Easy Apple Crumble Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE, a classic dessert that truly tastes like home in every spoonful. Imagine tender, tangy Granny Smith apples wrapped in cinnamon sweetness and tucked beneath a golden, buttery, crumble topping—simple, nostalgic, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply making an ordinary evening extraordinary, this crowd-pleaser comes together with minimal prep and always wins over kids and adults alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make magic happen in this EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE. Each element is chosen for a reason—don’t skip anything! Every ingredient brings its own unique flavor, texture, or pop of color to the dish, making your crumble stand out in the best way.

• All Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping, lending a tender crispness that balances the soft apple filling beautifully.
• Brown Sugar (light or dark): Adds sweetness and caramel notes to the topping; dark brown sugar will give even more richness if you like that molasses edge.
• Baking Powder: Lifts the crumble just enough for a dreamy, light texture atop your apples.
• Salt: Both in the topping and filling, salt pulls out the best in every ingredient and highlights the cinnamon-spiced apples.
• Ground Cinnamon: Infuses warmth into both layers—don’t be shy, apples and cinnamon are made for each other!
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Brings everything together in the topping for those irresistible crisp golden crumbles.
• Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sugar beautifully and their firm texture means your filling won’t turn to mush.
• Granulated Sugar or Brown Sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps them caramelize as they bake—choose your favorite, or try a mix!
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Cornstarch (or All Purpose Flour): Thickens up the apple juices so your crumble isn’t watery but instead beautifully luscious.

How to Make EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Set the Stage

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly mist an 8- or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This quick step ensures nothing sticks and your crumble is easy to serve. Having the oven already hot sets the pace for your apples to get soft and jammy while the topping crisps up in perfect golden harmony.

Step 2: Whip Up the Crumble Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Give everything a good whisk so it’s evenly distributed—this way, every bite is deliciously consistent. Pour in the melted butter, and stir with a fork until you see clumpy, sandy crumbles forming. That’s exactly what you want; if you squeeze a handful, it should stick together but still look crumbly.

Step 3: Make That Dreamy Apple Filling

Grab a large bowl and add your peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples. Sprinkle over the sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour if you prefer), and a pinch of salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated and every slice has a glimmer of sugary-cinnamon promise. This is where the magic starts—the apples will bake into bubbling, fragrant bliss.

Step 4: Assemble the EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE

Pour your apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer. Then, sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, making sure you cover every last corner. Don’t press down—leave it nice and loose for maximum crunch after baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is crisp and golden, and the apple juices are bubbling up around the edges. It’s hard not to peek, but try to leave it alone until it’s deeply caramelized. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving—it helps everything set and makes scooping a breeze.

How to Serve EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE

Garnishes

The classic finishing touch for apple crumble is, hands down, a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The way it melts into the warm crumble is pure dessert theater, but don’t stop there—try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a bakery-worthy finish!

Side Dishes

If you’re serving the EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE at a gathering, round out the dessert table with a fresh fruit salad, a platter of sharp cheddar cheese (apples and cheddar, anyone?), or simple whipped cream for a lighter pairing. For a cozy night in, a mug of hot spiced cider or coffee is a perfect complement.

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t have to stick with the classic baking dish! For extra charm, bake your crumble in individual ramekins or mason jars. Bring it to potlucks in a cast-iron skillet, or spoon it into bowls layered with yogurt for an apple crumble parfait. However you present it, the EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE always looks (and tastes) inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Your apple crumble will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for spontaneous cravings.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE—just wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked crumble; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked texture, warm leftover apple crumble in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, uncovered. The topping crisps right back up! For quicker cravings, a microwave works too, but you’ll trade a bit of crunch for speed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are beloved for their tartness and ability to hold shape, feel free to mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a more complex apple filling.

Is it possible to make this EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend in both the crumble topping and the apple filling thickener—your crumble will still come out golden and delicious.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can! If you prefer a less sweet dessert, decrease both the brown sugar in the topping and the sugar in the apples by 1/4 cup each. The apples remain the star of the EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE.

What makes this crumble “easy”?

It’s all about minimal prep—no dough rolling or fancy equipment required. The simple mixing, easy layering, and hands-off baking mean you get maximum comfort with hardly any fuss.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the traditional texture, but if you like a bit of rustic charm and extra fiber, you can certainly leave some of the skins on. Either way, the EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE tastes amazing!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as cozy and satisfying as sharing the EASY Apple Crumble RECIPE with friends and family. Whether you make it for a holiday gathering or a random Tuesday night, it never fails to bring smiles. Take a leap, whip it up, and taste the magic—trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

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