This Classic Homemade Apple Crumble is a timeless dessert that’s as comforting as it is easy to make. Featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a crisp, buttery oat topping, it’s perfect for cool evenings, festive gatherings, or any time you’re craving a nostalgic sweet treat. Whether served on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this warm dessert brings cozy, homestyle flavors to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple crumble is a beloved classic for good reason—simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and irresistible results. The combination of tart-sweet apples and a golden oat topping creates the perfect balance of softness and crunch. It’s a versatile dessert that’s easy to customize and ideal for making ahead. You don’t need any special tools or techniques to create this comforting dish that everyone loves.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the apple filling:
- Medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Lemon juice
- All-purpose flour
For the crumble topping:
- All-purpose flour
- Rolled oats
- Brown sugar
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cubed cold butter to the oat mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling.
- Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spiced upgrade: Include ground nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a deeper spice profile.
- Fruit mix: Add pears or berries to the apple mixture for a flavorful blend.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Vegan version: Substitute dairy-free butter for a plant-based crumble.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover apple crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. While crumble can be frozen, it is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
FAQs
What are the best apples to use for apple crumble?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape well and offer a nice balance of tart and sweet.
Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and reheat before serving.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Use cold butter and don’t overwork the crumble mixture. Baking until deep golden helps achieve a crisp finish.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, reduce the sugar in both the filling and topping slightly to suit your taste preferences.
Should I peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smooth texture, but you can leave the skins on for a more rustic feel.
Can I freeze apple crumble?
Yes, freeze unbaked or baked crumble. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven until bubbly and golden.
What size dish should I use?
An 8×8-inch baking dish works best, but a 9-inch round or similar-sized dish can also be used.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are preferred for better texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch.
How do I prevent a soggy crumble?
Avoid overmixing the apples with too much liquid, and be sure the topping is evenly spread to crisp properly.
What can I serve with apple crumble?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard are all classic pairings.
Conclusion
This Classic Homemade Apple Crumble is a delightful and easy dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite. With its cinnamon-spiced apple base and perfectly crisp oat topping, it’s a go-to recipe for gatherings, holidays, or a simple weeknight treat. Serve it warm and watch it disappear—this is comfort food baking at its best.
PrintClassic Homemade Apple Crumble
This warm and buttery Apple Crumble is filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a golden, crunchy oat topping—an easy, comforting dessert perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the apple filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- For the crumble topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour until evenly coated. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor and texture.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg