The Best Homemade Apple Crumble Recipe: Easy & Delicious Fall Dessert
Embrace the cozy warmth of autumn with this ultimate homemade apple crumble recipe. Featuring crisp, tart Granny Smith apples nestled under a sweet, caramelized cinnamon oat topping, this dessert is a celebration of fall flavors. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a simple weeknight treat, it’s an inviting dish that truly captures the essence of the season.
Why This Apple Crumble Recipe is a Must-Try
When the crisp air of fall rolls in, our kitchens beckon with the comforting aroma of baked goods. While a homemade apple pie is always a classic, an apple crumble offers a delightful, less fuss alternative without sacrificing any of that beloved warmth and spice. In fact, the apple crumble was originally conceived as a more straightforward and budget-friendly dessert compared to its pastry-laden cousin. This recipe exemplifies that ease, bringing together simple ingredients to create something truly extraordinary.
Our apple crumble recipe shines because it expertly balances the tartness of fresh apples with a sweet, spiced filling, all crowned with an irresistibly crunchy, buttery oat topping. You’ll start by preparing a luscious apple base, seasoned with classic fall spices like cinnamon and brown sugar. This goes into a baking dish, and then, with minimal effort, you whip up a delightful streusel topping made from rolled oats, flour, more brown sugar, and cinnamon. The magic happens in the oven as the topping transforms into a golden-brown, caramelized crust that perfectly complements the tender, juicy apples beneath.
Fall truly is my favorite season for baking, and anything involving crisp, ripe apples immediately captures my heart. Whether it’s apple crisp, apple cobbler, or this incredible apple crumble, each offers a unique take on a seasonal favorite. What truly elevates this dish, however, is a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, spiced apples and crunchy topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is nothing short of heavenly. It’s a dessert that feels both rustic and refined, making it a perfect end to any meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Crumble
Crafting the perfect apple crumble requires a handful of common pantry staples, transformed into a decadent dessert. Below, you’ll find an overview of the key ingredients. For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and a printable version, please refer to the recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
APPLES – The foundation of any great apple crumble lies in the quality and type of apples you choose. We highly recommend using a tarter variety for this recipe, as their crispness and tangy flavor beautifully cut through the sweetness of the crumble topping and caramelize wonderfully when baked. Our top recommendation is Granny Smith apples due to their firm texture and bright, acidic profile. However, if Granny Smiths aren’t available or if you prefer a slightly sweeter base, excellent alternatives include Gala, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Red Delicious. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and offer a delightful flavor. For a more complex flavor, consider mixing two different types of apples – perhaps one tart and one sweet – to achieve a perfect balance.
ADDITIONS – While the classic cinnamon is indispensable, don’t hesitate to explore additional spices to customize your crumble. A pinch of nutmeg, a whisper of clove, or a hint of allspice can deepen the fall flavor profile. For an added layer of texture and richness, consider mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans with the oat topping. They toast beautifully in the oven, adding a wonderful crunch and nutty aroma. You could also include a tablespoon of lemon zest with the apple filling for an extra burst of brightness, or a handful of dried cranberries for a festive touch and chewy texture.
CRUMBLE TOPPING – The star of this dish, the topping is meticulously crafted from old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, rich brown sugar, cold unsalted butter, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Each ingredient plays a crucial role:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a substantial, chewy texture and a hearty crunch that makes this crumble so satisfying. Their robust structure prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
- All-purpose flour binds the topping ingredients together, ensuring a consistent crumble.
- Brown sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the beautiful caramelization, giving the topping its signature golden-brown hue and depth of flavor.
- Cold unsalted butter is key for achieving that perfect crumbly texture. When cut into the dry ingredients, it creates pockets of butter that melt slowly, producing a tender yet crisp topping.
- Baking powder adds a slight lift and contributes to the topping’s delightful crispness.
- Cinnamon infuses the topping with warm, aromatic spice that ties all the flavors together.
If old-fashioned oats are not on hand, quick-cooking oats can be substituted in a pinch. However, be aware that quick oats will result in a slightly less chewy and more finely textured topping. For best results, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for that authentic crumble experience.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Apple Crumble
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious apple crumble. For a comprehensive printable version of the recipe, complete with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the Jump to Recipe section at the bottom of this post.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it.
EXPERT TIP – A simple trick for greasing your baking dish is to use the leftover butter wrapper; it’s efficient and reduces waste. Alternatively, a nonstick cooking spray works just as well to ensure your crumble doesn’t stick. Consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
- Begin by preparing your apples. Thoroughly peel, core, and slice the apples into uniform pieces. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick so they cook evenly and become tender, but not mushy. Transfer the sliced apples into a large mixing bowl.
- To the apples, add the fresh lemon juice, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour. Toss all the ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure every apple slice is coated. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a bright counterpoint to the sweetness. The flour helps to thicken the juices as the apples bake. Once combined, spread the apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Now, prepare the star of the show: the crumble topping. In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well incorporated. Next, add the cold, cubed pieces of unsalted butter. Using a pastry blender, two forks, or even your fingertips (working quickly to keep the butter cold), “cut in” the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Avoid overmixing; you want a rustic, crumbly texture.
- Generously sprinkle the prepared crumble mixture evenly over the entire surface of the apple filling in the baking dish. Ensure a good, even layer for maximum crunch in every bite.
