Apple Crumble Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Apple Crumble Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — the tartness of Granny Smith apples perfectly balances with the sweet, buttery crumble topping. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple but genuinely special, whether you’re ending a family dinner or surprising guests with something homemade.

When I first tried this recipe, I discovered how the lemon juice adds just the right zing to keep the apples vibrant and fresh, while the cinnamon sneaks in that classic warmth we all crave in fall desserts. You’ll find that making apple crumble like this quickly becomes a go-to; it’s impossibly comforting and straightforward but feels like a little celebration at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Crumble Recipe comes from really nice, tart Granny Smith apples combined with a crumbly topping that’s just the right texture. Here’s a little tip: choosing fresh, firm apples makes all the difference, and using rolled oats adds a lovely chew to the topping.

• Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness keeps the apple filling fresh and balances the sweetness.
• Flour (for apple filling and topping): Helps thicken the apple juices and creates structure in the crumble.
• White or Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor, but white sugar works great too.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the apples and prevents them from browning.
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic flavor to both the filling and topping.
• Rolled Oats: Adds texture and rustic charm to the crumble topping.
• Baking Powder: Lightens the topping for a nice crumbly bite.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted to bind the topping and give it that rich, buttery flavor.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream (to serve): A cool contrast to the warm crumble — trust me, it’s worth it.

Variations

One of the best things about this Apple Crumble Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over time, I’ve played with different nuts, spices, and even fruit combos to keep the recipe feeling fresh and exciting.

• Add Nuts: I often sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans in the topping for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon for a warming twist that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Fruit Swaps: If you don’t have apples on hand, try pears or a mix of apple and berry to switch it up seasonally.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free oats — it works like a charm!

How to Make Apple Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apples Just Right

Start by peeling your Granny Smith apples and cutting them into uniform 1.5cm cubes — this helps them cook evenly. Toss the apple cubes in a bowl with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The flour thickens the juices released during baking, so your filling isn’t watery. The lemon juice keeps the apples from turning an unappetizing brown while enhancing their bright flavor.

Step 2: Make That Perfect Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix with your fingers until the mixture looks like wet sand with clumps. This texture is key for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth crumbly topping. You’ll want to spread this evenly over your apples, breaking up any large clumps for an even bake.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the apple crumble in a 1.5-liter dish for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. To keep it warm and let the apple syrup thicken a bit, cover loosely with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Recipe

Garnishes

I always serve this apple crumble topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream — it’s that perfect contrast of warm and cold. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few toasted almonds or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top for a beautiful finish and added flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of hot chai tea or an espresso to balance the sweetness. At family dinners, I like to keep sides simple — a light green salad or roasted veggies do the trick on the savory side so dessert remains the star.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try making individual apple crumble servings in ramekins. I like to sprinkle fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for a festive touch that feels extra special but is surprisingly easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple crumble is great stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. I usually cover it with foil or plastic wrap to keep the topping from getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen apple crumble both before and after baking. If freezing before, wrap tightly in plastic then foil; just add a few extra minutes to baking time. For frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, I reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain the crisp topping much better than microwaving — which can make it a bit soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumble Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I can’t recommend it enough to friends looking for an easy, dependable dessert. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone feel cozy and satisfied without hours of fuss. Give it a try — once you taste that perfectly baked apple filling under a buttery, cinnamon crumble, I’m confident it’ll become your family’s favorite too.

Apple Crumble Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 98 reviews

• Author: Bertha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western

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Description

This classic Apple Crumble recipe features tender, spiced Granny Smith apples topped with a buttery, crunchy oat crumble. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting dessert is perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors with a satisfying texture contrast.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling

• 2 lb / 1kg Granny Smith Apples (green apples), peeled and cut into 1.5cm / 1/2” cubes
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white sugar (can substitute brown sugar)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (or water)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Topping

• 1 cup rolled oats (quick cooking oats are acceptable)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup loosely packed brown sugar (can substitute white sugar)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 125g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Pinch of salt

To Serve

• Vanilla ice cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), suitable for both fan and conventional ovens to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare Apples: Peel the Granny Smith apples and cut them into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) cubes to ensure uniform cooking and texture.
3. Make Apple Filling: Place the apple cubes in a large bowl. Sprinkle the flour, sugar, and cinnamon evenly over the apples. Pour the lemon juice over the mixture and toss gently to combine and coat the apples thoroughly. Evenly spread the coated apples into a 1.5 litre (1.5 quart) baking dish.
4. Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, melted unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients until clumps form resembling the texture of wet sand.
5. Assemble Crumble: Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish. Use your fingers to crumble and distribute it to achieve a crumbly texture.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the crumble from the oven and loosely cover it with foil to keep warm. Let it stand for 10 minutes to allow the apple syrup to thicken slightly. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect comforting dessert.

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Notes

• Using Granny Smith apples provides the perfect tartness that balances the sweetness of the crumble.
• You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar in both filling and topping, but brown sugar adds a richer flavor.
• Letting the crumble rest covered after baking helps thicken the apple juices for better consistency.
• Quick cooking oats can be used in the topping for convenience but rolled oats give a better texture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg