Name: Apple Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-486117H4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 medium apples); 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup old-fashioned oats; ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for topping); ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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Apple crumble is a classic dessert that brings together the sweet, tart flavors of apples with a buttery, crispy topping. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for any time of year, though especially popular during the fall when apples are in season. The simplicity of this dessert makes it incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s no less delicious. Whether you’re serving it after a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, apple crumble is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this apple crumble combines the warm, juicy apples with a crunchy, sweet topping that melts in your mouth. It’s so easy to make and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. The crumble is the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, and it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It’s one of those desserts that feels homemade and comforting, yet is quick enough for a weeknight treat. Plus, it’s a great way to use up apples, whether they’re just starting to turn a bit soft or you’ve got a few extras lying around.

Ingredients

6 medium-sized apples (I like to use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them in a large bowl and toss them with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt.
Add the cubed cold butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This apple crumble recipe serves about 6 people and takes approximately 10 minutes to prep. The baking time is around 40-45 minutes, so in total, it will take about 50-55 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

There are many ways to customize apple crumble to suit your taste:

Add nuts: If I want a bit more texture and flavor, I add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the crumble topping.
Spice it up: For an extra kick, I sometimes throw in a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the apple mixture.
Mix in other fruits: Pears, berries, or even dried fruits like raisins can be added to the apples for a different twist.
Oat-free: If I’m in the mood for a smoother, more buttery topping, I simply leave out the oats.

Storage/Reheating

To store any leftovers, I place the apple crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply warm it up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. I sometimes pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp up the topping again.

FAQs

How do I prevent the apple crumble from being too soggy?

I make sure to toss the apples with a bit of flour or cornstarch before adding them to the dish. This helps to absorb some of the juices released during baking. Also, I bake it long enough to allow the topping to get crispy and the apples to become tender without making everything too wet.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, I can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or a mix of berries. Just keep in mind that some fruits may release more juice, so you might want to adjust the sugar or flour slightly.

Can I make this apple crumble ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often make the crumble topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, I assemble and bake the dessert right before serving. You can also assemble the whole dish and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.

Is apple crumble gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure the oats are certified gluten-free. The recipe should turn out just as delicious!

Can I freeze apple crumble?

Yes, I can freeze the baked apple crumble. I let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It will last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I thaw it in the fridge and reheat it in the oven.

Conclusion

Apple crumble is one of those timeless desserts that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying. The balance of sweet, tart apples and crunchy, buttery topping makes it irresistible. Whether I’m baking it for a special occasion or just because I want something comforting, apple crumble never disappoints. It’s the perfect dessert to share with family and friends, and it’s simple enough to enjoy on a cozy evening at home.