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.
This is a reader favourite included by popular demand in my debut cookbook “Dinner”!
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
Apple Crumble
Watch how to make it
This recipe features in my debut cookbook Dinner. Mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand!
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Apple Crumble
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 lb / 1kg Granny Smith Apples( green apples) , weight before peeling
- 1 tbsp flour , plain / all-purpose
- 1/2 cup white sugar (sub brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or water)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats / oatmeal (quick cooking is ok)
- 1 cup flour , plain / all-purpose
- 1 cup (loosely packed) brown sugar (sub white sugar)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 125g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted
- Pinch of salt
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F (both fan and standard).
- Apple – Peel apples, then cut into 1.5cm/ 1/2” cubes.
- Apple filling – Place apples in a bowl. Sprinkle with flour, sugar and cinnamon, then pour over lemon juice. Toss, then spread out evenly in a 1.5 litre/1.5 quart baking dish.
- Crumble topping – Place Topping ingredients in a bowl. Mix until clumps form, like wet sand (see video). 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 syrup thicken slightly).
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
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Raven S says
Hi Nagi, if I want to omit the oats from the crumble topping, how much would I need to increase the flour by in grams?
Nagi says
Hi Raven, it would be a different recipe sorry – I haven’t tried without the oats for this crumble. N x
Natalia says
Cooked it with my daughter tonight. We loved it. I made apple crumble many times, but this is the best recipe for sure. Thank you Nagi.
Nagi says
I’m so glad it’s a hit Natalia, that’s great to hear! N x
Alex says
Made as directed, just a hare shy on the sugar all around and this came out lovely. Practically licked he dish clean of the crispy crumbly topping
Jill says
Followed recipe exactly and it truly is the best apple crisp I have ever had! This is now the third recipe I have tried if yours and they have all been amazing.
Cristina says
Can you add rhubarb at all?
Laura Molson says
I would be interested! Let me know if you’ve tried it. Rhubarb is now in season here in southern Ontario, Canada:) looking for something to do with it all, lol🤤
Jerri cheesecake says
Recipe was great, tho I confess I didn’t have iceream but yoghurt instead, I also added ginger, clove, nutmeg and allspice.
Nagi says
Oh those spices would work wonderfully here Jerri – great idea! N x
Michelle says
We tried this last night with nashi pears and it was delicious. I’d cut back on the cinnamon a bit as it masked the delicate flavour of the fruit but winner, winner! Thanks, Nagi, you’re my go to gal for recipes now! 😀
Thilara says
This recipe is perfect!! I dod reduce the sugar a bit but it probably been fine if i didn’t. It tastes amazinggg
Diane Parrow says
How do you mix the apple crumb topping
@feedjennaryan says
This was so yummy and simple to make. I added a bit of lemon zest as I felt it needed a little something extra. Well done !
Amy says
The BEST apple crumble recipe! It is my go to every time and it always impresses!
Bianca Tovia says
If I have canned apples, how long do i cook it for?
Susan says
Made this today for a family dinner get together, I added mixed berries to the apple ie strawberries, raspberries blueberries and blackberries, I also added sliced almonds to the crumble..it was to die for
Thank you for your recipe
Em says
Hi! I don’t have oats around and I really really want to make this now 🙁 Do you have any suggestions on how to proceed with the recipe? Thanks!
Nagi says
Hi Em, you need the oats for this crumble sorry! N x
Lucinda Schlussel says
Made this today and it was sooo good. I added a little granulated ginger to the apples along with the cinnamon. Perfect recipe!!
raphaela kromberg says
love the crumble but my apples turned into mush unfortunately. thanks for the recipe
Rebecca says
Hi Nagi, Would it be ok to make and freeze this before cooking? Thanks!
Rupashree S P says
I used 3/4 cup of palm jaggery (for it’s low glycemic index) for the topping and it came out beautifully. My family loved it. This is an amazing recipe. A recipe for keeps. Thanks a tonne.
Nagi says
That’s great to hear Rupashree!! N x
Daisy G Hernandez says
Hi Nagi,
I find baking as a stress and anxiety reliever. Your recipe gave me an opportunity to relax and enjoy some needed self-care.
I cut the apples hours before making the apple crumble. In order to keep them from browning, I soaked them in cold water and salt.
Paula says
Absolutely delicious – and super SIMPLE. I’ve seen recipes that ask you to crumb cold butter with flour and oats which results in greasy fingers… then I tried your recipe and it works perfectly and tastes even better than the other method!