I can never resist a homemade apple crumble, especially when it’s warm from the oven. This dessert is the perfect balance of sweet, tart apples and crunchy topping that makes every bite so satisfying.
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Apple Crumble Recipe
Apple crumble is a classic baked dessert featuring juicy, sweet apples layered under a golden, buttery crumb topping. This crumbly mixture is made from flour, butter, sugar, and often oats or spices like cinnamon. It originated in the UK and is a staple at family gatherings. The dessert is similar to the apple crisp from the US.
What I love most about apple crumble is its versatility. Whether you’re using tart Granny Smith apples or a mix of whatever’s in your fruit bowl, the recipe always delivers a satisfying result. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress yet is incredibly easy to pull together.
The dish can be enjoyed with creamy vanilla ice cream, silky custard, or a generous dollop of whipped cream. You can serve it with warm caramel sauce or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. For a cozy breakfast, it can be served alongside Greek yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, or cottage cheese. It also works as a filling for pancakes or waffles.
Apple crumble goes well with drinks like wine, whiskey sour, applejack sour, or cider punch. For non-alcoholic options, black tea, herbal tea, or apple-flavored tea are great choices. Coffee with cinnamon notes, hot cocoa, or sparkling/spiced cider (hot or cold) are cozy, refreshing pairings.
Here’s how to make the apple crumble:
Easy Apple Crumble
Nutrition
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 5 medium apples Granny Smith or Fuji, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a mixing bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Transfer to a greased 8-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- You can swap butter with plant-based margarine for a vegan version.
- Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the topping for extra crunch.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Apple Crumble Variations
Here are some variations and ideas to put a fresh spin on apple crumble:
- Nutty Version includes chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds in the topping. It offers a rich, buttery crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Apple Berry Crumble mixes in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries along with the apples to create a juicy, colorful dessert.
- Spiced Apple Crumble uses warming spices such as cardamom, ginger, or cloves in addition to cinnamon for an aromatic and complex flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Version substitutes almond flour or gluten-free flour blends for regular flour.
- Vegan Version replaces butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and ensures the crumble is dairy-free.
- Caramel Addition drizzles caramel sauce over the apples before baking.
- Individual Versions are baked in ramekins for single servings. They’re ideal for dinner parties or when you want a personalized dessert experience.
With so many easy variations and serving ideas, it’s a dessert I turn to time and again. Whether you stick to tradition or add your own twist, this apple dessert promises delicious comfort in every bite.