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!!!
I feel it was way too sweet. I would half the brown sugar in the topping forsure. Otherwise it was a hit with all the neighbors
This recipe was so good! It pairs amazingly well with boysenberry ice cream. Super easy and quick.
Thanks so much Nagi! 🍎😁
Husband started harvesting and coring our tart little greenie apples and I have lots to work with and Nagi’s recipes always work! Used King Arthur sweetener substitute for sugar. Alas, forgot the baking powder but it tastes wonderful and Lord knows I have tons of apples to make this again. And again and….😄
This looks like the perfect crumble, BUT my family are all gluten free. Would this work with GF flour subbed in, 1:1?
I’ve made with this with GF flour, subbed 1:1 and it worked great! I used a standard GF flour from the supermarket – nothing fancy – and was really happy with it 🙂
5/5. I love this and always get compliments. Today I forgot the one cup of flour. Apple soup, but still good haha. Truly can’t go wrong!
as other readers have commented this is INCREDIBLY sweet. I halved the sugar in the crumble topping the second time I made this and it was still too sweet for my liking (even for my dad who has a notorious sweet tooth). I used green apples as stated in the recipe.
When I make this again I will likely reduce the amount of sugar in the filling as well, but probably not as much as half to achieve the syrupy consistency.
Other than that can’t fault the recipe, it was lovely.
So so good, thanks Nagi
Everyone should do themselves a flavour and try this. It is the best apple crumble I’ve ever tasted. Thanks for all your amazing recipes Nagi. You are a star ⭐️
This is actual PERFECTION! I love all of your recipes but this is so easy and spot on in every way!
Honeslty i am so glad you exist Nagi. Every kitchen in the world needs a little Nagi. This apple crumble was sensational, just like any other recipe of yours that ive tried from your cook book!
Delicious apple crumble, it was a little too sweet for me but I will definitely make this again. Another winner Nagi
This was such a delicious recipe. I was trying to make it low carb so used Allulose rather than white sugar and brown swerve and almond flour. I try to follow recipes to the “T”when I can, but even with my changes, it was fabulous.
I made this with pear and rhubarb as well as apple – delicious!
Your apple crumble is sensational. It’s a winner every time I serve it. Thank you Nagi.
Has anyone eve added raspberries to this apple crumble? Would it work with frozen raspberries/
Or Rhubarb?
Add an equal amount of chopped quince and you get a whole new level of flavour. I also add some vanilla and a dessert spoon of orange juice to the apple and quince. Can also add some sultanas or raisins to it.
The crumble is delicious too
Absolutely AMAZING! I thought nothing could beat your sticky date recipe but I think this did. Thank you nagi and dozer
My nine year old made this and he was soooo proud of himself – the whole family thinks it’s the best apple crumble ever. Very easy recipe for kids to follow with some help from an adult for the oven. We will be making this again for sure.
Absolutely gorgeous! Even my husband who hates cinnamon thought it was delicious. I used Granny Smiths and didn’t adjust the sugar, didn’t find it too sweet. Definitely a keeper!
Love your recipes.
I go cross eyed looking at you recipes on my phone all the time.
I’m off to go buy you book. It’s a no brainer, it’s a “must have”
Peter x
Delicious! Hubby made it twice on the weekend when we had visitors!