Introduction

This easy homemade Apple Crumble is the perfect dessert for any occasion, featuring sweet, caramelized apple filling and a buttery crumbly topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive for gatherings. For more delicious apple desserts, try these Irresistible Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites Recipe or these Easy Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Cookie Recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a dessert with warm, spiced apples and a perfectly crisp, buttery topping that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Timing

Context: This easy homemade Apple Crumble is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick, impressive dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice about 6–8 medium apples into ¼-inch thick slices. Use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.

Toss the apple slices with ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. This helps create that sweet, caramelized apple filling as it bakes.

Step 2 — Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup rolled oats, ⅔ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.

Cut in ½ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keep the butter cold for a perfectly crumbly topping.

Step 3 — Assemble the Apple Base

Transfer the sugared apple mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Lightly press down to minimize gaps.

If you prefer extra sauciness, drizzle 2 tablespoons of apple juice or water over the apples before adding the topping.

Step 4 — Add the Topping

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Do not press down—leave it loose and crumbly.

For extra texture, you can gently squeeze handfuls of the topping to create some larger clumps before scattering.

Step 5 — Preheat and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential bubbling over.

Let the crumble sit while the oven preheats—this allows the apples to release some juice, which helps with caramelization.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.

Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the apples—they should be tender but not mushy. The crumble topping should be crisp and lightly browned.

Step 7 — Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the apple crumble cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.

Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the sweet, caramelized apples and crumbly topping.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein Boost — Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to the crumble topping for extra protein while maintaining the classic flavor.
• Lower-Carb Option — Substitute apples with a mix of rhubarb and berries, and use almond flour with a sugar substitute like erythritol in the topping.
• Dairy-Free Version — Replace butter in the crumble with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a rich, dairy-free dessert.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Use gluten-free oats and a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly crumble topping.
• Low-Sodium Swap — Omit added salt in both the apple filling and crumble topping, relying on cinnamon and vanilla for natural sweetness and flavor.
• Nutty Variation — Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for added crunch, healthy fats, and a deeper, nutty flavor.
• Reduced Sugar — Cut the sugar in the apple filling by half and enhance natural sweetness with a dash of apple pie spice or a sugar-free maple syrup alternative.
• Whole Grain Upgrade — Use whole wheat flour or spelt flour in the topping for added fiber and a heartier, nuttier crumble texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold dessert experience.
• Pair with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat or after-dinner delight.
• Bring this easy homemade Apple Crumble to potlucks or family gatherings—it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
• For an elegant touch, serve individual portions in ramekins with a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Top with Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter option that still highlights the sweet, caramelized apple filling.

This easy homemade Apple Crumble is our favorite dessert for any occasion, thanks to its irresistible crumbly topping and comforting flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using only one type of apple. Fix: Mix tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) varieties for balanced flavor and better texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the lemon juice. Fix: Toss apple slices with a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright note.
• Mistake: Cutting butter into the topping too much. Fix: Use cold butter and mix until pea-sized clumps form for a truly crumbly texture.
• Mistake: Not pre-cooking very firm apples. Fix: Sauté harder apple varieties briefly with the sugar and spices to ensure they soften during baking.
• Mistake: Over-mixing the crumble topping. Fix: Gently combine ingredients with a fork or your fingers to avoid a dense, tough crust.
• Mistake: Spreading the topping too thinly. Fix: Pile it on generously in an even layer to achieve that signature crispy, craggy finish.
• Mistake: Baking in a dish that’s too deep. Fix: Use a wide, shallow baking dish so the filling bubbles and the topping crisps evenly.
• Mistake: Serving it straight from the oven. Fix: Let it rest for 15-20 minutes so the juicy apple filling can set up perfectly.
• Mistake: Forgetting to taste the apple mixture. Fix: Always sample a slice before baking and adjust sugar or spices to your preference.
• Mistake: Storing leftovers while still warm. Fix: Cool completely before covering to keep the topping from getting soggy.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

This easy homemade Apple Crumble is our favorite dessert with its sweet, caramelized apple filling and crumbly topping—most definitely a crowd pleaser that stays delicious when stored properly.

Conclusion

This easy homemade apple crumble delivers the perfect balance of sweet, caramelized apples and buttery crumble topping. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort. Give this simple dessert a try and share your results in the comments below!

For another delicious apple treat, try these Caramel Apple Cupcakes with caramel frosting.

Easy Homemade Apple Crumble

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This easy homemade Apple Crumble is a favorite dessert featuring a sweet, caramelized apple filling topped with a crumbly, buttery topping, making it a crowd pleaser.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and oats.
5. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this easy homemade Apple Crumble?

Yes, you can use different apples. Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet topping, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples will make the filling sweeter. The key is to use firm apples that hold their shape during baking for the best texture in this easy homemade Apple Crumble.

How do I get a perfectly crumbly topping?

For a crumbly topping, use cold butter and work it into the flour and sugar mixture with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Do not overmix, as this can make the topping tough. This technique ensures the signature crumbly texture that makes this dessert a crowd pleaser.