Simple Apple Crumble Magic: A Cozy Homemade Recipe

Weeknight desserts don’t get more comforting than this simple apple crumble recipe that brings warmth to any kitchen.

Sweet, tender apples nestled beneath a golden, buttery topping create pure magic on your plate.

Seasonal orchards burst with ripe fruit perfect for this classic treat.

Crisp autumn afternoons call for something deliciously homemade and nostalgic.

Cinnamon and brown sugar mingle with soft, baked apples to deliver a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of texture and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gather your ingredients and let’s bake a dessert that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Why This Simple Apple Crumble Recipe Is a Winner

• No advanced culinary skills needed to create this delightful dessert. Novice bakers can confidently mix ingredients and achieve a delicious result with simple step-by-step instructions.
• Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats. This apple crumble works wonderfully as a crowd-pleasing dessert that suits both intimate dinners and larger social events.
• Elevate everyday pantry staples into a mouthwatering dessert. Basic ingredients like apples, oats, and spices combine to create a warm, inviting treat that feels special without requiring expensive or hard-to-find components.

Ingredients List for Simple Apple Crumble

• Apples: Fresh, sweet apples that will soften and caramelize when baked.

• All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Helps thicken the filling and add sweetness to the apple mixture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the apple's natural flavor and provide a comforting aroma.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.

• Oats: Provides a hearty, rustic texture to the crumble.
• All-Purpose Flour, Light Brown Sugar, Salt: Creates a sweet and balanced base for the crumble topping.
• Cold Butter: Helps create a crispy, golden-brown texture when baked.

Simple Steps for Apple Crumble Success

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to toasty 180°C (375°F).

Gently coat a baking dish with a thin layer of butter so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Chop the Apples

Carefully peel and slice apples into delightful bite-sized pieces.

Transfer these golden chunks into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Spice and Sweeten

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Cinnamon
• Grated nutmeg

Gently toss everything so each apple piece gets cozy with the seasonings.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to keep things bright and prevent browning.

Step 4: Create the Crunchy Topping

• Rolled oats
• All-purpose flour
• Light brown sugar
• Pinch of salt

Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers to blend until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Some butter chunks are perfect for extra crispiness.

Step 5: Layer the Crumble

Spread the crumbly mixture evenly across the seasoned apples, making sure every fruit piece gets some topping love.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the apple filling bubbles with excitement.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of silky custard for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Tips to Nail the Simple Apple Crumble Recipe

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley for the best flavor and texture in your crumble, ensuring a perfect balance between sweetness and slight tanginess.
• Toss chopped apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting to stop oxidation and maintain their fresh, bright appearance during baking.
• Use cold butter and work it into the dry ingredients quickly with your fingertips to create a crumbly, crunchy topping that turns golden and crisp in the oven.
• Taste your apples before adding sugar – sweeter varieties might need less sweetener, while tart apples require more brown and white sugar for balanced flavor.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, and use certified gluten-free oats to create a delicious version suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Storing and Warming Simple Apple Crumble

• Store cooled apple crumble in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the crumble securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking between each burst to prevent overheating. Stir gently to distribute warmth evenly.
• Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Transfer crumble to an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

What to Pair with Simple Apple Crumble

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Cool, silky vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over the warm, spiced apple crumble, creating a heavenly contrast between hot and cold textures.
• Complement with Rich Custard: Smooth, velvety custard drizzled over the crumble enhances the dessert's warmth, adding a luxurious layer of sweetness that hugs each apple bite.
• Match with Caramel Whipped Cream: Dollop homemade caramel-infused whipped cream on top, introducing a buttery, rich dimension that elevates the apple crumble's rustic charm.
• Sip Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a fragrant chai latte with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, mirroring the apple crumble's warm spices and providing a comforting, aromatic beverage pairing.

Fun Variations on the Simple Apple Crumble

• Gluten-Free Apple Crumble: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the entire recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Crumble: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of traditional sugars. Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra protein and crunch.
• Low-Sugar Apple Crumble: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Choose naturally sweet apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Incorporate cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance natural sweetness without adding calories.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace traditional flour and sugar with almond flour and erythritol. Use lower-carb apples like Granny Smith in smaller quantities. Add chopped macadamia nuts for a high-fat, low-carb topping that maintains the classic crumble texture.

FAQs

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the entire recipe is gluten-free.

• How do I know when the apple crumble is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling apple filling around the edges. The crumble should be crisp on top and the apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.

• Is it possible to prepare the apple crumble in advance?

You can assemble the crumble up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to maintain the crispy topping’s texture.

Simple Apple Crumble Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade Classic Apple Crumble brings sweet comfort from grandmother’s kitchen to your table. Warm cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a crispy golden oat topping promise delightful moments of pure dessert bliss you will savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients (Fruits and Filling):

• 6 apples (choose firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white sugar
• Juice of half a lemon

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt

Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (90 g) porridge oats
• 125 g (4.4 ounces) butter
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 180°C (375°F) and lightly greasing a baking dish with butter to prevent adhesion.
2. Transform whole apples into bite-sized chunks by peeling, coring, and chopping, then transfer them directly into the prepared baking vessel.
3. Enhance the apple mixture with a medley of flavors: dust with flour, sprinkle brown and white sugars, dust with cinnamon and nutmeg. Gently toss to ensure uniform coating, then splash with fresh lemon juice to preserve color and brighten taste.
4. Craft the crumble topping by combining dry ingredients: oats, flour, brown sugar, and a whisper of salt. Introduce cold butter cubes and massage with fingertips until the mixture resembles rustic breadcrumbs, maintaining some larger butter fragments for textural complexity.
5. Distribute the crumble topping evenly across the seasoned apple base, ensuring complete coverage and a promising golden landscape.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a transformative golden-brown crust and bubbling fruit underneath.
7. Allow the crumble to rest momentarily after removing from oven, then serve while warm. Complement with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or silky custard for a classic indulgence.

Notes

• Select tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your crumble.
• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dessert.
• Adjust sugar quantities based on apple variety and personal preference, tasting the filling before adding the topping.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg