Apple Crumble

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Apple Crumble is one of those timeless desserts that instantly fills my heart with gratitude—thank you for being here and sharing in these cozy, sweet moments with me. Right after this H1, let me say it clearly: Apple Crumble is warm, buttery, and irresistibly comforting, with tender spiced apples bubbling beneath a golden, crumbly topping. This is the dessert I reach for when I want something simple yet deeply satisfying—no fuss, no fancy steps, just pure comfort baked into every bite.

Apple Crumble Recipe Overview

This Apple Crumble recipe celebrates everything we love about classic desserts. Juicy apples are tossed with warm spices and a touch of sweetness, then topped with a buttery crumble that bakes up crisp and golden. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for holidays, gatherings, or Sunday dinners.

Reasons You’ll Love Apple Crumble

  • Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
  • Cozy, nostalgic flavors
  • Easy to customize with spices or fruit
  • Perfect for any season
  • Delicious warm or cold (and incredible with ice cream!)

What Does Apple Crumble Taste Like?

This Apple Crumble tastes like fall wrapped in a blanket. The apples are soft, juicy, and lightly spiced, while the crumble topping is buttery, crisp, and just sweet enough. Each bite gives you that perfect contrast of tender fruit and crunchy topping—comfort food dessert at its finest.

Benefits of This Recipe

  • No pie crust required
  • Beginner-friendly baking recipe
  • Easily made ahead of time
  • Works with many apple varieties
  • Naturally comforting and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients for Apple Crumble

For the Apple Filling

  • 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Tools You’ll Need

  • 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Apple peeler or knife

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

  • Apple varieties: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix
  • Extra flavor: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice
  • Nutty crunch: Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and oats
  • Less sugar: Reduce sugar slightly for a more tart crumble

How to Make Apple Crumble Step by Step

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and vanilla until evenly coated.
  3. Spread apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  4. In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Add cold butter cubes and cut into the mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
  6. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the apples.
  7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until topping is golden and apples are bubbly.
  8. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

The smell when this is baking? Warm apples, butter, and cinnamon drifting through the house—absolutely heavenly!!

What to Serve with Apple Crumble

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Custard or crème anglaise
  • Caramel sauce drizzle
  • A cup of hot coffee or tea

This Apple Crumble is especially magical served warm with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best Apple Crumble

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor
  • Keep butter cold for the crispiest topping
  • Don’t overbake—golden and bubbly is perfect
  • Let it rest slightly so the juices thicken

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze baked crumble for up to 3 months
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual servings

General Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: Easy

Apple Crumble FAQ

What apples are best for Apple Crumble?

Granny Smith apples are classic, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work beautifully too.

Can I make Apple Crumble ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it fully, cool, and reheat before serving.

Is Apple Crumble the same as apple crisp?

They’re very similar—Apple Crumble typically doesn’t include nuts, while crisps sometimes do.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your apples.

Conclusion: Why Apple Crumble Never Goes Out of Style

This Apple Crumble is one of those desserts that never fails—simple, comforting, and filled with warmth. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe delivers that nostalgic, homemade goodness every single time.

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