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 is the best apple crumble I have ever tasted! I have made it a few times for guests and it never disappoints!
That’s awesome to hear Sarah! – N x
Made this apple crumble for my mom’s birthday yesterday. Ate all the rest of it for breakfast today. Loved it! Thank you Naji for this sweet & simple recipe! I will sure be making it again soon.
Wahoo, I’m so glad you loved it Dayna – N x
This was the most amazing apple crumble. Made it last night and it was finished tonight (there are only two of us!!) Served it with pouring cream. Have to make it again tomorrow night for the rest of the family when they come for dinner. Might add some frozen berries this time around.
I’m so glad you loved it Verena, frozen berries would make a great addition!!
I made this and it was finished same day…it’s become my favourite food. Making another one today. Thank you for another awesome recipe!
Made this apple crumble for my mom’s birthday yesterday, ate the rest for breakfast today. Loved it! Thank you Naji for this sweet & simple recipe!
I actually can’t cook to save myself and have never attempted apple crumble before however, I just made and ate this recipe and it is by far the best apple crumble ever. Thank you so much!
Sounds like you nailed it Tess!
This is the best recipe for Apple Crumble that I have ever tasted, Everybody in the family loved it. Thank you Nagi
Thanks so much Janette!
As usual this was an easy recipe that was devoured by my 3 sons. (Even after they demolished Nagi’s slow cooked lamb shoulder..) Pears are in season at the moment so I substituted pears for apples and threw in a good handful of frozen raspberries. Oh wow – divine. Accompanied by vanilla ice cream of course 😃
Sounds amazing Amanda!!!
Another delicious recipe from this site. It’s quick and easy using melted butter. I’ll be sure to keep a jar of the topping in my fridge for another time.
Thanks
Great idea Betty!
Love love love!!!! I added some extra lemon juice to the filling and some golden syrup to the crumble. Just Delish!!
Sounds divine Kristen!
Easy and beyond delicious! Thanks Nagi, this recipe is a triumph. 🙂
Will and Deb
Thanks so much Will!
The apple crumble was amazing! I’ve made several recipes from your site (and your mom’s receipes too!), its so easy to follow!! I’ve always hated cooking but with two little ones I think home cooking is best. I think I found my stride with your help :))
Thanks so much Angi, that’s so great to hear ❤️
I would like to add some fresh blueberries to this recipe. Would you adjust the amount of flour to the filling? Thanks
Hi Betty, I’d just sub some of the apple for blueberries here – N x
Hi Nagi, can I prepare this the night before then bake in the afternoon? My worries if the chopped fruits would become brown by the time I’m ready to bake. Thanks.
Hi Binarti, you can prepare all the elements, keep them separate & assemble before cooking. Just douse the apples with plenty of lemon juice to stop them browning – N x
It worked! Sooo yum. We had it with vanilla custard. Thanks for sharing the recipe xx
Turned out great! Loved the consistency of the apples. I made it with 4lbs of apples, following the adjusted list of ingredients. Served it in a waffle bowl with ice cream on top. Thanks for a delicious, easy to follow, recipe!
Wahoo! Sounds like you nailed it Helen, I love the idea of the waffle bowl!
Hi Nagi,
Any recipes with peaches 🍑??? 😬
Yes, I’ll have to get onto that!
Amazing! Made this last night and it did not disappoint. Used dark brown sugar instead of golden but it still turned out fantastic. My husband, who prefers pies over crumbles, has declared this recipe an exception!
Woah that’s such a great compliment Stephanie!
Hi, what can I use instead of white flour? Is all purpose the same?
Hi Avia, yes white flour is all purpose flour – N x
I’ve tried many apple crumb recipes but this is the best. What makes this stand out is that it’s not overly sweet. I didn’t have white flour so I used whole wheat flour and used 3 granny apples and 2 pears. Delicious!
Sounds like you nailed it Jennifer!
this has got to be the best recipe ever I have tried a lot of recipes !!!!!
this now my got to recipe !!!!!
Woah that’s so great to hear Wendy!
Thank you Nagi for this recipe. First time trying to make an apple crumble and it out great. My daughter couldn’t stop eating it.