What Apples Can I Use Instead Of Bramleys For The Apple And Walnut Crumble?

Our answer

Nigella's Apple And Walnut Crumble (from HOW TO EAT) has an apple filling sweetened with marsala-steeped sultanas (raisins or golden raisins) and topped with a walnut-studded crumble.

The filling uses Bramley apples, also known in the UK as cooking apples. This type of apple is common in the UK, though more difficult to find elsewhere. The apple is tart and has a floury (mealy) texture, which means that it softens very quickly as it cooks and makes a filling that is almost like an apple purée. In the US, the closest apple type is the McIntosh. This apple also softens very easily when cooked. McIntosh apples are tart, though not quite as tart as a Bramley, so you could omit the extra tablespoon of sugar if you wish - though this is very much down to personal taste. You need about 3 medium McIntosh apples, with an approximate weight of 1 pound. We would also mention that if you slide the "Metric - US" toggle at the top of the ingredients list to "US" it will show you the US measurements and also suggested US substitutions.