Apple Crumble

There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon, butter, and baked apples drifting through your kitchen — that’s the joy of homemade apple crumble. This cozy dessert brings together soft, caramelized apples and a golden, buttery oat topping that crackles beautifully with each bite. Whether it’s a Sunday family treat or an autumn dinner finale, this apple crumble recipe is comfort in every spoonful — simple, rustic, and irresistibly nostalgic.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a dish – Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples under a crisp, golden crumble.
• Quick & easy – Minimal prep, no fancy equipment, and ready in under an hour.
• Simple ingredients – Everyday pantry staples come together to make something truly special.
• Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
• Customizable – Try different apple varieties or add nuts for a crunchy twist.

It’s that perfect blend of tangy fruit and buttery crunch that makes this version stand out — comforting yet balanced, sweet but not overwhelming.

Ingredients Needed

For the Apple Filling

• 2 lb / 1 kg Granny Smith apples (about 5–6 medium apples), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour – helps thicken the juices
• ½ cup white sugar (or swap for light brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (or water) – brightens and prevents browning
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon – adds warmth and aroma

For the Crumble Topping

• 1 cup rolled oats (quick oats work fine too)
• 1 cup plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 cup loosely packed brown sugar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 125 g / ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• A pinch of salt – balances sweetness

To Serve

• Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard

How to Make Apple Crumble

Step 1 – Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (fan or conventional). This ensures your crumble bakes evenly and turns that perfect golden brown.

Step 2 – Prepare the apples

Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1.5 cm (½-inch) cubes. Uniform pieces bake more evenly and soften beautifully without turning mushy.

Step 3 – Make the apple filling

In a large bowl, toss the apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated. The flour helps thicken the juices while baking, creating that glossy, syrupy base. Spread the mixture evenly into a 1.5-litre (1.5-quart) baking dish.

Step 4 – Mix the crumble topping

In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, melted butter, and salt. Stir until you get a mixture resembling damp sand — some clumps are perfect! These create that signature crumble texture.

Step 5 – Assemble and bake

Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the apples, pressing lightly so it adheres but remains textured. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is crisp and golden and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 6 – Rest before serving

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the apple syrup to thicken slightly, making each serving perfectly balanced — warm fruit below, crisp crumble on top.

Step 7 – Serve and enjoy

Spoon the crumble into bowls and top with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold is pure dessert perfection.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Pair with ice cream, custard, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the oven (160°C / 320°F) for 10 minutes or microwave briefly until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked crumble for up to 3 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful Notes

• Apple varieties: Granny Smiths give a tart balance, but you can mix in sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
• Make-ahead tip: Assemble the crumble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking fresh.
• Extra crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
• Sugar swap: Use half white and half brown sugar for a richer flavor.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug, this apple crumble is it. Every bite delivers that nostalgic mix of tart, sweet, and buttery — simple to make yet impossible to resist. Whether it’s a cozy autumn evening or just a craving for something homemade, this recipe will never let you down.

Tried this recipe? ⭐ Leave a comment and rating below — I’d love to hear how yours turned out!
And don’t forget to share your crumble creations on Pinterest or Facebook — maybe even try your own twist with a handful of nuts or a caramel drizzle. What’s your favorite crumble topping? Tell me in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different apples?

Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Gala) adds depth and texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes — simply swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats.

Why is my crumble topping soggy?

If the butter is too hot or there’s too much moisture in the apples, the topping can absorb liquid. Make sure to toss apples in flour and bake uncovered until golden.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Totally! Freeze after baking, then reheat in the oven to revive the crunch.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes — replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. The crumble will still be golden and crisp.