- Bake the apple crumble in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly done when the apple filling is visibly bubbling around the edges, indicating the apples are tender and their juices have thickened, and the crumble topping has turned a beautiful golden brown and is wonderfully crispy. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Baking Tips
For the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness in apple crumble, Granny Smith apples are our top recommendation. Their firm texture holds up beautifully during baking, preventing the crumble from becoming overly mushy. However, other excellent choices include Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Gala, Braeburn, and Fuji. If you prefer a sweeter crumble, Golden Delicious or Red Delicious can also be used, though they tend to be softer once baked. Feel free to experiment with a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor profile!
To maintain the deliciousness of your apple crumble, ensure it has completely cooled down to room temperature before storing. This crucial step prevents condensation from forming and making the crispy topping soggy. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with an airtight lid or several layers of plastic wrap. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for 5-7 days. For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm through.
Absolutely! Apple crumble freezes remarkably well, both baked and unbaked. If freezing an unbaked crumble, prepare it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with an airtight lid or a double layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, potentially adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For an already baked apple crumble, allow it to cool completely before freezing using the same wrapping method. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again.
This recipe is generously portioned for a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring a good balance of apple filling to crumble topping. If you wish to use a smaller baking dish, like an 8×8 inch square, you’ll get a thicker layer of apple filling. In this case, we highly recommend halving the ingredients for the crumble topping to prevent it from being excessively thick. Conversely, if you’re feeding a larger crowd and want more apple filling while keeping the same size dish, you could easily double the apple filling ingredients while maintaining the original crumble topping measurements for a slightly thinner, but still delicious, crust-to-fruit ratio.
Perfect Serving Suggestions for Apple Crumble
While irresistible on its own, a warm scoop of apple crumble truly shines with complementary accompaniments. Our favorite way to serve it is directly from the baking dish into a bowl or onto a plate, topped with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, spiced apples and the cold, melting ice cream is divine. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top before serving. Other delicious options include a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of crème fraîche for a slight tang, or even a pour of warm custard. Ensure it’s served warm to enjoy the full aroma and texture.
More Delightful Apple Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of this apple crumble, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of our favorite apple-centric recipes:
- Apple Hand Pies: Portable pockets of apple goodness perfect for on-the-go.
- Apple Pie Bites: Mini versions of classic apple pie, ideal for parties.
- Air Fryer Apple Fries: A fun and healthier snack that tastes like dessert.
- Crockpot Cinnamon Apples: Tender, spiced apples cooked slowly to perfection.
- Crockpot Caramel Apple Cider: The ultimate cozy beverage for chilly days.
I adore sharing my passion for baking and cooking with all of you! To make sure you never miss a new recipe, I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a new post goes live. Simply subscribe to start receiving your free daily recipes and kitchen inspiration!
Apple Crumble
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
10
servings
55 minutes
308
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
-
6
cups
sliced Granny Smith apples
about 3 pounds of apples -
2
Tablespoons
fresh lemon juice
1 lemon -
¼
cup
light brown sugar
packed -
½
teaspoon
ground cinnamon -
2
Tablespoons
all-purpose flour
Crumble Topping
-
1
cup
all-purpose flour -
1
cup
old-fashioned rolled oats -
1
cup
light brown sugar
packed -
½
cup
unsalted butter
cold and cut into pieces -
½
teaspoon
baking powder -
½
teaspoon
cinnamon
Things You’ll Need
-
13×9 baking dish -
Apple corer -
Pastry cutter
Before You Begin
- Generally, one medium apple weighs approximately 1/2 pound. For this recipe, we used 6 medium Granny Smith apples to achieve the perfect apple-to-topping ratio.
- The crumble topping quantity is designed to generously cover a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you opt for a smaller baking dish, resulting in a thicker apple filling base, we recommend halving the crumble topping ingredients to maintain a balanced texture. Alternatively, you can double the apple filling ingredients and still use a 9×13 inch baking dish for an extra fruit-filled dessert.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats are preferred for their robust, chewy texture, which contributes significantly to the crumble’s satisfying crunch. If necessary, you can substitute with quick-cooking oats, but be aware that the topping may be slightly less textural.
- Granny Smith apples are our top choice for their excellent tart-sweet flavor balance and ability to hold their shape during baking. However, other great apple varieties for baking include Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Braeburn. Feel free to use sweeter varieties like Golden or Red Delicious, or Fuji, if that’s your preference, keeping in mind they will be softer.
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. For easy greasing, you can use the wrapper from your butter stick, or opt for a nonstick cooking spray.
-
Peel the apples, remove their cores, and slice them into uniform pieces, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Place the prepared apple slices into a large mixing bowl.
-
Add the fresh lemon juice, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour to the apples. Toss everything together until the apple slices are thoroughly coated. Evenly spread the seasoned apples into your greased baking dish.
-
In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, old-fashioned oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or two forks, “cut in” the butter until a coarse, crumbly mixture forms, with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
-
Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the apples in the baking dish, ensuring good coverage.
-
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apple filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges and the crumble topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
serving
|
Calories:
308
cal
|
Carbohydrates:
54
g
|
Protein:
3
g
|
Fat:
10
g
|
Saturated Fat:
6
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.4
g
|
Cholesterol:
24
mg
|
Sodium:
11
mg
|
Potassium:
188
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
35
g
|
Vitamin A:
325
IU
|
Vitamin C:
5
mg
|
Calcium:
47
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on August 30, 2022.