Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
Every time I make apple crumble, I’m instantly transported to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where the scent of warm cinnamon and bubbling apples would greet me before I even opened the door. She had this way of making desserts that felt like a warm hug, and her apple crumble was the crown jewel—crispy on top, tender underneath, and always served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Now, as someone who bakes for family and friends, I find myself recreating that same magic. The Apple Crumble Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a comfort food, a nostalgic memory, and a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a Sunday dinner, or just a cold night in, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together.
So, let me walk you through the perfect apple crumble recipe—simple enough for beginners, but with a few pro tips that even seasoned bakers will appreciate.
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What Is Apple Crumble?
Apple crumble is a classic British dessert made of sweet, spiced apples baked under a crumbly topping made of flour, butter, and sugar. Unlike apple pie, there’s no crust involved—just a simple layer of fruit topped with a buttery, crispy crumble.
It’s one of the easiest baked desserts you can make, yet the results are deeply satisfying. The contrast between the soft, juicy apples and the crunchy topping makes each bite irresistible. It’s typically served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream.
In the U.S., it’s often confused with an “apple crisp,” which includes oats or nuts in the topping. While they’re very similar, crumble is more traditional and simpler—making it a perfect canvas for variations.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make a classic apple crumble from scratch. Most of these are pantry staples, which makes it even easier to whip up.
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples – 6 medium (about 2 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
Best types: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix - Granulated sugar – ¼ cup (50g)
- Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg – ¼ tsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- All-purpose flour or cornstarch – 1 tbsp (for thickening)
For the Crumble Topping:
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup (125g)
- Brown sugar – ½ cup (100g)
- Cold unsalted butter – ½ cup (1 stick or 113g), cubed
- Rolled oats (optional) – ½ cup
- Cinnamon or spice mix – ½ tsp (optional, for extra warmth)
- Pinch of salt
How to Prepare: Step‑by‑Step
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish (round or square) with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and slice your apples into even pieces—about ¼ inch thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Mix until apples are well coated.
- Pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats (if using), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a coarse, crumbly mixture—like wet sand with some chunks.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples. Don’t press it down; you want the topping to stay loose for maximum crispiness.
Step 4: Bake the Crumble
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Step 5: Let it Rest
- Once out of the oven, let the crumble cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken and the flavors to settle.
How to Serve
One of the best things about apple crumble is how versatile and cozy it is to serve. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
- Warm with ice cream – The classic choice. Vanilla is the most popular, but caramel, cinnamon, or butter pecan also pair beautifully.
- With custard – A traditional British way of serving crumble, especially during colder months.
- With whipped cream – Light and fluffy whipped cream balances the richness of the crumble.
- With yogurt – For a healthier take, especially for breakfast leftovers.
- Cold the next day – Apple crumble tastes great even cold, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Variations
Want to put your own twist on the classic apple crumble? Here are some delicious and easy variations:
1. Apple and Berry Crumble
- Add a handful of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the apple mixture for a fruity twist.
2. Apple and Pear Crumble
- Replace half the apples with ripe pears. Pears bring extra sweetness and soft texture.
3. Caramel Apple Crumble
- Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples before adding the crumble topping.
4. Nutty Crumble
- Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the topping for extra crunch.
5. Gluten-Free Apple Crumble
- Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
6. Vegan Apple Crumble
- Substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
FAQs – Apple Crumble Recipe
1. What are the best apples to use for crumble?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their shape and offer a tart balance to the sweet topping. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, and Pink Lady are also excellent. A mix gives you depth of flavor.
2. Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately and store in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready, or bake fully and reheat later.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes to regain crispness.
4. Can I freeze apple crumble?
Absolutely. You can freeze before or after baking. For unbaked crumble, assemble and wrap tightly; freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes. For baked crumble, cool completely before freezing.
5. Why is my crumble topping soggy?
This usually happens when the butter isn’t cold enough or if there’s too much moisture from the apples. Using a mix of tart and firm apples and not overmixing the topping will help.
6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can reduce sugar in both the filling and topping by 25–50% without compromising too much on taste, especially if using sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala.
7. Can I make a crumble without oats?
Yes, absolutely. A traditional crumble doesn’t require oats. Just use more flour and butter to maintain the texture.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one dessert that perfectly captures warmth, comfort, and simplicity, it’s apple crumble. Whether you’re baking for guests, making something sweet on a rainy evening, or just trying to use up a surplus of apples, this recipe has your back.
What I love most is how forgiving and flexible it is. You can dress it up with berries and caramel or keep it classic and rustic. It works beautifully with pantry staples, and yet always delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
So next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal fuss, give this apple crumble recipe a try. It might just become your new go-to comfort dish—just like it became mine all those years ago in Grandma’s kitchen.
Happy baking!