Apple Crumble Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar bubbling away in the oven—Apple Crumble is basically fall in dessert form. This easy, no-fuss recipe brings together tender spiced apples and a golden, buttery oat topping that crisps up beautifully. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sneaking cold spoonfuls straight from the fridge (no judgment here), trust me, this one’s a game-changer. It’s nostalgic, it’s cozy, and it’s everything you want in a homemade dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recip

  • Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients – No fancy stuff here.
  • Crispy meets gooey – That topping? Crunchy perfection. The apples? Soft and cinnamon-kissed.
  • Quick to whip up – From start to oven in 15 minutes flat.
  • Buttery crumble topping – Seriously addictive.
  • Freezer-friendly – Make now, enjoy later!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Servings6-8
Focus KeywordApple Crumble Recipe

Ingredients

Apple Filling

  • 6 apples peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Crumble Topping

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed

How to Make Apple Crumble

1. Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges. Toss them with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a sprinkle of flour. Spread them evenly into a greased baking dish.

2. Make the Crumble Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until you’ve got a crumbly, sandy texture with some larger chunks.

3. Assemble & Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.

4. Cool & Serve

Let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes (if you can wait!). Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard.

Pro Tips

  • Slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Use cold butter for the crispiest topping—it’s non-negotiable!
  • Add a pinch of salt to the crumble—it elevates all the flavors.

Flavor Variations

  • Pear & Apple Crumble – Mix in ripe pears for a softer, juicier filling.
  • Berry Crumble – Toss in blueberries or raspberries with the apples.
  • Spiced Up – Add cardamom or cloves for an extra warming twist.
  • Nutty Crunch – Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve à la mode with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
  • Pair with Greek yogurt for a cozy fall breakfast.
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead:

You can prep the apple filling and crumble topping separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake when ready.

Leftovers:

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Freeze the unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

Reheating:

Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use canned apples or pie filling?
Yes, in a pinch! But fresh apples give the best texture and flavor.

What kind of apples are best for apple crumble?
A mix of tart and sweet—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady are all solid picks.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Why is my crumble topping not crunchy?
The butter might have been too warm. Make sure it’s cold and don’t overmix the topping.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumble Recipe is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s rustic, warm, and utterly comforting—like a big, sweet hug from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly autumn night or you’re just craving something cozy, this crumble is always the answer. So light a candle, grab a spoon, and dive into that crispy-topped, cinnamon-swirled magic. You deserve it.

Freshly baked apple crumble in a dish with golden oat topping

Cozy Apple Crumble

ChefMaster Emily
This Apple Crumble is fall in dessert form—sweet, spiced apples under a buttery oat topping. Perfect warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold from the fridge. Easy to make and freezer-friendly too!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pastry Cutter or Fingers

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling

  • 6 apples peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Crumble Topping

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
  • In a bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
  • In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
  • Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  • Let cool for 10–15 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or as desired.

Notes

Mix in berries or nuts for variation. Crumble topping can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge.
Keyword Apple Crumble

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