Apple Crumble Recipe

The Best Apple Crumble Recipe: Sweet, Crispy Fall Magic

Sweet apple crumble upgrades ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Warm spices and crispy textures dance together in this classic comfort dish.

Homemade goodness radiates from every delectable bite, promising a symphony of flavors that tantalize taste buds.

Seasonal fruits merge seamlessly with buttery, golden-brown crumble topping, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Rustic and elegant, this recipe celebrates simplicity and sophisticated taste profiles simultaneously.

Cinnamon and nutmeg whisper memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful treat with confidence.

Apple Crumble That’s Hard to Resist

  • Effortless Comfort Baking: Whip up this apple crumble with minimal cooking skills, creating a homemade dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
  • Texture Explosion: Experience the perfect contrast between soft, tender cinnamon-spiced apples and the crispy, buttery crumble topping that adds a delightful crunch in every bite.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weekend dessert that appeals to all ages, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients for a Simple Apple Crumble

Fruit Base:
  • Apples: Sweet and tart variety ideal for baking, with firm texture that holds shape during cooking.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright, tangy flavor to balance sweetness.
Crumble Topping Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar: Foundational components creating classic crumbly, sweet texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps topping achieve light, slightly raised consistency.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple flavor and adds aromatic depth.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Binding and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind crumble topping.
  • Cornstarch (or Flour): Thickens apple filling, preventing excess liquid and creating smooth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens apple filling and helps create syrupy consistency.
Optional Serving Suggestion:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy accompaniment that adds cool contrast to warm crumble.

Directions for Making a Buttery, Crumbly Apple Crumble

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Pour melted butter into the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Make Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine:
  • Sliced apples
  • Granulated sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Toss the ingredients until apples are completely coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Crumble

Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apple layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling apple filling.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the apple crumble rest for 15 minutes.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.

Helpful Baking Tips for the Best Crumble Texture

  • Select the Right Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • Create Crumbly Perfection: Use cold butter and mix the topping with a fork to achieve a light, crispy texture that doesn't become dense or hard.
  • Control Apple Moisture: Toss apples with cornstarch to prevent excess liquid and ensure a thick, glossy filling that doesn't become watery.
  • Watch Baking Time Carefully: Check the crumble around 35 minutes to prevent over-browning, using a golden-brown color as your guide for perfectly baked topping.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or add a handful of chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra complexity and crunch.

Store and Reheat Apple Crumble Easily

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover apple crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping its delicious flavor and texture intact.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm individual servings at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, restoring the crispy crumble topping and bringing back that fresh-baked warmth.
  • Microwave Option: Quickly reheat small portions for 30-45 seconds, watching carefully to prevent the topping from becoming soggy or overheated.

What to Serve with Warm Apple Crumble

  • Scoop Creamy Vanilla Delight: Pair the warm apple crumble with a generous scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, creating a heavenly contrast between the hot, spiced apples and the cold, silky dessert.
  • Pour Rich Caramel Companion: Drizzle some homemade caramel sauce over the crumble to enhance the sweet apple flavors and add a luxurious, buttery depth to each bite.
  • Sip Warm Cinnamon Comfort: Complement the dessert with a steaming mug of chai tea or mulled cider, which echoes the warm cinnamon notes and provides a cozy, comforting finish to your meal.
  • Match Creamy Whipped Cloud: Top the apple crumble with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, adding a light, airy texture that balances the dense, crumbly topping and warm apple filling.

Different Ways to Make Apple Crumble New

  • Seasonal Berry Fusion: Replace apples with a mix of seasonal berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant summer dessert.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping and drizzle caramel sauce over the finished dessert for extra richness.
  • Tropical Paradise Remix: Swap apples with diced mangoes and pineapples, and sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a tropical-inspired crumble.
  • Spiced Autumn Comfort: Incorporate ground nutmeg and ginger into the crumble topping, and use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for a deeper autumn flavor profile.
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Apple Crumble Recipe

Apple Crumble Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade apple crumble whispers comfort from traditional British kitchens, combining sweet cinnamon-kissed apples with a crisp, buttery topping. Warm golden crumbs invite you to savor each delightful spoonful of this classic dessert that warms hearts and delights senses.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

Apples (Filling):

  • 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced or diced into bite-sized pieces

Flour and Sugar (Crumble Topping):

  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) light or dark brown sugar

Seasoning and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (crumble topping)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (crumble topping)
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar or brown sugar (filling)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (filling)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (filling)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cornstarch or all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and coat an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with a light mist of nonstick spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, creating a dry blend for the crumble topping.
  3. Pour melted butter into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a fork until the texture becomes delightfully crumbly and uneven.
  4. Toss apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon in a separate large bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the sweet and tangy mixture.
  5. Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth foundation for the crumble.
  6. Generously scatter the prepared crumble topping over the apple layer, covering the fruit completely with the buttery, textured mixture.
  7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crumble top and bubbling fruit filling.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the crumble to rest and settle for 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the texture set.
  9. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

  • Perfectly pairs with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
  • Easily adaptable with different apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for unique flavor profiles.
  • Requires simple pantry ingredients and minimal baking skills to create a comforting homemade dessert.
  • Best served warm within 15 minutes of baking to enjoy the crispy topping and tender apple filling.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating briefly in the oven to restore crispiness.
  • Gluten-free option available by substituting regular flour with almond or oat flour in the crumble topping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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