Name: The Best Apple Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour; 3/4 cup brown sugar light or dark; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted; 2 ½ pounds Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced or diced into bite-sized pieces (about 6 to 7 cups); ½ cup granulated sugar or brown sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons corn starch or all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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There’s something magical about a warm apple crumble fresh from the oven—the tender, spiced apples bubbling beneath a golden, buttery topping. It’s a dessert that feels like home, wrapping you in comfort with every spoonful. Whether shared with family after dinner or served at a holiday table, apple crumble is the kind of classic recipe that never goes out of style.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try Recipe

Apple crumble is one of those desserts that feels effortless yet delivers so much flavor. It’s rustic, warm, and inviting, making it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Unlike complicated desserts, this one requires just a few pantry staples and fresh apples to create something truly irresistible.

What sets this recipe apart is its balance: the crumble topping is perfectly crisp with just the right hint of cinnamon, while the apples remain tender and juicy without becoming mushy. The addition of lemon juice brightens the filling, ensuring every bite has a delightful depth of flavor.

If you love simple, cozy desserts that taste like comfort itself, this apple crumble will quickly become your go-to. It’s a recipe that satisfies cravings, impresses guests, and leaves your kitchen smelling like fall any time of the year.

Core Ingredients for Making the Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious apple crumble:

🛒 Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 to 7 cups)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to make it

👩‍🍳 Directions:

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray an 8- or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2️⃣ Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Whisk until well mixed.
3️⃣ Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly.
4️⃣ Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour if using), and ground cinnamon.
5️⃣ Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
6️⃣ Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the filling.
7️⃣ Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
8️⃣ Let cool for 15 minutes before serving with ice cream if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Apple crumble shines brightest when served warm, straight from the oven, with its bubbly filling and golden topping. Pair it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and let it melt slightly over the warm crumble—it’s a combination that’s simply heavenly.

For a cozier presentation, try serving it with freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Both add richness without overpowering the natural sweetness of the apples. A dusting of powdered sugar on top also makes it look extra special for gatherings.

If you’re serving it as part of a holiday feast, consider pairing it with spiced drinks like hot apple cider, chai tea, or even mulled wine. The flavors complement each other beautifully and elevate this humble dessert into a celebration-worthy dish.

Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

Switch up the fruit filling by mixing apples with pears or cranberries for a festive touch. The tartness of cranberries paired with sweet apples gives the crumble a lovely holiday flair. Peaches and apples also make a delicious summer combination.

For a nuttier version, stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping before baking. They add a delightful crunch and a subtle roasted flavor that pairs wonderfully with the warm spices.

If you’d like to play with spices, try adding nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the filling or topping. These small adjustments can transform the flavor profile and make the recipe feel fresh every time you bake it.

Storing Tips

If you have leftovers, store your apple crumble covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. It stays crisp and delicious without losing too much texture.

For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crisp topping.

Apple crumble also freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best apples for crumble?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can also be used for a sweeter flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for both the topping and filling.

3. How do I keep the topping crisp?
Avoid covering the crumble while it’s cooling, as steam can soften the topping. Reheating in the oven also helps restore crispness.

4. Can I prepare apple crumble ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

5. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely. You can cut down on the sugar in both the filling and the topping without affecting the overall texture.

Conclusion

The best apple crumble is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort food. With its buttery, golden topping and tender, spiced apple filling, it’s a dessert that feels timeless and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it with ice cream, caramel sauce, or simply on its own, this recipe guarantees warmth and happiness in every bite.