Easy Apple Crumble Recipe: Classic, Warm & Perfect for Fall

Is there any dessert more universally beloved than a warm, bubbling apple crumble recipe fresh from the oven? This classic easy apple crumble recipe delivers that perfect contrast of sweet, tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a crispy, buttery oat topping. According to USApple’s annual consumption report, Americans eat nearly 20 pounds of apples per person each year, making this apple crumble recipe a fantastic way to use this popular fruit. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for holiday gatherings.

Why This Apple Crumble Recipe Is a Keeper

• ✅ Uses Pantry Staples: Flour, oats, sugar, butter, apples
• ✅ One-Bowl Topping: Minimal cleanup required
• ✅ Customizable: Swap apples for peaches, berries, or pears
• ✅ Perfect Texture: Crispy top, tender fruit filling
• ✅ 45 Minutes Start to Finish: Faster than most desserts

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Ingredients for the Best Apple Crumble Recipe

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (about 2 lbs) – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

For Serving (Optional):

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce

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How to Make This Easy Apple Crumble Recipe: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish or 8×8-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In the same bowl (no need to wash!), combine the oats, ¾ cup flour, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or two forks, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Don’t press down—keep it loose and crumbly.

• Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
• Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly.

I use this 3-quart Pyrex baking dish for all my crumbles and cobblers.

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Expert Tips for the Perfect Apple Crumble Recipe

✅ Use a Mix of Apples: Combining tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) apples creates a more complex flavor. The Washington Apple Commission provides a helpful guide to apple varieties and their best uses.

✅ Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter is the secret to a crispy, flaky topping. If your kitchen is warm, chill the bowl and ingredients for 15 minutes before making the topping.

✅ Don’t Overmix the Topping: Stop when you have a crumbly texture with visible butter pieces. Overmixing melts the butter and creates a dense, cookie-like topping instead of a crumble.

✅ Test for Doneness: The crumble is ready when the juices bubble thickly around the edges and the topping is evenly golden. Insert a knife into the center—the apples should be tender but not mushy.

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Variations to Customize Your Crumble

• Berry Apple Crumble: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries to the apples.
• Peach Crumble: Substitute 6-7 peeled and sliced peaches for the apples.
• Gluten-Free Crumble: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
• Vegan Crumble: Replace butter with cold vegan butter or coconut oil.

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Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (the melting contrast is heavenly)
• Elevated: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce or bourbon caramel
• Breakfast-Worthy: Serve slightly warm with Greek yogurt instead of ice cream
• For a Crowd: Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch dish

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a crumble and a crisp?

Traditionally, a crumble has a flour, sugar, and butter topping, while a crisp includes oats. Our apple crumble recipe uses the popular North American hybrid approach with oats for extra texture. The Institute of Culinary Education offers a detailed breakdown of fruit dessert terminology.

Can I make this apple crumble recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the crumble (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze the unbaked crumble for up to 3 months.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 45-60 seconds or the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.

Can I use frozen apples?

Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly first. Frozen apples release more liquid, so increase the flour in the filling by 1 tablespoon to prevent a soggy bottom.

What are the best apples for baking in Canada?

Excellent Canadian baking apples include McIntosh (for softer texture), Spartan, and Empire. Foodland Ontario’s guide provides excellent regional apple information.

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