Apple Crumble

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple crumble recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, yet it yields a decadent dessert that everyone will enjoy. The combination of tart apples with the sweet, buttery crumble topping offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether served on its own, with a scoop of ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be made in advance, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings, holidays, or simply a treat after dinner.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¼ cup white sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup butter (cold and cut into small cubes)

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

• ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a large bowl, then toss them with lemon juice, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated.

3. Transfer the apples to a greased 9-inch baking dish or an equivalent-sized casserole dish.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the butter, oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.

6. If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for added texture and flavor.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.

8. Allow the apple crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add berries: Mix in a handful of fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) with the apples for a mixed-fruit crumble.

• Use different nuts: Swap the sliced almonds for other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for extra crunch and flavor.

• Spiced version: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the apple mixture for a deeper, spicier flavor.

• Oatless topping: For a more traditional crumble topping, omit the oats and use only flour, sugar, and butter for the topping.

• Vegan option: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Once cooled, store your apple crumble in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze apple crumble before baking. Simply assemble the crumble, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or place the crumble back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make apple crumble in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the apple crumble ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it right before serving.

What apples are best for apple crumble?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples work well due to their balance of tartness and firmness. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet topping.

Can I use frozen apples?

Fresh apples are best, but frozen apples can be used if necessary. Be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them.

How can I make the crumble topping even more crunchy?

Add more oats or incorporate some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added texture.

Can I add other fruits to the apple crumble?

Yes! You can mix in other fruits such as pears, berries, or rhubarb to give your crumble a new twist.

How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?

Make sure the apples are well-coated with sugar and spices, and avoid adding too much liquid to the filling. The crumble topping should be evenly distributed for a crisp finish.

Is apple crumble gluten-free?

This recipe is not naturally gluten-free, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in the topping.

Can I make a smaller or larger portion of apple crumble?

Yes! You can adjust the recipe based on the size of your dish or the number of servings you need. Simply reduce or increase the ingredients proportionally.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will last for about 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of white sugar?

Yes! You can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar as a substitute for white sugar in the apple filling and topping.

Conclusion

Apple crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, crunchy topping. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different fruits, nuts, and spices. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and savor the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite!

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