OMG this apple crumble is seriously life-changing! I’ve been making it for years and it never gets old. There’s something about that perfect combo of warm, soft apples and crunchy oat topping that just hits different. What makes this apple crumble special is how quick it comes together – we’re talking 10 mins prep and 20 mins baking. The apples get this amazing caramelized sweetness and the topping stays super crispy (not soggy like some recipes). Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble Recipe
Ever tried making apple crumble that ended up with a soggy topping or undercooked apples? Yeah, been there. This recipe solves all that with a few simple tricks. I remember serving this at a family dinner last fall and my uncle (who never compliments anything) asked for seconds and the recipe!
What’s great is how flexible this is – use whatever apples you have on hand, add some berries if you want, or switch up the spices. Works perfectly with regular flour or gluten-free options too. The best part? You prob already have everything you need in your pantry right now.
Ingredients for the Perfect Apple and Crumble
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (I like using Granny Smith but any will work)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (keeps the apples from browning and adds brightness)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (or honey works too)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (essential for that classic apple crumble flavor)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (helps thicken the juices)
For the Oat Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gives that perfect crunch – don’t use quick oats)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (helps bind everything)
- ½ cup brown sugar (white works too but brown adds more flavor)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (complements the apple filling perfectly)
- ¼ tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed (the secret to a crispy topping!)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or pecans work great)
How to Make Apple Crumble
Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them about ¼ inch thick. Not too thin or they’ll get mushy!
- Toss the apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated. They should look glossy and smell amazing.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly in your baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
- Mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients. This is key! Keep working until you get a crumbly texture with pea-sized bits of butter. Don’t overmix or it’ll become paste-like.
- If using nuts, stir them in now.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering completely.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and you can see the apple filling bubbling around the edges.
- Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving (the hardest part, tbh).
Delicious Apple Crumble Variations
Classic Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Replace 2 of the apples with 1 cup of fresh blackberries for a berry twist that’s perfect in late summer.
Caramel Apple Crumble
Add 3 tbsp of caramel sauce to the apple mixture and drizzle more on top before serving.
Oat and Apple Crumble with Ginger
Add 1 tbsp of finely chopped crystallized ginger to the filling and ½ tsp ground ginger to the crumble for a warming kick.
Healthier Apple Crumble Recipe with Oats
Reduce sugar to 2 tbsp, use coconut oil instead of butter, and add ¼ cup of ground flaxseed to the topping.
Apple Crisp Crumble Fusion
Add ¼ cup of finely chopped pecans and 2 tbsp of rolled oats to the filling for texture throughout.
Apple Crumble Recipe
Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples Granny Smith or any variety
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg optional
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Oat Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar or white sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter cubed
- ¼ cup chopped nuts optional, e.g. walnuts or pecans
Instructions
Prep the Apples:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. Toss them with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Spread the mixture in the baking dish.
Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cubed cold butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until crumbly, with pea-sized butter pieces. Stir in chopped nuts if desired.
Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This recipe works with gluten-free flour if needed.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make simple apple crumble?
The simplest apple crumble just needs apples, sugar, flour, oats, and butter. Slice apples, mix with sugar, top with a mixture of flour, oats, and butter rubbed together, then bake at 350°F for 30 mins. That’s it! No fancy equipment needed.
What is the secret to a good crumble?
The secret to amazing apple crumble is using COLD butter and not overworking the topping. Those little pockets of butter create the perfect crumbly texture when baked. Also, don’t skimp on the spices – they make all the difference in depth of flavor.
Do you cook apples before putting them in a crumble?
Nope! One of the best things about apple crumble is you don’t need to pre-cook the apples. They’ll soften perfectly in the oven while the topping gets crispy. Just make sure to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
What is the best apple filling for crumble?
The best apple filling uses a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp). The key is adding a bit of lemon juice and cornstarch – this prevents browning and thickens the juices. A touch of cinnamon and brown sugar creates that classic caramelized flavor.
What are the three ingredients in crumble topping?
The three essential ingredients for any apple crumble topping are: flour, butter, and sugar. Everything else (oats, nuts, spices) is a bonus! The flour provides structure, butter adds richness and creates the crumbly texture, and sugar brings sweetness and helps with browning.
Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add 5-10 mins to the baking time if cooking from cold. The crumble topping can also be made and frozen separately for up to 3 months.
How do I store leftover apple crumble?
Cover and refrigerate leftover apple crumble for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 mins to crisp up the topping again. Microwaving works in a pinch but the topping won’t be as crispy.
Make This Apple Crumble Your Own
I still remember the first time I made this recipe – it was for a potluck and I was nervous. But the dish came back completely empty! There’s something special about taking these simple ingredients and creating something that brings people together.
What I love most about this apple crumble recipe with oats is how it walks that line between classic comfort food and something you can really make your own. Whether you’re sticking to tradition or trying one of the variations, the warm smell of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen is pure magic.
Give it a try this weekend – I bet it’ll become your go-to apple dessert recipe too. Tag me if you make it!