If you're looking for the best apple crumble recipe, you've found it. Tender cinnamon-spiced apples are topped with a thick layer of buttery, golden crumble that's perfectly crisp on top and melts in your mouth with every bite.
I have quite a few crumble and crisp recipes on my blog because, quite frankly, I'm obsessed with them. But of all the crumble recipes I have made this apple recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only is it my husband's absolute favorite dessert, but it's also one of the recipes I find myself making on repeat every autumn. It's simple enough for a cozy weeknight treat, yet delicious enough to serve for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, and special occasions throughout apple season.
What makes this homemade apple crumble so irresistible is the combination of tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a thick, buttery crumble topping that bakes up perfectly golden and crisp every time. Unlike some apple desserts that require lots of steps or special ingredients, this classic apple crumble comes together quickly with pantry staples, making it the perfect fall dessert when you're craving something warm, comforting, and packed with cozy flavor. After all, who can resist warm baked apples topped with a buttery crumble and served fresh from the oven?
A little suggestion if you're feeling fancy... if you really want to take it over the top, serve it with a scoop of my homemade cinnamon ice cream. Trust me, you won't regret it.
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Equipment
- 9-10 inch Baking dish: I like to use either my cast iron skillet or my Le Crueset au gratin dish.
- Cutting board and knife
- Peeler (optional): I love using my Oxo peeler for the apples.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Apples: I like using a mix of tart green apples with a sweeter apple such as honeycrisp, envy or pink lady. But you can use whatever kind of apple you prefer.
- All purpose flour
- White granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Rolled oats
- Butter: To make this recipe vegan substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter.
- Lemon Juice: I recommend using fresh lemon juice but bottled also works. You'll need about ½ to 1 teaspoon according to taste.
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger (optional): I like the addition of ginger in this recipe but feel free to leave out if you prefer.
Optional add-ins
This recipe is fairly fool proof and can easily be adjusted to suit different tastes. Feel free to add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the crumble mixture. You can also replace some of the apples with other fruit such as berries or plums.
Step-by-Step Photos
Recipe FAQs
You will know when the crumble is ready when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Simply substitute vegan butter for unsalted butter to make this recipe vegan.
Yes, you definitely can. Feel free to add ⅓rd cup of chopped pecans, walnuts or even almonds for a nuttier crumble.
Yes. The great thing about this easy crumble recipe is that it is incredibly versatile. Simply substitute your favorite in-season fruit and it'll still turn out great.
Yes, you can freeze both unbaked and baked apple crumble.
To freeze unbaked apple crumble simply assemble the crumble then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
To freeze baked apple crumble allow it to cool completely. Then wrap it in freezer safe packaging (plastic wrap and foil) and freeze.
Both will last up to 3-4 months in the freezer. Allow to thaw overnight before baking.
Yes, this recipe is great for doubling or tripling to feed a crowd.
Simply add an extra 10 minutes or so to the cook time.
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Made this easy apple crumble recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Recipe
The Best Apple Crumble
Equipment
- baking dish
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 5 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small lemon, juice of
- ⅓ cup white granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger optional
For the crumble topping
- ⅔ cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a mixing bowl add all fruit filling ingredients and mix to combine. Set aside and rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to release.
- In another mixing bowl combine all crumble topping ingredients except the butter. Mix well.Then add in butter and use your hands to press or pinch it into the flour mixture until it is well incorporated and forms a crumbly texture.
- Pour the fruit mixture into a prepared 10 inch casserole dish or cast iron skillet. Then sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 35-40 minutes until the fruit is bubbly and the topping is a crisp golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- (optional) Serve with ice cream, whipped cream or custard. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Andrea
love how easy this was to whip up! so so delicious!
Kyleigh
This was such a simple and delicious way to use up apples!
Emily Woodward
This crumble topping was to die for! It turned out perfect! This feels like a new dessert staple for me
Addie
Such a cozy and comforting dessert! I love this apple crumble all year long!
Maria Andrews
I love this recipe I never thought of using rolled oats or nuts before, certainly looking forward to making this for my family.
Kristen
Where is the recipe for the custard sauce? That is what drew me to the recipe. Thanks
jamjarkitchen
Hi Kristen- I'm so sorry I don't yet have a recipe for custard sauce on the blog. There are several good ones online that you can use or purchase it pre-made. I hope to have a recipe up in the near future. Sorry for the inconvenience!