If you’re craving a cozy dessert that wraps you in warm, comforting flavors, this Apple Crumble Recipe is your new best friend. With tender, cinnamon-scented Granny Smith apples under a crunchy, buttery oat topping, every bite feels like a hug from your oven. It’s a classic British dessert that never goes out of style, perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in, and incredibly simple to make with pantry staples you likely have right now.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward a spectacular apple crumble. Each element plays a key role, from the tartness of the apples to the buttery, crumbly topping that offers texture and color contrast.
- Granny Smith Apples (2 lb / 1kg): These green apples bring a perfect balance of tartness and firmness, essential for a delightful crumble filling.
- Flour (1 tbsp for filling + 1 cup for topping): Helps thicken the apple juices and provides structure for the buttery topping.
- White sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the tart apples just right; you can substitute with brown sugar if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Brightens the apple’s natural flavor and prevents browning after peeling.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp for filling + 1 tsp for topping): Adds that classic warm spice note that elevates the entire dish.
- Rolled oats (1 cup): Gives the crumble its irresistible texture and wholesome crunch.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, loosely packed): Couples with the oats and butter to create the caramelized topping.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Lightens the crumble topping so it’s not too dense.
- Unsalted butter (125g / 1/2 cup, melted): Infuses the crumble with richness and ensures the topping crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors throughout.
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving): Creamy and cold, it’s the ultimate companion for warm apple crumble.
How to Make Apple Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Whether you have a fan or standard oven, this temperature is perfect for baking the crumble to a golden, crispy finish without drying out the juicy apple filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel your Granny Smith apples and chop them into 1.5 cm cubes — this size ensures they’ll soften just right while baking but still keep a bit of bite. The peeling step is important to avoid any bitter or tough apple skins.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed apples with the flour, sugar, and cinnamon to coat them evenly. Pour over the lemon juice and give everything a good mix to combine. This mixture not only flavors the apples but also helps create a lovely syrup during baking. Spread the apple filling evenly in a 1.5-liter baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping
Combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix with your fingers or a spoon until you achieve clumps resembling wet sand — this texture is key to that dreamy, crumbly top layer. Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling, breaking it up with your fingers if needed for that perfect rustic look.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your apple crumble for 30 to 40 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The filling will bubble slightly as the apples cook down. Once out of the oven, cover loosely with foil and let the dessert rest for 10 minutes. This step allows the apple juices to thicken, giving you a perfect balance of tender fruit and crispy topping.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream
The magic of this Apple Crumble Recipe truly shines when it’s served warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot crumble and cold cream makes every mouthful heavenly.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
While classic vanilla ice cream is a favorite, you can also elevate your Apple Crumble Recipe with a sprinkle of toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds extra sweetness and flair.
Side Dishes
Apple crumble pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a simple green salad or spiced tea to cleanse the palate between bites. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside warm custard for an extra creamy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party twist, serve individual portions of this Apple Crumble Recipe in ramekins or mason jars. Layer apples and crumble topping beforehand and bake just before serving for a rustic yet elegant touch. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick can also brighten the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple crumble leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the topping crisp, store it separately if possible and reheat just before serving.
Freezing
This Apple Crumble Recipe freezes beautifully. Bake the crumble completely, let it cool, then cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for one to two minutes or warm the entire dish in a 160°C / 320°F oven for about 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. If you want to refresh the crumble crunch, bake uncovered toward the end of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith is ideal for its tartness and texture, feel free to mix in sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just keep in mind that softer apples may cook down more quickly.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes. Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats. This swap keeps the crumble just as tasty and textured.
Can I make the crumble topping without oats?
You can, but oats add a wonderful chew and rustic texture. If you don’t have oats, increase the flour and brown sugar slightly for a similar effect, but the crumble won’t be quite the same.
What’s a good substitute for unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is best for controlling saltiness, but you can use salted butter. Just reduce or omit the pinch of salt to balance flavors.
How do I prevent the apples from being soggy?
Using firm apples like Granny Smith and tossing them with flour before baking helps thicken the juices, preventing a soggy bottom. Also, resting the crumble after baking allows excess juices to thicken nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crumble Recipe is truly one of those timeless desserts that never disappoints. Its ease, warmth, and delightful texture make it a must-have in your recipe collection. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for so many. So go ahead, bake a batch, share it with loved ones, and savor the wonderful comfort only apple crumble can bring.
Print
Apple Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Apple Crumble features tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples topped with a buttery, crumbly oat and brown sugar mixture. Baked until golden and served warm with vanilla ice cream, this comforting dessert is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 lb / 1 kg Granny Smith Apples (green apples), peeled and cut into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) cubes
- 1 tbsp plain / all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar (can substitute brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or water)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats / oatmeal (quick cooking is acceptable)
- 1 cup plain / all-purpose flour
- 1 cup loosely packed brown sugar (can substitute white sugar)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 125 g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F), using either fan or standard settings, to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the crumble evenly.
- Prepare the apples: Peel the Granny Smith apples and chop them into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) cubes for uniform cooking and texture.
- Make the apple filling: Place the cubed apples into a large bowl. Sprinkle with flour, white sugar, and ground cinnamon, then drizzle with lemon juice. Toss everything together until well combined, then spread the mixture evenly into a 1.5 litre (1.5 quart) baking dish.
- Prepare crumble topping: In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon powder, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture clumps together like wet sand. Spread this crumble topping evenly over the apple filling, breaking it up with your fingers to create a crumbly texture.
- Bake the crumble: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest the crumble: Remove the apple crumble from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it stand for 10 minutes to allow the apple juices to thicken slightly, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the apple crumble warm, accompanied by scoops of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of hot and cold.
Notes
- Using Granny Smith apples provides the perfect balance of tartness against the sweet crumble topping.
- If unavailable, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar and vice versa, but the brown sugar adds a richer flavor and color to the crumble topping.
- Lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle tangy note.
- For a crispier topping, you can briefly broil the crumble for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Vanilla ice cream is the traditional accompaniment, but whipped cream or custard also pair well with this dessert.
- Allowing the crumble to rest before serving helps thicken the syrup created by the apple juices, improving the overall texture.
