Sweet Apple Crumble Recipe: Fall’s Cozy Dessert Joy

Bubbling with warmth and nostalgia, this classic apple crumble recipe brings comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Golden autumn apples nestle beneath a crunchy, buttery topping that promises pure delight.

Sweet cinnamon and tender fruit meld together in a dessert that speaks directly to the soul.

Each spoonful carries memories of cozy afternoons and cherished moments.

The crisp streusel topping adds irresistible texture to soft, caramelized apples.

Simple ingredients combine to create a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

One bite will transport you to a world of pure, homemade happiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 9

Apple Crumble Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates a tender, crispy base for the crumble.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a golden, crunchy texture.
• Baking Powder: Gives a light, airy lift to the crumble topping.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples perfectly.
• Butter: Binds the ingredients and creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumbly texture.

• Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best baking results.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a glossy sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents apple browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and creates a silky, smooth texture.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the natural apple flavors.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the apple mixture.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced crumble.

What You’ll Need for Apple Crumble Tools

• Large mixing bowl: For combining crumble topping ingredients and apple filling.
• Medium mixing bowl: To prepare the crumble mixture.
• 8 or 9-inch baking dish: For baking and serving the apple crumble.
• Fork: To mix the crumble topping ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend dry ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting board and knife: To slice and prepare apples.

Making Apple Crumble – Simple Instructions

• Cozy Kitchen Preparation

Set up a welcoming baking space with all necessary tools, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed cooking environment.

• Crumble Base

Mix flour, brown sugar, and spices in a bowl, creating a foundation for a delightfully crumbly topping that will add texture and warmth to the dessert.

• Butter Magic

Gently fold melted butter into the dry mixture, transforming the ingredients into a beautiful, slightly clumpy texture that promises a golden, crispy finish.

• Apple Adventure

Slice fresh, crisp apples and toss them with sweet seasonings, allowing the natural fruit flavors to mingle and create a luscious, aromatic filling.

• Layering Love

Spread the apple mixture in a baking dish, then generously sprinkle the crumble topping, ensuring every inch is covered with the delectable crumbly mixture.

• Oven Transformation

Bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the apples bubble with delicious promise, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Sweet Celebration

Allow the crumble to rest briefly, then serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Apple Crumble Tips & Customizations

• Swap classic apples with pears, peaches, or mixed berries to create a unique seasonal dessert that keeps your taste buds guessing.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding ground nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of ginger to the crumble topping for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the crumble topping to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to make this dessert completely plant-based without sacrificing rich, delectable flavor.

Creative Ways to Serve Apple Crumble

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this warm apple crumble with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, letting the cold sweetness melt into the crispy, golden topping for an irresistible dessert experience.
• Breakfast Transformation: Enjoy leftover crumble as a delightful morning treat, crumbling it over yogurt or mixing into oatmeal for a quick and satisfying breakfast with autumn-inspired flavors.
• Rustic Presentation Charm: Serve directly in the baking dish for a homemade, rustic feel, garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts to add visual appeal and extra texture.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, sweet apple flavors with a glass of late-harvest Riesling or a crisp dessert wine, enhancing the dessert's warmth and creating a sophisticated after-dinner experience.

How to Store Your Apple Crumble

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover apple crumble in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cold environment helps maintain the dessert's texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or place the entire dish in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy topping's original crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire apple crumble up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow the dish to reach room temperature.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the baked and cooled crumble securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through and crispy.

Rustic Apple Crumble Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade apple crumble combines sweet cinnamon-spiced apples with a crisp, buttery topping that embodies classic comfort desserts. Warm servings invite diners to savor seasonal ingredients and traditional baking pleasures you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced or diced
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) light or dark brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar or brown sugar
• 8 tbsps (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (filling)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (crumble topping)
• ½ tsp salt (crumble topping)
• ½ tsp salt (filling)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsps (16 g) cornstarch or all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Crumble Construction: Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients and use a fork to create a rustic, uneven crumbly texture.
3. Apple Transformation: In a separate bowl, gently toss apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon until each slice is evenly coated with the aromatic mixture.
4. Layering Magic: Spread the seasoned apple mixture uniformly across the prepared baking dish, then lavishly distribute the crumble topping, ensuring complete coverage of the fruit layer.
5. Baking Finale: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the crumble turns a golden-brown and the fruit filling becomes effervescent and bubbly.
6. Resting and Serving: Allow the crumble to rest for 15 minutes, letting the flavors harmonize and the texture settle. Serve warm, optionally crowned with a luxurious scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Notes

• Choose Apple Variety: Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced flavor profile.
• Master Crumble Consistency: Mix butter into dry ingredients until it resembles coarse, uneven crumbs for a perfectly crispy and tender topping.
• Prevent Fruit Sogginess: Coat apple slices with cornstarch to absorb excess liquid and maintain a thick, glossy fruit filling during baking.
• Achieve Golden Topping: Check crumble around 35 minutes to prevent over-browning, ensuring a crunchy, golden-brown surface without burning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg