Apple crumble is the ultimate cozy dessert—sweet, tangy apples topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble. This recipe is super simple to make, and it delivers the comfort of a homemade dessert without any hassle. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the filling:
5-6 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the crumble topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar (or white sugar if preferred)
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish (8×8 inches or similar).
Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Make the Crumble Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 6 people, and it takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. In total, it will be ready in about 45-50 minutes.
Variations
Apple Varieties: I love using a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter ones like Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor. But feel free to experiment with different types of apples based on your preference!
Nuts: For an extra crunch, I sometimes add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping. It gives it a lovely texture and flavor boost.
Gluten-Free: If you’re going gluten-free, I recommend substituting the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. It still works beautifully!
Spices: If you’re a fan of spices, you could add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling for added warmth and depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually pop the crumble in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You could also microwave it for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
While fresh apples are ideal for this recipe, frozen apples can work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid extra liquid in the filling.
Can I make Apple Crumble ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping separately, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Assemble and bake just before serving!
What is the best type of apple for this dessert?
Granny Smith apples are perfect for this recipe because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the crumble. However, you can mix and match with other apples like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious for a sweeter result.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil, and make sure your ice cream or whipped cream is also dairy-free if you plan to serve it with those.
How do I prevent the crumble topping from getting too hard?
If the crumble topping turns too hard, try reducing the amount of butter and adding a touch more sugar. Additionally, mixing it less aggressively will keep the topping a bit more crumbly.
Conclusion
This Easy Apple Crumble is a dessert that will never go out of style. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, and the flavor combination of sweet apples and a buttery, crunchy topping is unbeatable. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a warm, comforting dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy. I always love how it fills the house with such a wonderful aroma and brings everyone together around the table for a delicious and heartwarming treat.
Recipe:
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Easy Apple Crumble
This Easy Apple Crumble recipe is the perfect fall dessert. With sweet, tangy apples and a buttery, crunchy crumble topping, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this simple dessert will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the filling:
5–6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your choice), peeled, cored, and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the crumble topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar (or white sugar if preferred)
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Spread this apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
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Assemble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
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Serve: Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for a quick reheat.
Variations:
Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for more warmth and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
