Classic Apple Crumble

This classic apple crumble is the perfect dessert to bring warmth and comfort to any gathering. With its tender spiced apple filling and buttery, crumbly topping, it captures the essence of cozy home baking. I first made this recipe on a chilly autumn weekend, and it quickly became a favorite that my family requests again and again.

I remember serving this crumble during a family get-together and the way the aroma filled the house instantly made everyone feel at home. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

• Six to eight crisp apples: such as Granny Smith or Braeburn peeled cored and sliced These varieties hold up well when baked providing a nice balance of tartness and sweetness
• One tablespoon lemon juice: to keep the apples from browning and add a hint of brightness
• Half a cup brown sugar: for natural sweetness and rich caramel notes
• One to two teaspoons ground cinnamon: which gives the filling its classic warm spice flavor
• One cup all-purpose flour: for the crumble base creating the structure and texture
• Half a cup brown sugar: to add sweetness and help with caramelization in the topping
• Half a cup rolled oats: optional to add a rustic chewiness and extra texture
• Half a cup cold unsalted butter diced: which makes the topping flaky and tender when rubbed into the flour
• Optional add-ins: include half a cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch additional spices like nutmeg allspice or ginger for complexity alternative flours or vegan butter substitutes for dietary preferences

Instructions

Prepare the Apples:

Peel core and slice the apples evenly About half a centimeter thick works great Toss them gently in a bowl with lemon juice brown sugar and cinnamon Make sure each slice is well coated This helps the apples soften and absorb the flavors as they bake

Make the Crumble Topping:

In another bowl combine the all-purpose flour brown sugar and rolled oats if using Using your fingertips work the cold diced butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs This step is crucial because the cold butter creates the signature flaky crumb texture

Assemble the Crumble:

Spread the coated apples evenly in a buttered or non-stick baking dish Make sure the layer is uniform so the apples cook consistently Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously over the apples covering them completely This seals in moisture and forms a golden crust during baking

Bake to Perfection:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius Bake the crumble for about 40 minutes until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling The bubbling is a sure sign the apples are cooked through and juicy

Cool Slightly and Serve:

Remove the crumble from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes This resting time thickens the juices making it easier to serve and enjoy Perfect when warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream custard or thick Greek yogurt

My favorite part of this recipe is the crumble topping The contrast between the soft spiced apples and the buttery crunchy topping creates such a memorable texture I treasure the last bites of crumble from the baking dish especially when enjoyed while catching up with family around the table

Storage Tips

Apple crumble keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days To reheat warm it gently in the oven or microwave to maintain that crisp topping You can also freeze the crumble before baking assembled tightly wrapped for up to three months Bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cooking time

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have brown sugar white granulated sugar can be used though it lacks molasses richness Adding a little molasses compensates nicely For a gluten-free topping choose almond flour and gluten-free oats Use coconut oil or vegan margarine instead of butter to make it dairy-free To vary spices try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for a unique twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm topped with creamy vanilla ice cream or rich custard for a classic combo Using thick Greek yogurt gives a tangy balance and lightens up the dessert Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for extra crunch and visual appeal A cup of strong black tea or a cozy spiced cider pairs beautifully with each bite

This classic apple crumble is a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with rich flavors. Serve it warm for the ultimate comforting dessert experience.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of apples work best?

Crisp and tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn hold their shape well and complement the sweetness of the topping.

→ Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the crumble for added crunch and flavor.

→ Is it possible to make it gluten-free?

Substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free oats works well to create a gluten-free version.

→ How to achieve a flaky crumble topping?

Use cold, diced butter and rub it into the dry ingredients just until coarse breadcrumbs form to ensure flakiness.

→ Any tips for serving?

Let the baked dish cool slightly to thicken the juices before serving warm with vanilla ice cream, custard, or Greek yogurt.