Classic Apple Crumble Recipe: A Warm, Comforting Dessert You’ll Love
Introduction
There’s something truly special about the comforting aroma of apples, cinnamon, and butter baking together in the oven. The classic apple crumble is more than just a dessert—it’s a nostalgic experience, a taste of home, and a cozy treat perfect for any season. Whether you’re curled up on a chilly autumn evening or looking for a simple yet satisfying sweet after dinner, this timeless recipe never disappoints.
Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a golden, buttery crumble topping, apple crumble is a favorite across generations. In this detailed recipe, you’ll learn exactly how to make the perfect apple crumble from scratch, with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and serving suggestions that elevate the dish from simple to spectacular.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)
- ⅓ cup (65g) brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
For the Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (45g) rolled oats
- ⅓ cup (75g) brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel and dice the apples into even-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the lemon juice to the apples and toss to coat them evenly.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until all the apple pieces are well coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9-inch (23cm) baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. You should see pea-sized lumps of butter throughout.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples without pressing it down. This helps maintain its light, crumbly texture.
Step 3: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the baking dish on the center rack and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- You’ll know it’s ready when the apple filling is bubbling around the edges and the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the crumble warm, straight from the oven.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- Or pour over some warm custard or whipped cream for an extra-indulgent treat.
Tips for the Best Apple Crumble
- Choose the right apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and add a slight tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweet topping.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create that perfect crumbly topping. Room temperature butter will make it too soft.
- Make ahead: You can prepare both the apple filling and the crumble topping ahead of time and store them in the fridge separately for up to 24 hours. Just assemble and bake when ready.
- Add texture: Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for added crunch.
Variations
- Caramel Apple Crumble: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping.
- Berry Crumble: Add fresh or frozen berries to the apple mixture for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour and oats to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart
- Great for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions
- A versatile base that can be customized with spices, fruits, or toppings
- Always a crowd-pleaser
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
(Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Conclusion
The classic apple crumble is a heartwarming dessert that brings together simplicity and flavor in every bite. With its sweet-spiced apples and crispy buttery topping, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your collection. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become one of your go-to desserts whenever you’re craving something cozy, delicious, and deeply satisfying.
Don’t forget to share this recipe, leave a comment below, or pin it for later—and most importantly, enjoy every bite Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie