With a warm, cinnamon laced apple filling and a perfectly crunchy, crumbly topping, Apple Crumble is an absolute crowd pleaser.
Very easy to make, this Apple Crumble recipe is a keeper that you’ll make again and again!
THE Apple Crumble recipe
This is The Apple Crumble recipe I’ve been making for years and years. Ever since my sister made an Apple Crumble by a well known celebrity chef for my birthday dinner (yes I’m weird, I seriously requested Apple Crumble instead of a birthday cake) and it was terribly disappointing.
Crumbly topping to be sure, but it was awfully dry and the filling was watery.
Not her fault, it was the recipe. She was not happy. Actually, she was rather grumpy.
That was the moment when I decided I needed to create my own recipe. 🙂
Why use this Apple Crumble recipe?
There are tons and tons of Apple Crumble recipes out there. This recipe doesn’t have any ground breaking techniques or secret ingredients. But it works, tastes great and it makes an Apple Crumble that is everything it should be. Specifically:
1. The apple filling is not dry or watery. It is made ever so slightly jammy / syrupy with the addition of flour mixed with the usual sugar (plus cinnamon for fragrance). Just a bit of flour really makes a difference; and
2. The crumbly topping bakes up beautifully crisp but is not dry or doughy or overly sweet. It crumbles when you serve it – hence the name 😉 – but it doesn’t disintegrate, there are chunks that hold together. Think chunky muesli/granola – like that. But softer. 🙂
Best apples for Apple Crumble
I like to use Granny Smith apples because the sweet-tart palette appeals to me. If you prefer not to have tartness, then feel free to use sweet red apples.
This recipe will also work for pears and even stone fruits like peaches.
The smell when this is in the oven is just heavenly. The cinnamon, the apple, the buttery sweet goodness.
And that moment when you crack through the nubbly golden topping and are greeted with the sight of golden syrupy, tender apples…
It’s just a little bit of heaven, right there.
Just one rule. Don’t forget the ice cream!!! 😇 – Nagi x
More Apple recipes you’ll love!
- Baked Apples with Caramel Sauce (self saucing!)
- Apple Muffins
- Apple Cake
Apple Crumble
Watch how to make it
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Apple Crumble
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 lb / 1kg Granny Smith Apples( green apples), weight before peeling
- 1 tbsp white flour
- 1/2 cup / 110g white sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or water)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup / 90g cup rolled oats / oatmeal (quick cooking is ok)
- 1 cup / 150g white flour
- 1 cup / 175 g brown sugar (loosely packed)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/2 cup / 125g unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F/180C.
- Peel apples, then cut into 1.5cm/ 3/5” cubes.
- Place apple in a bowl. Sprinkle with flour, sugar and cinnamon, then pour over lemon juice. Toss, then spread out evenly I'm a 1.5 litre/1.5 quart baking dish.
- Place Topping ingredients in a bowl. Mix until clumps form, like wet sand. Spread over the apples, crumbling with fingers if required to get that crumbly topping.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove, cover loosely with foil to keep warm and let stand for 10 minutes before serving (let's the apple filling come together).
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!
Recipe Notes:
Originally posted April 2016, updated with new commentary, recipe video and fresh new photos. No change to recipe!Nutrition
Life of Dozer
This is why I don’t need a compost!!!
I just made this – currently chowing down with my bf – and all I have to say is WOW!! It came out amazingly good. I followed the recipe exactly. I used sweet (Royal Gala+Macintosh) apples instead of granny smith. Everything is perfect!! Served with vanilla ice cream. This recipe is defiantly a keeper! Thank you so much!
You’re so welcome Jessie! ❤️
Delicious! I’ve made it a ton of times. My recommendation is to halve the sugar,. No need for white sugar in the topping. Half a cup of white sugar over apples is sufficient. Especially if serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
Just made this for Christmas dessert, will definitely be saving the recipe! Delicious and everyone loved it! I added a touch of almond extract to the applied and sliced almonds to the topping before baking, sooooo good!
Hi – just wondering if I can switch this out for a more summery fruit such as peaches or berries?
Sure can!!
Got a lot of good reviews from my guests, but I found it really very very sweet even tho I used green apples. Next time, i’ll Probably half the sugar in the crumble topping, and add extra butter (not melted) to cut into the crumble. I made it the day before serving and it was a bit dry in spots. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Sorry you found it too sweet – depending on the sweetness of the apples, it can alter the taste of the dessert!
Hey Nagi!
I made your Apple Crumble at the weekend and I have been told that it was the best Apple Crumble they have ever had!!! It actually was! Thanks for sharing. Every recipe you make is a winner. Forget Jamie, Gordon and Nigella… it’s Nagi for me 👍🏼😘 xxxx
Wow what a compliment! Thanks so much!
This is more so for me. Love Granny Smith apples for strudel. Does Dozer loves apples? My sister dog loved apples. Won’t write more because of spelling its nightmare.
He loves apples! Whenever I’m munching on an apple I have to bite off a chunk to give to him 🙂
I made this yesterday for Thanksgiving, and my family raved! I used honeycrisp apples (granny smith are just too tart for me) and didn’t remove the skin. The only other alteration I made to the recipe was adding a little nutmeg. There was a little bit leftover, and it tasted even better when I had some for breakfast this morning. This apple crumble is definitely going into my regular baking rotation!
So pleased you enjoyed this Anne! Thanks for letting me know! N x
I second that!! Definitely the best apple crumble I’ve ever made! This one’s a keeper!
Wow! This is the most delicious apple crumble I’ve ever had. Definitely going to make this again for Thanksgiving tomorrow, thanks!