Apple Crumble
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Cinnamon apples topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble, that’s Apple Crumble in a nutshell. No pie crust, no rolling, just an easy dessert that comes together fast and always hits the spot.
My Super Easy Apple Crumble Recipe
I love Apple Crumble because it’s so easy to make and you get the apple pie taste without all the effort. I mean there’s a time for apple pie, but when you want something quick, this apple crumble hits the spot.
This is my foolproof recipe I’ve been making for years and would make even your grandmother proud. In under an hour you can have this classic and delicious dessert on your table, ready to be topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble
- Quick and Easy! This sweet treat is ready in under an hour with no need to make pie dough. The only tools you need are a baking dish and a hot oven. Easy peasy!
- Sweet Comforting Classic! Apple crumble is like the warm homestyle filling of a classic apple pie topped with a yummy brown sugar sweetened streusel like oatmeal topping.
- Family Approved! This dessert will easily please your family! It’s fantastic served warm alone, but even more delicious when topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients and Tips
- Apples. Go for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith so they hold their shape and keep the dessert from being too sweet. Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work if you like a little more sweetness.
- Room-temp apples. Cold apples straight from the fridge can slow the bake. Let them sit out for a bit so they soften evenly.
- Peel or leave skins. I usually peel for a softer filling, but leaving skins on adds rustic texture and extra nutrients.
- Sugar mix. A combo of brown and white sugar gives the filling a caramel vibe while keeping the topping crisp.
- Oats in the crumble. Old-fashioned oats (not instant) are your best friend here. They stay hearty and give the topping that classic crunch.
- Butter matters. Real butter gives the crumble its flavor and golden color. Melted or very soft makes mixing easier.
- Don’t pack the topping. Sprinkle it loosely over the apples so air can circulate and make everything crispy.
- Lemon juice. A squeeze over the apples brightens the flavor and stops them from browning while you prep the topping.
Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Peel, core, and chop your apples into bite sized chunks. I go for about one inch pieces so they cook evenly. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice, sugar, flour, and cinnamon until every piece looks coated and glossy. Spread the apples evenly into your baking dish.
In another bowl, stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour in melted butter and use a fork or your hands to mix until you see big, buttery clumps form. That texture is what makes the topping crunchy.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples. Don’t press it down. A loose topping means more air flow and more crispy bits.
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The topping should turn golden and the apples should be bubbling along the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and keep baking until the apples are tender.
Let the crumble sit for at least 10 minutes. It will set a little and be easier to scoop. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel if you want to go all out.Let the crumble sit for at least 10 minutes. It will set a little and be easier to scoop. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel if you want to go all out.
How To Serve It
- Classic move. Warm apple crumble with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the crunchy topping.
- Whipped cream lovers. A dollop of fresh whipped cream keeps it light and fluffy while still indulgent.
- Caramel drizzle. Pour warm caramel sauce over the crumble for extra richness. Salted caramel if you’re feeling fancy.
- Breakfast excuse. Leftovers are amazing cold with a spoonful of Greek yogurt. Nobody has to know you’re eating dessert for breakfast.
- Coffee companion. A small bowl with a cup of hot coffee or tea makes the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
A crumble usually has a topping made with flour, sugar, and butter. A crisp often includes oats or nuts in the mix. These days the two names are used almost the same way, so it is really about preference.
What are the best apples for crumble?
Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. They hold their shape in the oven and balance the sweetness of the topping. Using a mix of apples gives even more flavor.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Not at all. If you peel them, the filling will be softer. If you leave the skins on, it will feel more rustic and you will get a little extra texture and nutrients.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the crumble, cover it well, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you are baking it straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze apple crumble?
Yes. Bake it first and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until it is hot and the topping is crisp again.
Why is my crumble topping not crunchy?
That usually means the butter was not mixed in enough or the topping was pressed down too firmly. Mix until you see clumps and sprinkle it loosely over the apples for the best crunch.
More Delicious Apple Recipes To Try
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Apple Crumble
Video
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 pounds green apples ((Granny Smith, about 6 apples), peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes)
- ⅓ cup sugar (granulated)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (ground)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Crumble
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar (granulated)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter (unsalted, melted)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Add all the filling ingredients to a large bowl and toss well with a spatula. Transfer them to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread them out evenly.
- In another large bowl, add all the topping ingredients and mix until clumps form. Spread over the apples evenly, crumbling with fingers.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden and the apples are soft. Serve warm with a good vanilla ice cream.
Equipment
Notes
- Make sure your apples are at room temperature before baking with them, so if you’re one of those types to keep their apples in the fridge be sure to remove them well ahead of time!
- Keeping the peel of the apple on or not is totally up to you! I like to remove it from my apples for both visual appeal and to assure that my texture is spot on.
- Be sure to cut your apples up thin enough and and equal cubes to ensure they bake to tender perfection, we don’t want any hard or raw bits in our filling.
- Make sure to let your apple crumble cool completely before storing in the fridge. Seal completely or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
