Apple Crumble

There’s something about Apple Crumble that just feels like a big hug in a bowl. Warm, spiced apples, baked to perfection under a golden, buttery crumble topping—this dessert is everything you need on a chilly evening or when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. The sweet apples meet that perfectly crispy, buttery topping, and the smell that fills your kitchen? It’s the kind of scent that makes everyone stop in their tracks and ask, “What’s cooking?” Spoiler alert: It’s this heavenly, easy-to-make apple crumble, and trust me, it’s a total game-changer.

Whether you’re serving it for dessert after a family dinner or enjoying a warm bowl by yourself, this apple crumble will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Trust me when I say, once you make it, you won’t be able to stop!

Why You’ll Love Apple Crumble

Easy to Make: This dessert is incredibly simple to put together—just chop, mix, and bake. You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients, just a few pantry staples and a little love.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness of the apples pairs so beautifully with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced crumble. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Comforting and Warm: There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of apple crumble, especially when the weather gets colder. It’s cozy, satisfying, and always hits the spot.

Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra indulgence, or throw in a handful of nuts for added crunch.

Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a dinner party, or even a holiday feast, apple crumble fits right in. It’s so simple yet impressive.

Ingredients in Apple Crumble

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Apples

The star of the dish! Choose a variety of apples that hold up well to baking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their balance of tartness and sweetness creates a perfect base.

Brown Sugar

For that deep, caramelized sweetness that really enhances the flavor of the apples.

Cinnamon

The warm, cozy spice that makes this crumble taste like fall in every bite. It’s a must for the apples and the crumble topping!

Flour

For the crumble topping, flour is the base that combines with butter and sugar to create that perfect, crumbly texture.

Butter

Butter is essential for both the filling and the topping, giving everything that delicious richness that takes this dessert over the top.

Oats

Old-fashioned oats give the crumble topping that irresistible texture—crispy, slightly chewy, and perfectly golden when baked.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla adds a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and the buttery topping.

Salt

A pinch of salt is the secret ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the crumble will bake evenly and become golden and crisp.

Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Toss them in a bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spice mixture. Pour the apples into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.

Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use your fingers (or a pastry cutter) to mix everything together until the mixture becomes crumbly. You want it to resemble coarse crumbs, so take your time to break up the butter into small pieces. Add a splash of vanilla extract and mix again.

Assemble the Crumble

Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples in the baking dish, covering them completely. This will form a beautiful, golden topping as it bakes.

Bake the Apple Crumble

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges. You may need to cover the crumble with foil for the first 25 minutes to prevent over-browning, then uncover it for the final baking time.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the apple crumble cool slightly before serving. It’s amazing on its own, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 95mg
Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Total Sugars: 22g
Protein: 3g

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and preparation method.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Apple Crumble

With Ice Cream: Top your warm apple crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination. The cold ice cream melts into the warm crumble for a dreamy dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream: If you’re not a fan of ice cream, whipped cream is a lighter alternative. It pairs perfectly with the sweet, warm apples and adds an airy texture.

As a Breakfast: Yes, it’s delicious enough to have for breakfast too! The oats and apples make for a satisfying and comforting morning treat. Just add a dollop of yogurt or some extra fruit on top for a wholesome twist.

With Tea or Coffee: Apple crumble is the perfect dessert to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee, especially when you’re winding down after a long day.

Additional Tips

Use a Variety of Apples: Mixing different types of apples (sweet and tart) gives this crumble a more complex, balanced flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites!

Make It Ahead: You can prepare the crumble topping and the apple filling separately, then assemble and bake it just before you’re ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for busy nights.

Storage: Store any leftover apple crumble in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get that crispy topping back.

Add Nuts: For extra crunch, try adding chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the crumble topping. They’ll give it a nice texture and a bit of added flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen apples?
A1: While fresh apples are ideal, you can use frozen apples if necessary. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture in the crumble.

Q2: Can I substitute butter with something else?
A2: Yes! If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter. It will still give you that rich, crumbly topping.

Q3: Can I make this crumble without oats?
A3: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of oats, you can leave them out and increase the amount of flour in the crumble topping. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q4: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A4: Yes! You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar or maple syrup, though brown sugar adds a richer, deeper flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftover apple crumble?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Q6: Can I freeze this dessert?
A6: Yes, apple crumble freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes.

Q7: Can I use a different fruit in this crumble?
A7: Absolutely! While apples are classic, you can use pears, peaches, or even berries for a different take on the crumble.

Q8: Can I make the topping ahead of time?
A8: Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, just add it to the apples and bake!

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Of course! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish, but be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

Q10: Can I add spices to the filling?
A10: Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for extra warmth and depth of flavor in the filling.

Conclusion

This Apple Crumble is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for any occasion where you want to serve something delicious and satisfying. With tender, spiced apples and a crispy, buttery crumble topping, it’s sure to win everyone over. Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a comforting treat on its own, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every sweet, spiced bite!

Print