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!!!
This recipe looks great. If I make it earlier in the day, How can I reheat perfectly later on that night?
Best. Crumble. EVER. I ate until I felt like I was going to physically burst. I added a tiny bit of cardamom to the crumble mixture cos I’m obsessed with it and it was glorious. Another smash of a recipe from you, this is now my favourite website!
Yum, I love this idea Ash!! N x
All my guests loved it!!!! thank you Nagi!
Is there an apple pie recipe coming soon? i want to make it this thanksgiving !!! <3
Hi Paula, I did have one being tested some time ago – I’ll have to revisit! N x
I just put mine in the oven. Read these comments and I can’t wait.
This was literally the best apple crumble I’ve ever had. I really enjoyed it. I’ve made 3 times already! Thank you!!!
WOOT!! I love hearing this Jen!! N x
I just made this crumble recipe and is delicious!
Thanks!
I use half cup of brown sugar instead of 1 cup and was perfect!
Perfecto
Tried this recipe last weekend as desert for a BBQ lunch, everyone loved it! I am making two this weekend! I read the comments regarding it being too sweet so opted for the suggestion to use 1/2 cup sugar for topping, and it was still a hit. You don’t miss the sugar I suppose if you serve it with ice cream. I also added a small dash of vanilla extract! Perfecto! Recipe simple and easy to follow! xx
Absolutely delicious!!
Best Crumble I have ever made. My husband who doesn’t like apple pie loved this
This is a WINNER! 10 stars! Easy to make and yet tastes superb!!
Wahoo, I’m so glad you love it Joan!! N x
Made this today to go with our “practice Thanksgiving” turkey dinner. It was so easy to put together and incredibly delicious. Barely survived two teenaged boys!! Will absolutely make this again.
(totally forgot to hit ALL 5 stars with my last comment) Made this today to go with our “practice Thanksgiving” turkey dinner. It was so easy to put together and incredibly delicious. Barely survived two teenaged boys!! Will absolutely make this again.
Second time commenting, Nagi. My family insists on this perfect dessert every few months. Thank you
That’s great Quen, I’m so glad everyone loves it! N x
Loved it. The topping was perfect. And also I did tone down on the sugar used for the topping.
Nice!
Thanks for the sweetness warning too, I halved sugar in the apple mix and topping and it was still very sweet.
Added nuts, seed and coconut (whatever Was in the pantry) to the crumble too — yum!
The flavors are awesome. Thank you so much for getting this together for US! The human race. lol. I just picked apples from the side on road and found this recipe. ❤️
Loved the recipe.
Fantastic recipe! I reduced the sugar portion by a third and really liked it. The oats are a great addition.
This recipe is delicious!! I baked mine for the full 40 min to make it golden brown but even after I let it sit it was quite liquidy in the bottom of the dish and I’m not sure why. Either way it tasted great and was eaten up quickly!
Hi Stacie, it could have been the type of apples used – can I ask what type you used? N x
I used honey crisp because it’s what I had at home! I will try Granny Smith next time
Hi Nagi!
If I double the recipe, how long should I bake for? Thanks!!
Hi Dominika, it should be around about the same baking time 🙂 N x