
Two favourite puddings, one very good idea. Apple crumble and sticky toffee are a beautiful match! Especially when there’s custard involved.
Preheat the oven to 160°c (fan-assisted).
Combine the chopped dates, 200ml of just-boiled water, and the bicarbonate of soda in a jug and stir well. Set aside for for 10 minutes, to soften the dates.
Meanwhile you can peel, core and chop the apples into rough 2cm chunks. Place them into a 9-10 inch round ovenproof dish (do not use one with a detachable base!), and shimmy them into an even layer. You should have enough to cover the bottom, but without too much overlap (you can add another half apple here, if your dish is looking sparse).
Use a fork to squish the dates and their liquid into a rough paste, then stir the lot through the batter. Sift in the flour and baking powder, and gently fold it through. Spoon the batter into your dish, on top of the apples, then sprinkle over the remaining dark muscovado sugar.
Warm the apple juice in a saucepan, until comes to a gentle simmer. Place the cornflour into a jug, and whisk ferociously as you pour the warm apple juice overtop, until completley smooth.
Recipe courtesy of georgieeats.co.uk