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!!!
Veronicacy says
Perfect. Almost ate half of the apple crumble my topping came out a bit dryer than expected might add more butter next time. Overall it was a success
Donna says
Just perfect! I followed the recipe exactly and everyone loved this! It was a big hit! Thank you for another winning recipe Nagi. Yours is the only site I use when it’s my turn to cook as I always know everything turns out so darn tasty!
Savita says
I would like to make this for my hubby who loves apple crumble. In this lockdown, I only have red gala apples, will that work
Nagi says
Yes 100% Savita! N x
Savita says
I made the crumble today, was loved by the family. It took more than an hour for the crumble to brown even then it was not crunchy. Any idea what might have happened
Lorraine says
Hi Nagi I have made this crumble and have to say it was the best I’ve ever made thank you. Do you think I could substitute have the apples for pears to make this apple & pear crumble. Cheers
diane parker says
Was thinking the same today so waiting on the answer myself want to make this today my husband is hanging out for crumble … thanks in advance
Janine says
Yes you can. I made a pear and apple pie, it came out grest
Lorraine says
Oops half the apples that should be
Mary Matteo says
Your recipes are always great and delicious
Kathryn says
Superb! Finally Found a CRUNCHY crumble topping!
Swati says
Nagi, your recipes are usually spot on and so was this one. I reduced the amount of sugar in the topping by a little bit and added vanilla essence to the fruit mix. But otherwise, perfect!
Nagi says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Swati! N x
Mel says
This looks amazing! I’m in Australia, is the white flour you to in the ingredients list plain flour or self raising flour?
Nagi says
Hi Mel – it’s plain flourished here. N x
Mel says
Thank you! Will be making this weekend 🙂
Natalie says
I used half apples and half pears and halved the sugar in the crumble and it turned out perfect. The syrup in the fruit was just starting to turn into a lovely caramel syrup.
Nagi says
Great to hear Natalie! N x
Josie says
Nagi- thank you for posting this recipe. We had to adapt to change our lives. My child has anaphylactic food allergies to nuts eggs citrus and much much more. It’s very hard to find a desert recipe, that has simple ingredients easy to make and taste great. It’s a big hit with my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Melanie says
This looks yum! We need a huge amt, okay to just double the ingredients?
Enaz says
I love, love, love this recipe! It is so easy and tastes so good!! I always end up eating 3/4 of the crumble myself. Totally recommend for everyone to try it 🙂
Deborah says
Not known for my cooking skills, this apple crumble was so easy to make and unbelievably tasty. Added a little bit of coconut to the crumble and halved the sugar for the apples. Thanks Nagi, another great recipe x
VS says
I’ve made this crumble recipe (in smaller batches) three days in a row. One with apples and the other two with frozen blue berries. This recipe is a KEEPER. So yummy and satisfying. A cozy and sweet dessert to warm you up during autumn/winter.
Note- The crumble can be a tad sweet, I reduced the sugar content that is added to the fruit, this way the sweet crumble topping balances the tart and sourness of the fruit. Happy Baking!
Marijke Smith says
This was awesome – fab apple crumble. i added chopped walnuts to the crumble mix and served with fresh whipped cream – delicious!
Nagi says
Love this addition Marijke, even macadamias are great too! N x
Helen says
Wow! Just cooked this. The best crumble EVER !
Nagi says
YESSS! That’s great to hear! N x
Dee says
This recipe is simple and delicious. Bonus – I think it can be considered a breakfast dish.
Nagi says
Yes of course – it has a serve of fruit… 😉 N x
Joy says
3 thumbs up! I’m in the camp of finding the crumb a tad sweet – didn’t see your advice in the comments before now – nicely balanced by the vanilla ice cream! Regardless, this Apple crumble fan is ecstatic with this easy and delicious recipe! Thank you Nagi your words are golden every time!
Joy says
Nagi – can Apple crumble be kept well in the fridge?
Kylie says
So easy to make and very tasty. Love how you get that mixture of sweet and tangy. It’s a keeper.
Nagi says
Thanks so much Kylie! N x
Eitan says
Absolutely amazing! I personally reduced the sugar as you suggested, as well as made one and a half recipes of streusel. I would highly recommend it, especially for a quick night throw-together.
Though I would like to inform you there is a slight error in the instructions, in line number 3 which it says “I’m” rather than “in” or “I’m using a”.
Thanks for all the wonderful and flavorful recipes!
Nagi says
Thanks Eitan – I’ll change this! N x
Eitan says
Thanks Nagi! Keep the awesome work up!