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!!!
Me: I’m gonna make apple crumble.
Fiance: I don’t really like hot fruit.
Me: Make the super easy recipe and serve with ice cream.
Fiance: Is there more??
That’s the best compliment Aniek!! N x
Thanks for the tip for cutting back on sugar. I did 1/2 cup brown sugar in the topping and everything else as you wrote it. Loved it! Will make again!
I have no clue what I did wrong. It was super watery and I went according to the recipe. It tastes marvelous though. I just popped it back into the oven to see if the extra liquid will evaporate
Hi Rebecca, sorry you had issues here – can I ask what type of apples you used? N x
This recipe is perfect! Completely deserving of the 5-star rate. My husband absolutely loved it, and while I don’t usually like apple crumbles so much, this one I devoured. Thanks for a great recipe!
This recipe is perfect! Completely deserving of the 5-star rate. My husband absolutely loved it, and while I don’t usually like apple crumbles so much, this one I devoured. Thanks for a great recipe!
Just made this, delicious! After it’s baked could I freeze it?
You can Gina, you may need to pop it back in the oven to help crisp up the topping once thawed. N x
May I know how long it should be back in the oven?
AMAZING. So easy and tasted perfect. Made this at high altitude in Boulder.
Hi Nagi! We love this apple crumble recipe and I make it quite often in the fall/winter. I was just wondering if you have any tips for making this in an air fryer?
Nagi! Please, may I make this dish in smaller dishes? And should I cook it at the same temperature, but lessen the time? Thank you
Hi Laurie, you can definitely alter this into smaller dishes, the cook time may only be slightly less depending on the size 🙂 N x
You are just the best, Nagi. Thank you for responding so quickly. I’m going to try that – and I LOVE your recipes. I am trying two today, and taking a meal to someone next week! Bless you!!!!
My family loved this dessert. Thanks again Nagi.
so good!!!! the best apple crumble recipe
This is the best I’ve had! It has more topping than many other recipes. I used 3/4 cup brown sugar in the topping and it was still lovely and sweet. Made a different site’s version and had them side by side and it doesn’t compare! This is the one!
It has gotten to the point that when I see a “recipetineats” recipe, I just trust that it is going to be great. Seriously, you really are an asset for those interested in creating wonderful meals for their family and friends. This crumble recipe is perfection! Everyone raved. This WILL be my birthday cake 🙂 !!
I made this for thanksgiving and it was great. I used gala apples because they didn’t have granny smith here. It was a little sweet for me, potentially due to the apples. I think if I make it again and am not using granny smiths, I would reduce the sugar a bit. I did double the crumble topping as it’s everyone’s favorite part.
I am making this tonight for tomorrow. Should I cover and refrigerate both the apples and the topping?
Wonderful recipe! Do you think it would be okay to add some fresh cranberries in with the apples or not a good idea? Thanks.
If I lowered the sugar in the topping, do you think it will still crisp up? would less sugar make the ratio of butter to sugar be off?
Do you think it would turn out ok with coconut sugar instead of brown? And maybe monkfruit sweetener instead of white sugar????
Hi Daniella, I haven’t tried to be honest, but I assume it will change the texture I imagine – N x
This was outstanding 👌 I doubled the crumble recipe and my gosh it was absolute perfection. Thank you Nagi xx
I never leave comments/rate online recipes. This crumble was absolutely delicious. Thank you!!
Perfect Recipe. Made it as is with a bit more cinnamon and thin sliced apples. I prefer to with 1+ kg of apples because it doesn’t last long in our home.
This has become our go to apple crumble recipe. It’s so delicious and easy. I want to make for Thanksgiving and have a gluten-free friend. Do you think I could substitute almond flour for white?
Hi Lili, you won’t get the same crunchy topping – I would love to know if it works though! N x