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:
Love apple desserts?
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Life of Dozer
This is why I don’t need a compost!!!
Trudy Emmons says
Recipe calls for 1/2 c. white vinegar? Directions don’t mention it
Trudy Emmons says
Sorry, misread the recipe!! Guess I need new glasses. Making it now 🙂
Maya says
Absolutely wonderful. So easy and just scrumptious with icecream.
thank you.
Kim J says
Hi Nagi. Another amazing recipe. Fantastic results following the recipe exactly. Also have tried adding 1/4 cup coconut (1/4 cup less rolled oats)..yummy! Or if feeling lazy… canned apples are still great with this awesome crumble.
Siobhan says
Apple crumble is my favourite desert but I don’t have it often as my Husband and little boy don’t like it… Well until today that is. This was way easier and tastier than I was shown to make it. Thank you again for another fabulous recipe x
Nelly says
The topping was crunchy and sweet which complimented the soft texture of the apples. The lemon juice ensured that it wasn’t overly sweet. Brilliant ❤️ Thank you Nagi x we will definitely try some more of your recipes👌
Destiny says
The went according to the recipe and watched the video multiple times. However, the dish came out very dry. The apples weren’t done, and it wasn’t bubbly similar to the video. Any thoughts on what I did wrong? I’d like to give it another try.
Nagi says
Hi Destiny – were your apples juicy? Sometimes if you have dodgy or old apples, they are dry and powdery and if that’s the case, there is no juice to make it all bubbly! N x
Mariska says
Wow, thanks a lot for this! My son also wanted apple crumble yesterday for his 12th birthday instead of a cake, but my last attempt a while back with another recipe was so dry, so when I read your story, I knew I was in the right place! It turns out you are right: this is delicious and so easy!
Janet says
I made this last night and instead of using apples I used a mix of berries and rhubarb – so delicious!
Jade says
Lovedd the recipe but even halving the sugar it was still way too sweet 🙁 try adding less!
Jordan says
This was absolutely amazing, I had left over cut up apples from Christmas and hubby said they used to make it weekly in his shared housing and vote who was best so I found this tonight, so quick and easy not having to pre cook the apples, he said hands down the best apple crumble he’s had in his whole life. It is very sugary but Delish
Margaret says
Can I use all purpose flour instead of white flour?
Jordan Alford says
All purpose is white flour
Sarah says
Hi, if I prepare this ahead, do I need to refrigerate the apple filling mixture too? Thanks
Nagi says
Yes you do Sarah 🙂 N x
Aniek says
Me: I’m gonna make apple crumble.
Fiance: I don’t really like hot fruit.
Me: Make the super easy recipe and serve with ice cream.
Fiance: Is there more??
Nagi says
That’s the best compliment Aniek!! N x
Claudia says
Thanks for the tip for cutting back on sugar. I did 1/2 cup brown sugar in the topping and everything else as you wrote it. Loved it! Will make again!
Rebecca says
I have no clue what I did wrong. It was super watery and I went according to the recipe. It tastes marvelous though. I just popped it back into the oven to see if the extra liquid will evaporate
Nagi says
Hi Rebecca, sorry you had issues here – can I ask what type of apples you used? N x
Shaza says
This recipe is perfect! Completely deserving of the 5-star rate. My husband absolutely loved it, and while I don’t usually like apple crumbles so much, this one I devoured. Thanks for a great recipe!
Shaza says
This recipe is perfect! Completely deserving of the 5-star rate. My husband absolutely loved it, and while I don’t usually like apple crumbles so much, this one I devoured. Thanks for a great recipe!
Gina says
Just made this, delicious! After it’s baked could I freeze it?
Nagi says
You can Gina, you may need to pop it back in the oven to help crisp up the topping once thawed. N x
Chris says
May I know how long it should be back in the oven?
McKenzie says
AMAZING. So easy and tasted perfect. Made this at high altitude in Boulder.
Nima says
Hi Nagi! We love this apple crumble recipe and I make it quite often in the fall/winter. I was just wondering if you have any tips for making this in an air fryer?
Laurie Forbes says
Nagi! Please, may I make this dish in smaller dishes? And should I cook it at the same temperature, but lessen the time? Thank you
Nagi says
Hi Laurie, you can definitely alter this into smaller dishes, the cook time may only be slightly less depending on the size 🙂 N x
Laurie Forbes says
You are just the best, Nagi. Thank you for responding so quickly. I’m going to try that – and I LOVE your recipes. I am trying two today, and taking a meal to someone next week! Bless you!!!!