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?
Me too! See?
Life of Dozer
This is why I don’t need a compost!!!
Absolutely amazing! Made this with freshly picked apples from a local farm, exactly as written- perfection! Will make it again next weekend! 🙂 Thank you!
I forgot to give the star rating – definitely 5 stars! 🙂
This was my first time making crumble (though not my first time eating it :)) and we had everyone digging in for seconds because it was so good! I did replace the sugar in the apple mixture with pure Canadian maple syrup of the same amount, and the 1 cup of sugar in the topping with less than a cup of coconut sugar. The flavour, texture and ease of prep make this recipe a keeper for sure <3 Thank you for sharing.
This recipe is the best crumble I have had for a long time. I took note that you could reduce the sugar which I did on the crumble and it turned out sweet enough for my families palate. A definite repeat dessert. Thank you
wow fabulous cooking.
This recipe makes me look like a genius! Hands down the best and easiest crumble I’ve ever made/eaten. I usually double the crumble topping (because it’s amazing!) and serve warm with custard. Cannot thank you enough for this recipe. Love your site and the way you write your recipes, so easy to follow. It has honestly reinvigorated my love of cooking! Thanks Nagi and Dozer! 🥰🐾
Heartwarmingly delicious and so easy! Best part is you really an make everything using a single bowl (prep wise), so minimal dishes. I’ve also make this recipe with pears (just because that’s what I had) and worked beautifully. Great flavours and sweetness, wouldn’t change a thing.
Thank you Nagi for this easy apple crumble recipe. Turns out delicious . My family enjoys it.
What quantity if using tinned apple?
Hi Julia, you really need fresh for this recipe, tinned are too soft and I find they turn to absolute mush. N x
Hi nagi. Can you use frozen apples for this recipe?
Hi Jane, you can, just thaw and drain off any excess liquid. N x
Hi Nagi, love love love your recipes I’ve tried so far! Tuna casserole bake is a fav, just discovered your raisin & oatmeal cookies (OMG) I could go on….
Just wondering can this be made ahead and frozen? Time poor working mummy of 2 here….
I’m just not sure about that crumb staying crispy if it’s frozen Suz – something I’d need to try sorry! N x
Excellent recipe! I make a triple recipe of the crumble topping and keep it in the fridge for an easy dessert using any fresh fruit. It’s great with berries, peaches, apricots, pears, almost any fruit.
This is a beautiful recipe.
Thank you
Can you use jumbo oats for this recipe?
Hi Jane, as far as I know, jumbo oats are the same as old fashioned/rolled oats. N x
Nagi… I love your recipes. I’ve tried the chocolate cake, vanilla cake and now the apple crumble. I’m so thankful for the sugar note, as I’m very picky about too much sweetness. Needless to say, it turned out fantastic 🌹. Thanks a million ❤ and stay blessed 😚😚😚
Hi Nagi! Can I use a low sugar Granola instead of rolled oats?
Hi Tina, granola is already baked, I’m not sure if it would go too golden and how it would affect the texture here sorry! N x
Hi! Can I use steel cut oats in the recipe? (Quaker ones which say can be cooked in 3 mins)? Thank you!
this turned out delicious! thanks for the recipe i loved it!
Great recipe! Easy to make and very tasty. I reduced the sugar for the filling to 1/3 cup and the topping to 2/3 cup.
OMG Nagi you are an absolute genius!!
What a delicious apple crumble. As you highlighted not watery at all…the tbsp of flour really does the trick.
I really liked the slight twang that the lemon juice provided.
My hubby gave it a 10/10 need I say more.
I love all your recipes however this was far too sweet for us! Next time i’d omit the sugar on the apples, or maybe halve it or in the mixture. I used some blueberries too.
Hi Meg, sorry you found it too sweet – it could be due to the variety of apples you were using 🙂 N x
Tastes delicious and the recipe easy to follow.