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!
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 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?
Me too! See?
Life of Dozer
This is why I don’t need a compost!!!
Lee says
My family loved this dessert. Thanks again Nagi.
Patricia says
so good!!!! the best apple crumble recipe
Joanne G says
This is the best I’ve had! It has more topping than many other recipes. I used 3/4 cup brown sugar in the topping and it was still lovely and sweet. Made a different site’s version and had them side by side and it doesn’t compare! This is the one!
Linda says
It has gotten to the point that when I see a “recipetineats” recipe, I just trust that it is going to be great. Seriously, you really are an asset for those interested in creating wonderful meals for their family and friends. This crumble recipe is perfection! Everyone raved. This WILL be my birthday cake 🙂 !!
Mandy Moore says
I made this for thanksgiving and it was great. I used gala apples because they didn’t have granny smith here. It was a little sweet for me, potentially due to the apples. I think if I make it again and am not using granny smiths, I would reduce the sugar a bit. I did double the crumble topping as it’s everyone’s favorite part.
Jazmine says
I am making this tonight for tomorrow. Should I cover and refrigerate both the apples and the topping?
Joanna says
Wonderful recipe! Do you think it would be okay to add some fresh cranberries in with the apples or not a good idea? Thanks.
elisa says
If I lowered the sugar in the topping, do you think it will still crisp up? would less sugar make the ratio of butter to sugar be off?
Daniella says
Do you think it would turn out ok with coconut sugar instead of brown? And maybe monkfruit sweetener instead of white sugar????
Nagi says
Hi Daniella, I haven’t tried to be honest, but I assume it will change the texture I imagine – N x
Kathy Papas says
This was outstanding 👌 I doubled the crumble recipe and my gosh it was absolute perfection. Thank you Nagi xx
Sam says
I never leave comments/rate online recipes. This crumble was absolutely delicious. Thank you!!
CARL says
Perfect Recipe. Made it as is with a bit more cinnamon and thin sliced apples. I prefer to with 1+ kg of apples because it doesn’t last long in our home.
Lili says
This has become our go to apple crumble recipe. It’s so delicious and easy. I want to make for Thanksgiving and have a gluten-free friend. Do you think I could substitute almond flour for white?
Nagi says
Hi Lili, you won’t get the same crunchy topping – I would love to know if it works though! N x
Erin says
This recipe looks great. If I make it earlier in the day, How can I reheat perfectly later on that night?
Ash says
Best. Crumble. EVER. I ate until I felt like I was going to physically burst. I added a tiny bit of cardamom to the crumble mixture cos I’m obsessed with it and it was glorious. Another smash of a recipe from you, this is now my favourite website!
Nagi says
Yum, I love this idea Ash!! N x
Paula says
All my guests loved it!!!! thank you Nagi!
Is there an apple pie recipe coming soon? i want to make it this thanksgiving !!! <3
Nagi says
Hi Paula, I did have one being tested some time ago – I’ll have to revisit! N x
Karen says
I just put mine in the oven. Read these comments and I can’t wait.
Jen Massarone says
This was literally the best apple crumble I’ve ever had. I really enjoyed it. I’ve made 3 times already! Thank you!!!
Nagi says
WOOT!! I love hearing this Jen!! N x
Belu says
I just made this crumble recipe and is delicious!
Thanks!
I use half cup of brown sugar instead of 1 cup and was perfect!
Ponyo says
Perfecto
Lavelle Niles says
Tried this recipe last weekend as desert for a BBQ lunch, everyone loved it! I am making two this weekend! I read the comments regarding it being too sweet so opted for the suggestion to use 1/2 cup sugar for topping, and it was still a hit. You don’t miss the sugar I suppose if you serve it with ice cream. I also added a small dash of vanilla extract! Perfecto! Recipe simple and easy to follow! xx