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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Laila says
woah. I’ve tried other apple crumble recipes, some more complicated than others… but this is actually so perfect and SO SIMPLE (which is a plus!!) this is my new go to recipe
Nagi says
Wahoo, that’s great to hear Laila!!!
Marcia Vernon says
I made this with peaches, and halved the sugar in the topping. Absolutely delicious.
Thank you Nagi. I haven’t made a recipe of yours that I, and my family haven’t loved! You’re a treasure, and I’m so glad I found you and your recipes.
Nagi says
I love that idea Marcia!!
Ashley says
Wondering if this will freeze well? I’m in a house of apple haters, but I got a hold of a ton, and I love crumble. Hoping to make some for myself, but I don’t want it to go bad before I can finish it all. As much as I want to eat it in one night, I don’t think my waist will appreciate that. lol
Nagi says
Hi Ashley, I would freeze without the topping and make that just before baking 🙂
Austin says
I think people saying this is too sweet didn’t use Granny Smiths. It turned out perfect for me! This was a big hit and a great treat after a long day.
Paola says
Nagi, I love all your recipes! I now cook from your recipes alone. I have gotten rid of all my cookbooks. I love your videos and you make me want to cook more. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration!
Kristina says
This is such a wonderful crumble, it really is the best one out there. I am making this for the fourth time and it’s currently in the baking process.
Can’t wait to try it with other fruits.
Thank you for this wonderful recipe!
Greetings from Croatia <3
Janelle says
What a great recipe. I reduce the sugar in the filling to
75g and add some coconut to the topping. Friends and family favourite.
Nagi says
Sounds amazing Janelle!
Lynn Hill says
I really enjoyed making and eating this crumble. I added some frozen berries to make in a larger dish for the family. Using melted butter in the topping is something I hadn’t thought about doing in my own crumbles. I will do from now on. This recipe is a keeper for me.
LW says
I pinched the crumble part of your recipe to go with my filling (apple ginger). It was absolutely spot on and using melted butter meant less messy fingers!
Nagi says
Wahoo, that’s great Lynn!
Tanya Collop says
Love this apple crumble recipe. Thank you so much
Nagi says
Wahoo, thanks Tanya
Anthony Pattison-Yates says
Love it …
Nagi says
Awesome Anthony!
Anthony Pattison-Yates says
Nagi … you are a superstar … I am loving so many of your recipes… I now know if it is one of yours it will be delish!
Katie Gracie says
Amazing!
Sonia says
This is the best, most tasty apple crumble I have ever made.
I absolutely love that you dont stew the apples, so they still hold their form and have some texture.
Thank you so much for sharing this delicious recipe.
Nagi says
I’m so glad you loved it Sonia!
Sarah says
This is the best apple crumble I have ever tasted! I have made it a few times for guests and it never disappoints!
Nagi says
That’s awesome to hear Sarah! – N x
Dayna says
Made this apple crumble for my mom’s birthday yesterday. Ate all the rest of it for breakfast today. Loved it! Thank you Naji for this sweet & simple recipe! I will sure be making it again soon.
Nagi says
Wahoo, I’m so glad you loved it Dayna – N x
Verena says
This was the most amazing apple crumble. Made it last night and it was finished tonight (there are only two of us!!) Served it with pouring cream. Have to make it again tomorrow night for the rest of the family when they come for dinner. Might add some frozen berries this time around.
Nagi says
I’m so glad you loved it Verena, frozen berries would make a great addition!!
Alison says
I made this and it was finished same day…it’s become my favourite food. Making another one today. Thank you for another awesome recipe!
Dayna says
Made this apple crumble for my mom’s birthday yesterday, ate the rest for breakfast today. Loved it! Thank you Naji for this sweet & simple recipe!
Tess says
I actually can’t cook to save myself and have never attempted apple crumble before however, I just made and ate this recipe and it is by far the best apple crumble ever. Thank you so much!
Nagi says
Sounds like you nailed it Tess!
Janette Will says
This is the best recipe for Apple Crumble that I have ever tasted, Everybody in the family loved it. Thank you Nagi
Nagi says
Thanks so much Janette!
Amanda Downs says
As usual this was an easy recipe that was devoured by my 3 sons. (Even after they demolished Nagi’s slow cooked lamb shoulder..) Pears are in season at the moment so I substituted pears for apples and threw in a good handful of frozen raspberries. Oh wow – divine. Accompanied by vanilla ice cream of course 😃
Nagi says
Sounds amazing Amanda!!!
Betty says
Another delicious recipe from this site. It’s quick and easy using melted butter. I’ll be sure to keep a jar of the topping in my fridge for another time.
Thanks
Nagi says
Great idea Betty!