Make this easy recipe for apple crumble for a comforting and delicious dessert!
Warm and sweet sliced apples are baked under a brown sugar buttery topping with just a hint of fragrant cinnamon!
This simple Fall-inspired recipe can be a topping, a side dish, or a sweet treat with whipped cream or ice cream!
Easy Recipe for Apple Crumble
- Traditional apple pie is great, but when time and motivation are short, this quick and simple apple crumble “takes the cake!”
- With just a few steps and some pantry staples, this cozy dessert is ready to bake and serve!
- This easy recipe is just prep, mix, and bake! Double up the recipe and use it to top pancakes or waffles all week long, or use it as a filling for crepes.
Apple Crumble vs. Apple Crisp
Is it a crumble or a crisp? The secret is in what’s in the topping. Crumbles are made with a simple topping of flour, brown sugar, and butter which bakes into a glaze over the fruit, whereas a crisp incorporates oats and optional nuts that create a crunchier topping.
Ingredients and Variations
Apples: The tart flavor of Granny Smith apples pairs perfectly with the buttery brown sugar topping and they also hold their shape better than other varieties. Sweeter crumbles can be made with Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or any combination of apples that are on hand!
Topping: Switch out the white flour for almond flour if you want a gluten-free apple crumble. Maple syrup or honey can be used in place of brown sugar if desired. For best results, stick with real butter because in baked goods, the flavor can’t be beat. Add extra warm and fragrant spices with a pinch of homemade apple pie spice or this gingerbread blend.
Variations: Blueberries and blackberries go great with apples in a crumble or try some cranberries that will add a festive touch to the holiday table. For an even sweeter treat, mix in some toffee chips, butterscotch chips, or chopped caramels. Turn a crumble into a crisp and mix some old-fashioned oats and chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the topping.
How to Make Apple Crumble
- Add sliced apples to a pie tin or casserole dish (as per the recipe card below).
- Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl until crumbly. PRO TIP: Make extra topping and store for up to a month in the refrigerator and use it for future crumbles or on top of other baked goods like muffins, quick breads, and even cookies!
- Sprinkle topping over apples and bake until the apples are cooked through.
Allow to set about 5 minutes before serving (it will still be very hot).
Storing Apple Crumble
- Keep apple crumble covered on the counter for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals to avoid burning.
- If making ahead, toss the apples with a spoonful of lemon juice so they don’t brown too much.
- Freeze portions in single-serving zippered bags for up to 4 weeks.
More Apple Desserts
Have you tried this Apple Crumble recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Apple Crumble
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup flour
- ½ brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt if using unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚F.
- To a 9 inch pie tin, or similar casserole dish, add apples.
- In a medium bowl, add flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt and cinnamon if using. Using a pastry cutter or fork, combine until the mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle over top of apples.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until apples are cooked through.
Notes
- Apple crisp will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days and in the freezer for 4 months.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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Great recipe for the apples from my tree!
It’s such a great recipe to use those backyard apples! 🙂