Apple Crumble Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple crumble is incredibly simple to make, using pantry staples and fresh apples. The combination of spiced apple filling and buttery crumble topping creates a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any time of year, though it’s especially beloved in fall. It’s quick enough to make for a weeknight dessert but impressive enough to serve at a family gathering. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different apple varieties or toppings.

Ingredients

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

For the Topping:

• All-purpose flour

• Brown sugar (light or dark)

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon

• Unsalted butter (melted)

For the Filling:

• Apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)

• Sugar (granulated or a mix of granulated and brown sugar)

• Lemon juice

• Cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for thickening)

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon

Directions

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

2. In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients for the topping until they form a crumbly texture. Set aside.

3. For the filling, peel, core, and slice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour), salt, and cinnamon.

4. Place the apple mixture in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the crumble topping over the apples.

5. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

6. Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, serve with vanilla ice cream or homemade caramel sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

• Total Time: 55–60 minutes

Variations

• Apple Variety: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, feel free to use any apple variety you prefer, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji.

• Topping: For extra crunch, consider adding rolled oats to the topping mixture.

• Spices: Experiment with additional spices such as nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.

• Add-ins: Try adding a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the topping for more texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 30-40 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use different apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any apple variety you like. Granny Smith apples are tart and balance the sweetness, but other types like Fuji or Honeycrisp will work too.

2. Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping separately, store them in the fridge, and then assemble and bake the crumble when you're ready to serve.

3. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making the crumble topping?

The recipe specifically calls for a crumble topping, but if you prefer a pie crust, you can substitute that for a different dessert like apple pie.

4. Is it necessary to use brown sugar in the crumble topping?

No, you can use all granulated sugar if you prefer. Brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor, but the crumble will still be delicious with white sugar.

5. Can I freeze apple crumble?

Yes, you can freeze the apple crumble either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

6. How do I know when the apple crumble is done?

The crumble is ready when the apples are soft and bubbling, and the topping is golden brown. You can also test the apples by poking them with a fork to ensure they’re tender.

7. Can I use a different thickener instead of cornstarch?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used in place of cornstarch. Both options will help thicken the apple filling as it bakes.

8. Can I make the crumble without butter?

For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil.

9. How do I make the topping extra crunchy?

To make the topping extra crunchy, you can add rolled oats or chopped nuts to the mixture.

10. Can I serve this dessert warm or cold?

Apple crumble is best served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. However, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Conclusion

This apple crumble is a timeless dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just craving something sweet, this simple yet delicious treat is guaranteed to impress. With its perfect balance of spiced apples and buttery crumble topping, it’s an ideal way to celebrate apple season.

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