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 probably a great crumble but I can not eat oats and would reslly apprecciate a receipe with out oats Is there one?
Hi Eleanor! A streusel topping would work well, here is a basic recipe I use: 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 1/2 cups flour, 2 tbsp water, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup butter softened. Mix until crumby, spread over top and bake 🙂
Is that nutrition information calculated correctly? 1.1g of fat per serving seems low, considering the 1/2 cup of butter in the crumble.
I’m so thankful you picked that up Mandy, thank you! I pasted the wrong table in. I’ve updated it now! N x
My mother was a terrible cook so when I found the one to marry he took me home to his mother who had baked apple crumble for dessert with lashings of ice cream and custard! I think I disgraced myself that night, ate about three helpings! First time I had roast dinner at his mothers as well, to die for! We would’ve got on so well but unfortunately all “foreigners” in her book were wrong, not different so could not win her over, no matter how hard I tried!A jealous sister did not help as well but 44 years later and still happily married! But I am always grateful she taught me how to cook and the rest I got out of books and gleaned from girlfriends mothers, they were always obliging! My dad who came from a mother that only cooked plain stuff (18 kids) was in heaven when he came to my place to eat!
Aww Tina! I love reading about that memory!!! Love conquers all!!! ❤️
I absolutely love crumble, and also add oats to the topping. You’ve made me hungry with the mention of your satay curry (excited in advance!). x
I think the addition of oats is perhaps a UK/Aussie thing?? I don’t think Americans use it as much 🙂 I love it, makes it extra crispy!!!
Apple Crumble was always a favorite dish in my home–and so easy to prepare. Thanks for reminding me of this dessert and giving us a lovely version to try.
I tend to forget about it too! I think it gets forgotten in amongst all the chocolate chocolate chocolate desserts “out there” 🙂
I still use my Grandma’s recipe, but the oat addition in the topping sounds great. I’ll show you my recipe when you get here (note to self). We should make something together? Food for thought! Have a great weekend.
YES!! Let’s make something for your blog – that would be SO COOL!!! N x
Oh dear Lord, that apple crumble looks amazing! I must must must make this!
Once upon a time, when J Daddy was a boy, his Saturday morning treat would be to make a huge bowl of the crumble topping and eat it while watching TV. His mix would have a bit more butter in it, so that it was more like a big ball of cookie dough, and he’d watch his cartoons and eat all the crumble topping. This didn’t happen every weekend – he’d alternate between this treat and some others, but crumble topping holds such fond memories for J Daddy. He loves that I’m sharing this with you!
Saturday MORNING treat??? Ha! I love it!!! ❤️
Looks great. I love the crumb topping, thanks a lot
Thanks Keith!!! N x
Can’t wait to try this one
I hope you do Jenny!!!
I love apple crisp and yours looks so so good. Got to try your recipe. I can taste it now.
Ooh I hop you do Beth!!!
Oh wow this crumble looks like everything it should be- juicy, fruity, and topped with the best crunchy top.
Thank you Sarah!!! I hope you had a fab weekend! N x ❤️
I LOVE crisps or crumbles, they are my favourite desssert: love how juicy, tart and delicious they are, perfection! (also not to overlook the fact that they are so easy to throw together with little work). I totally get you asking for a crumble instead of a birthday cake, I would too 😉
I’m so glad you don’t think I’m weird ordering a crumble instead of birthday cake!!! 🙂
This looks like the perfect apple crumble recipe – well, almost! I live in the UK, and we have Bramley apples here, which make the most gorgeous, tart apple desserts. I use half whole meal, half white flour in my crumbles, too. I love the slightly earthy, nutty character this brings to the topping, and it also adds a nice texture.
Ooh yes! Half wholemeal would be lovely! ❤️
LOVE APPLE CRISP!! Thanks for the recipe – I have some apples just sitting here waiting for something to do. 🙂
Adorable photo of Dozer!
Oooh!!! I hope you do try it, waiting in anticipation to hear what you THINK!!! ❤️
It is funny how such a common recipe can have disastrous results. but not your recipe! Look just perfect and that is my kind of crumble!
Aww, thank you Evelyne!! ❤️
Hi Nagi! Apple crisp in one of my all time favorites! As you said, it is foolproof. Whenever I buy apples I want crisp and Gary always wants pie! I love both, but crisp is more of a comfort food! Okay, I admit it…food just makes me happy! 🙂
Food fight?? 😉