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?
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Life of Dozer
This is why I don’t need a compost!!!
Not known for my cooking skills, this apple crumble was so easy to make and unbelievably tasty. Added a little bit of coconut to the crumble and halved the sugar for the apples. Thanks Nagi, another great recipe x
I’ve made this crumble recipe (in smaller batches) three days in a row. One with apples and the other two with frozen blue berries. This recipe is a KEEPER. So yummy and satisfying. A cozy and sweet dessert to warm you up during autumn/winter.
Note- The crumble can be a tad sweet, I reduced the sugar content that is added to the fruit, this way the sweet crumble topping balances the tart and sourness of the fruit. Happy Baking!
This was awesome – fab apple crumble. i added chopped walnuts to the crumble mix and served with fresh whipped cream – delicious!
Love this addition Marijke, even macadamias are great too! N x
Wow! Just cooked this. The best crumble EVER !
YESSS! That’s great to hear! N x
This recipe is simple and delicious. Bonus – I think it can be considered a breakfast dish.
Yes of course – it has a serve of fruit… 😉 N x
3 thumbs up! I’m in the camp of finding the crumb a tad sweet – didn’t see your advice in the comments before now – nicely balanced by the vanilla ice cream! Regardless, this Apple crumble fan is ecstatic with this easy and delicious recipe! Thank you Nagi your words are golden every time!
Nagi – can Apple crumble be kept well in the fridge?
So easy to make and very tasty. Love how you get that mixture of sweet and tangy. It’s a keeper.
Thanks so much Kylie! N x
Absolutely amazing! I personally reduced the sugar as you suggested, as well as made one and a half recipes of streusel. I would highly recommend it, especially for a quick night throw-together.
Though I would like to inform you there is a slight error in the instructions, in line number 3 which it says “I’m” rather than “in” or “I’m using a”.
Thanks for all the wonderful and flavorful recipes!
Thanks Eitan – I’ll change this! N x
Thanks Nagi! Keep the awesome work up!
I made the apple crumble & I would have to say that is the most delicious apple dessert I have ever eaten, I changed the ice cream to cream ❤️
I love this recipe! Not overly sweet at all. Perfect, simple and delicious! Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
You’re so welcome Tina! N x
BEST CRUMBLE EVER MADE…
Everyone went back for seconds. I added rhubarb and macadamias. So yum x
I’ll have to try that – sounds fabulous! N x
I made this last night and it was a hit with my fussy eaters 7 and 5 year olds. Thank you. Your website is my go-to now for everything I want to cook/bake. Just google “RecipeTin xxx” and follow recipe! It has straightforward instructions and so far everything turns out great. Thank you once again.
xx
Oh that’s great to hear Pauline ❤️
Absolutely Devine! Best ever apple crumble.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Mariam! N x
I made your apple crumble tonight. We really enjoyed it! I’ll make it again, for sure. Just to say, I did 1 Tbls water and 1 Tbls lemon juice in the apple filling part, instead of 2 Tbls of either lemon or water. It worked out perfectly! Thanks for the recipe!
I’m so glad you loved it Lynda! N x
Such a great and easy recipe!! I loved the taste especially after cooling down. I felt like it really didn’t need ice-cream, perfect as is! My mom felt like the sugar can be a bit less but I liked it a lot! Thank you!!
Hi Yara, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. You can definitely reduce the sugar if you prefer – it all depends on the sweetness in the apples you use. N x
Can I substitute gluten free flour without changing the outcome? I’m
I haven’t tried to be honest Kate – would love to know how it works if you try it! N x
Best crumble recipe I’ve tried.
Wahoo! What a compliment, thanks Becci! N x
Easy ingredients and Simple instructions, made this for Mothers Day dinner in less than an hour and served a la mode… it was a hit! I used red apples (all I had on hand) with the full sugar suggestion and didn’t think it was too sweet at all. Guests all raved! Thank you!
Very YUMMY and I am not a desert person. Hubby had custard on his Apple Crumble, I had plain greek yogurt. This is another keeper in the Recipe Tin Eats repertoire. x
I’m so glad you loved it Sharon – thanks so much! N x
Best apple crumble ever. That’s it. I did not find it too sweet (followed the recipe exactly) and the crumble is a real highlight. Served with vanilla ice cream and custard. Thank you, Nagi!
You’re so welcome Nicola, that’s great to hear! N x