This apple crumble recipe is a delicious fall dessert. It features juicy cinnamon apples and a brown sugar oat topping. Serve with vanilla ice cream!
Let’s make apple crisp! I love this classic fall dessert because it’s easy, delicious, and packed with the flavors of the season. Cinnamon, apples, and brown sugar? Yes, please!
Below I share my favorite apple crumble recipe. Featuring juicy cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery brown sugar and oat topping, it’s rich and comforting, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
I’ve shared apple crumble and apple crumble recipes in the past, but never one as simple or as classic as this one. What sets it apart from my other recipes is that you don’t need to pre-cook the apples, which cuts down on the amount of dishes and manual preparation. I also make a traditional oat streusel topping (no nuts here!) to keep the ingredient list short and sweet.
If you’re looking for an easy apple crumble recipe to try this fall, you can’t go wrong with this one. It tastes fantastic and makes your kitchen smell AMAZING while it cooks. I think you’ll love it.
Ingredients for apple crumble recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy apple crumble recipe:
- Apples, of course! Make sure you use apples that are suitable for baking. See the description below for my favorite varieties!
- Whole rolled oats – They add a great texture to the crumble topping.
- All purpose flour – You will add some to the filling to thicken the apple juices and use more in the topping.
- Brown sugar – Both light and dark brown sugar work here, but I prefer the deeper, caramel-like flavor of dark brown sugar.
- Unsalted butter – Ties together the streusel topping and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Lemon juice – Its acidic flavor balances the sweetness of the apple filling.
- Vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg – For a warm depth of flavour.
- And sea salt – So that all the flavors stand out!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
What are the best apples for baking?
The best apples for baking are firm ones that hold their shape. I recommend these varieties:
- Mount Fuji
- Gala
- Delicious sea bream
- Grandma Smith
- Crispy honey
- Pink Lady
Choose just one type of apple or use a mix. I’ve had great results making this recipe with just Honeycrisp apples. I also like a mix of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet Gala apples in this apple crumble.
How to make apple crumble
You can find the full apple crumble recipe with measurements at the end of this post, but for now, here’s a step-by-step description of how it works:
Let’s start by preparing the apples. Peel, core and cut into about 3/4-inch pieces. Do your best to cut all the pieces into a similar size so they cook evenly.
Should you peel apples to make apple crumble?
Yes! I’m all for not peeling fruits and vegetables whenever possible, but in this case, peeling the apples really makes a difference.
Apple peels don’t soften much when baked. I don’t like the texture of the peel in the juicy apple filling.
Place the apples in a large bowl and add the flour, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
Mix until the flour, sugar and spices evenly coat the apples.
Next, spread the apples into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
Next, prepare the crumble topping. Mix the remaining flour and the sugar, oats, cinnamon and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter and toss to coat. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to fold it into the oat mixture until moist and crumbly.
Sprinkle the crunchy topping over the apples in the baking dish.
Finally, bake the crisp. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes or so, until the topping is golden and slightly crisp.
Let cool for 10 minutes before eating!
- Serving Tip: This homemade apple crisp is delicious on its own, but I especially love it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s also great with whipped cream!
How to store apple crumble
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers of this homemade apple crumble, let them cool completely.
Then, cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They reheat very well in the microwave or in a 350°F oven.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This apple crumble recipe is one of my favorite desserts to make for fall entertaining.
When I have friends and family over, I usually prepare the ingredients in advance. Here’s how:
- Mix the chopped apples with the flour, sugar, spices, etc. Divide into a baking dish, cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
- Prepare the oat topping and set aside in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
When ready to serve, simply assemble and bake!
More apple recipes to try
If you love this classic apple crumble, try one of these delicious apple recipes next:
Easy Apple Crisp
Serves 6
My best apple crumble recipe! It features juicy cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery brown sugar and oat topping. A perfect fall dessert, delicious with vanilla ice cream on top.
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Preheat oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
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Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, place the chopped apples, flour, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss to coat the apples, then spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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Make the topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use two forks, a pastry cutter, or your hands to mix in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
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Cover the baking dish and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling. Uncover and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and slightly crisp.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
