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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Barbara says
I made this today for lunch for my in-laws .
Everybody loved the crumble I have made many this is the best a real crumble.
I also put rhubarb in it .
Perfect just the right flavour not to sweet.And thank you love your recipes they are always simple to follow and taste great .
And I think everything in moderation is a perfect life.
Nagi says
Love love LOVE apple & rhubarb! I’m so glad it was a hit Barbara!
Jetski says
Hi Nagi… Thank you so much for the recipe.. it worked jus fine. Beautiful..
Paul says
The Apple Crumble has 42.1 g of Sugar, how healthy is it when we’ve been told over and over by the MD’s Sugar is a killer as well as salt, therefore we should not consume that amount of sugar in a day.
Nagi says
You’re right Paul, that’s why I have this as a dessert and everything in moderation is fine in my world! I wouldn’t be eating this every day, more as a treat ☺️
Eileen Dallwitz says
My daughter and I made this last night and it was an absolute hit with everyone. I thought I had pretty much nailed apple crumble, but this recipe takes it to another level. I’m so glad I found it. It is our new ‘go-to’ dessert. Thank you for sharing it with us. 🙂
Nagi says
Woah what a compliment Eileen! Thank you – N x
Maddy says
Made Apple Crumble for the first time and used this recipe! It was a complete success!! Hubby not too big in deserts but ate almost half of the serving. Thank you for such an easy recipe. Making it again tonight for a dinner party! 😀
Bel says
Absolutely love it! Tried a few different Apple Crumble recipes and this one is definitely the best one!!! 😁
Just wondering if it’s better to be reheated in the oven or microwave as I have leftovers of it and should I store it in fridge covered?
Thank you so much, made my Friday 😊😋
Nagi says
Thanks so much Bel! I’d store covered in the fridge, then reheat in microwave or oven ❤️
Lei says
Loooove it!!! My favourite apple crumble recipe! Hubby said its the best! Thank you 😘
Nagi says
Glad it’s a hit! Thanks for leaving a comment, Lei! –Nx
jenn says
OMG!!!! I was just browsing looking for one of your recipes for a dessert for the coming Saturday and saw your comment. I tried to hover over “serving” and the magic happens. That’s fantastic. I never realised we can do that. I always have to calculate how much I need for each ingredients if I want to make for more people. Sooooo clever – I am impressed. Again I love all your recipes and you are the queen in our kitchen – Thank you so much.
Nagi says
Boom! No more calculators Jenn ☺️
Mich says
Ok just thank you. And I added a bit of vanilla to the melted butter and a bit of lemon zest…well because I used the juice. Fabulous
Nagi says
Perfect Much!!
Shirley says
How many cups is 2 pounds?
Nagi says
Hi Shirley, this is about 3-4 apples depending on their size, which is about 2-3 cups worth, the measurement doesn’t have to be exact ❤️
jenn says
OMG!!!! I was just browsing looking for one of your recipes for a dessert for the coming Saturday and saw your comment. I tried to hover over “serving” and the magic happens. That’s fantastic. I never realised we can do that. I always have to calculate how much I need for each ingredients if I want to make for more people. Sooooo clever – I am impressed. Again I love all your recipes and you are the queen in our kitchen – Thank you so much.
Luanne says
Hi Shirley – I just weighed for 2 lbs and it was about 3 medium, using Macintosh apples. I used almost 4, though, because that was how many I had, and they were turning soft. There will be wiggle room for the apples in this recipe.
Emma says
10/10Hubby said
Apples from the garden, good texture and not too sweet- literally perfecto
MAX says
Hi Nagi. This recipe looks great. I’m looking to make it next weekend as am having a dinner party for 10. How could I adjust this recipe so it would feed 10? Many thanks!
Nagi says
Hi Max, you can adjust the servings to 10 and all the ingredients will adjust for you ❤️
Pavi says
Dear nagi thanks for this gorgeous recipe.. absolutely loved it and will be a staple go to dessert recipe from now on 🙂 ❤️❤️
Nagi says
Yassss!
Nala says
Made this on a cold snowy day and it warmed us all right up! My mom said she could eat this everyday till she dies lol. After reading a couple of the comments, I reduced the crumble sugar by half (esp since I didn’t use Granny Smith apples) and it came out absolutely perfect. Thanks Nagi <3
Nagi says
I’m so glad it was a hit ❤️
Katherine says
Hi Nagi!! This recipe looks delicious. I was thinking of cutting the recipe in half, and dividing the batter between 4 ramekins. Do you think this would work? And would the cook time be the same? Thank you!!
Nagi says
Hi Katherine, that would work fine, I’d keep an eye on them and check at about 25 minutes or so to make sure the apples are cooked ❤️
Megan says
I’m planning on making this for my company tomorrow night, but wanted to make it today. If I were to bake this in full, should I refrigerate it until the next day or would it be okay on the counter? Where we live heat isn’t an issue right now.
Nagi says
Hi Megan, I would refrigerate it. I hope you love it!
Pam says
Made this last night to follow your sausage bake. It was delicious and had great consistency, but like some others, I found it extremely sweet (and I have a massive sweet tooth). Used red apples because I had a bunch to use up so I know that was part of it, but will experiment with green apples and less sugar next time. Will also serve with cream rather than ice cream to cut through. Great recipe though, thanks!
Nagi says
Yes it definitely depends on the type of apple as it can affect the end result, but you can definitely reduce the sugar if you prefer ❤️
Deb says
WOW WOW WOW!!! I have made many an apple crumble and I am always looking for the ever elusive perfect Apple Crumble recipe…well my quest is over this is it. Perfect in every way!!!! my guests loved and we loved it too. There was a little left over the next day and it was almost better the next day. Many thanks!!
Nagi says
Wow! That’s awesome Deb!!! I’m so happy it was a hit!
Faye says
Just made this apple crumble this very snowy day and like other comments, it is sooo delicious. Will surely make this again. Thanks for the recipe
Jessie says
I just made this – currently chowing down with my bf – and all I have to say is WOW!! It came out amazingly good. I followed the recipe exactly. I used sweet (Royal Gala+Macintosh) apples instead of granny smith. Everything is perfect!! Served with vanilla ice cream. This recipe is defiantly a keeper! Thank you so much!
Nagi says
You’re so welcome Jessie! ❤️
Jude says
Delicious! I’ve made it a ton of times. My recommendation is to halve the sugar,. No need for white sugar in the topping. Half a cup of white sugar over apples is sufficient. Especially if serving with ice cream or whipped cream.