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:
Originally posted April 2016, updated with new commentary, recipe video and fresh new photos. No change to recipe!Nutrition Information:
Love apple desserts?
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Life of Dozer
This is why I don’t need a compost!!!
Definitely a keeper! My go to recipe everytime for apple crumble. Love it, thanks Nagi.
Can this dessert be frozen? How long does it keep in the fridge?
I have made this dessert many times, and it always turns out great! I made it with fresh nectarines and canned peaches today instead of apples because that is what I had on hand. I used a bit of the extra light syrup from the canned peaches and it worked really well in the recipe. I reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup (personal preference). Amazing recipe! Thanks, Nagi!
Delicious crumble .
The best I’ve made .
I made exactly as per the recipe , yum !
Thank you thank you thank you!!! I made this with some red apples I had lying around and it was absolutely delicious. I thought it may last a few days but it barely made it through dinner!!
Just the best. It really is so delicious. I added a cup of defrosted strawberries and raspberries and it was perfect.
Interested if this can be baked in separate portions in little jars? Would I need to reduce the baking time at all?
The best crumble recipe. It’s even better than my own. All my family and guests love it. It’s stays crunchy even when cold and then reheated. Great tip to add a little flour to fruit!!
As a lover of Apple Crumble for over 30 years, you can imagine I’ve tried a lot! This recipe by far is THE BEST one I have ever made. Absolutely amazing. Thank you!! The only difference was I used All Spice instead of Cinnamon. And home made custard, not ice cream. Absolutely incredible.
The problem with this recipe is that my kids love it so much that it is snarfed up before I have any. It is gone in minutes…
I’m a single dad with little cooking skills and this is a go too in our house. Fun, easy and fast.
I love any recipe that is posted by Nagi because she uses standard ‘in the cupboard’ ingredients. Nagi’s videos and hints combined with her easy to follow instructions are sensible and much appreciated. Thanks so much. I always choose Tineats when looking for a recipe.
By the way, my 27 year old son put me onto Tineats so you are admired by all age groups. 🙂
Such a good and easy recipe! Made it last night when I had a friend over for dinner and she loved it!
I love this recipe! I also make it in the camp oven when we’re camping as it’s so simple! Just have to make sure we don’t put too many coals on the base to burn the bottom. So delicious, thanks Nagi!!
Thank you so much for this recipe!! I do agree that it is quite sweet! I should have known considering I used red apples! Love your recipe, simple and delicious!
Hi Nagi, my gorgeous 10 year old grandson made this as a dessert for my birthday. We absolutely loved it. He add flaked almonds to the crumb as he knows I like almonds.
We are fortunate to have a few apple trees (inc granny smiths) though I chose our last lady gala’s hanging on the tree for this recipe. Followed it to the letter … with the ADDITION of a teaspoon of dried chilli flakes and 1/2 teaspoon of dried ginger. Because we grow hazelnuts, added chopped nuts to the crumble topping. You’re spot on re the need for the flour to make a better, less watery apple mixture. Husband declares it PERFECT! Thanks, Nagi!
Made this for first time a few weeks ago for a family dinner. Stuck to recipe and it was delicious . My son in laws birthday and he requested this as his birthday cake. Now known as birthday crumble! It’s a theme!
Nice but way to sweet to much sugar will definitely put less in next time
This apple crumble recipe worked out perfectly. Everything I make from tin eats works out well. Second time ar0und and I am making it with a little less sugar. I’ll see how it goes tonight.