Homemade Apple Crumble Recipe
There’s nothing better than a warm homemade apple crumble fresh from the oven! This easy apple crumble is made with tender apples coated in warm cinnamon and sugar, then topped with a buttery, golden crumble topping that gets perfectly crisp as it bakes similar to my Apple Cobbler Recipe. It’s a simple, comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall, family dinners, holidays, or whenever you have a few apples on hand. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little whipped cream for the ultimate cozy dessert!
How to Make Apple Crumble
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5) and lightly greasing a 9-inch baking dish. While the oven is heating, you can prepare the crumble topping and apple filling.
Crumble Topping
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until everything is evenly combined. Melt the unsalted butter and pour it into the dry ingredients which is the same technique for a crumble topping that I use in my Peach Streusel Muffins. Using a fork, mix everything together until the butter has been incorporated and the mixture becomes crumbly. You want to have some larger crumbs throughout the mixture rather than mixing it into a smooth dough. Set the crumble topping aside while you prepare the apples.
Apple Filling
For the apple filling, add your peeled and diced apples to a large bowl. Pour the lemon juice over the apples, then add the cinnamon and brown sugar. Give everything a good stir until the apples are evenly coated in the lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and brown sugar creates that delicious cozy flavor we all love in a homemade apple dessert.
Pour the prepared apple filling into your greased 9-inch baking dish, spreading the apples out into an even layer. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, making sure the entire surface is covered. Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40–45 minutes, or until the apple filling is bubbling around the edges and the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp.
Once the apple crumble is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a little while before serving. I love serving this apple crumble warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, but whipped cream or fresh cream is also delicious. The combination of warm cinnamon apples, buttery crumble, and cold creamy ice cream makes this the perfect cozy homemade dessert!
If you like warm apple desserts, try my Apple Crumble Cheesecake. A great twist on a classic dessert!
Storage
Allow the apple crumble to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Apple crumble can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
For the best texture, reheat the apple crumble in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. This helps the crumble topping become crispy again. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave, although the topping may be softer.
Cobbler vs. Crisp vs. Crumble… What’s the difference?
Basically all three of these delicious dessert varieties have tasty fruit fillings while the difference mainly lies in their topping.
- Cobbler: A cobbler has a fruit filling topped with dollops or a layer of biscuit-like dough or cake batter. As it bakes, the topping becomes golden brown while staying soft and fluffy underneath like my peach cobbler or blueberry cobbler.
- Crisp: A crisp is baked fruit topped with a mixture that traditionally includes oats, along with flour, butter, and sugar. The oats give it a noticeably crunchy texture.
- Crumble: A crumble is very similar to a crisp, but the traditional topping is made from flour, butter, and sugar without oats. The topping becomes buttery, golden, and crumbly as it bakes like in my pear crumble.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
Apples: Apples are the star of this apple crumble, adding natural sweetness, a soft and tender texture, and plenty of delicious apple flavor. I recommend using apples that hold their shape well while baking like Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a little brightness and acidity to the apple filling while balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar. It also helps keep the apples from browning before they go into the oven.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warm, cozy spice to the apples and gives the crumble that classic homemade fall flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to the apples while also giving the filling a delicious caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Crumble Topping
Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter brings richness to the crumble topping and helps create those delicious golden-brown, buttery crumbs as the crumble bakes.
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides the base for the crumble topping and helps create the crumbly, slightly crisp texture that sits beautifully over the soft baked apples.
Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the crumble topping and helps it become lightly golden and crisp while baking.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds extra moisture, sweetness, and a subtle caramel flavor to the crumble topping, making it rich and flavorful.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds another layer of warm spice to the crumble topping and complements the cinnamon apples underneath.
Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness of the sugars and enhances the buttery flavor of the crumble topping.
Try my other fruit dessert recipes.
Apple Crumble Recipe
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 c. peeled & diced apples
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 c. unsalted butter melted
- 1 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/4 c. granulated sugar
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉/190℃/Gas Mark 5.
Crumble Topping
- In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Melt the unsalted butter and using a fork, mix in the butter until crumbly.
Apple Filling
- In a large bowl add the peeled and diced apples. Pour the lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar on top of the apples and mix together well.
- Pour the apple filling into a greased 9” pan. Sprinkle the crumble mixing on top of the apples and bake for 40-45 minutes or the apple filling is bubbling and golden-brown.
- Remove from the oven and and let cool. Serve with a side of whipped cream, fresh cream, or ice cream!
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples are best for apple crumble?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Braeburn apples are all great choices. You can also combine sweet and tart apples to create a delicious balance of flavors just like in my Apple Cinnamon Loaf Recipe.
Do I need to peel the apples for apple crumble?
Peeling the apples is recommended because it creates a softer, more tender filling. However, you can leave the skins on if you prefer a little extra texture.
Why is my apple crumble watery?
Apples naturally release liquid as they bake. If your crumble is watery, it may need a little more baking time to allow the excess moisture to evaporate. Using a thickener such as flour or cornstarch in the apple filling can also help.
How do I make apple crumble topping crispy?
Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the crumble topping. You want the mixture to have small clumps that become golden and crisp in the oven.
Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?
Yes! Apple crumble is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use oats in apple crumble?
Yes! Rolled oats are a delicious addition to the crumble topping and add extra texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
What should I serve with apple crumble?
Apple crumble is delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The combination of warm apples and cold ice cream is especially delicious!
Can I use canned apples for apple crumble?
Yes, canned apples can be used if you’re short on time. Make sure to drain them well before adding them to the baking dish to prevent the crumble from becoming watery.
How do I know when apple crumble is done?
The crumble topping should be golden brown and crisp, while the apple filling should be bubbling around the edges. The apples should also be tender when pierced with a fork or knife.