate (dark, milk, or semi-sweet to fill the cups, about 100 g or 3.5 oz)
Optional Topping:
- Melted chocolate (for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Begin by preparing the dough, which will serve as both the base and the crumble topping for the cups. In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.
Next, incorporate the oil, egg, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt into the creamed mixture. Mix well, ensuring all the ingredients are fully combined. Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until the dough comes together. It should be soft, but not sticky.
2. Freeze the Dough
Once the dough is prepared, divide it into two equal portions. Set one portion aside, and wrap the other half in plastic wrap. Place this wrapped portion in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This part of the dough will later be grated to form the crumble topping.
3. Assemble the Crumble Cups
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while you prepare the base for the cups.
Take the remaining portion of the dough and press it into small muffin tins or molds, ensuring that you cover both the bottom and sides of each mold to create a cup shape. The dough should be evenly distributed, leaving a small hollow in the center.
Now, it’s time to add the star ingredient: chocolate. Place a small piece of chocolate (about 10–15 g per cup) into the center of each cup. You can also use chocolate chips, a chunk of a chocolate bar, or even chocolate spread, depending on your preference.
4. Grate the Frozen Dough
After the dough in the freezer has firmed up, take it out and grate it over the tops of the cups. This grated dough will create a crumble-like topping that gives the cups their signature texture. Make sure to evenly distribute the grated dough, covering the chocolate filling completely.
5. Bake the Crumble Cups
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crumble cups are golden brown. The tops should be crispy, and the dough should be fully cooked.
6. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the crumble cups from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, transfer the cups to a wire rack to cool completely.
If you wish to add an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of each cup. This adds both flavor and an attractive finish.
7. Enjoy!
These crumble cups are best enjoyed once fully cooled, allowing the chocolate inside to set just enough to provide a decadent bite. Serve them as a delightful dessert with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat that will impress any guest.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving size: 1 crumble cup (makes 12 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 45 mg
Final Thoughts
Our Chocolate-Filled Crumble Cups offer a modern twist on a traditional crumble recipe by combining a buttery, crumbly dough with a rich, melted chocolate center. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the luscious filling makes these treats perfect for any chocolate lover. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is both accessible and rewarding, yielding a stunning dessert that will quickly become a household favorite. Serve these cups at your next gathering, and we guarantee they’ll disappear in minutes!