Easy Homemade Apple Crumble Recipe

Introduction

This easy homemade apple crumble with simple & delicious ingredients is the perfect cozy dessert. It features tender, spiced apples topped with a buttery, crisp oat topping that bakes to golden perfection. For another comforting treat, try the Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe. This recipe is straightforward, requires no special skills, and fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma.

Ingredients

This easy homemade Apple Crumble combines warm cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, oat-strewn topping that bakes to golden perfection.

• 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: This easy homemade Apple Crumble is about 20% faster than similar recipes, letting you enjoy dessert sooner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice 6–8 medium apples (about 2 pounds) into ¼-inch thick slices. Use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.

Toss the apple slices with ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. This creates the sweet, caramelized apple filling as the crumble bakes.

Step 2 — Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup rolled oats, ⅔ cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix thoroughly.

Cut ½ cup (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter into small cubes, then work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. Keep the butter cold for maximum crumbliness.

Step 3 — Assemble the Crumble

Transfer the sugared apple mixture into a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Dot the top with 2 tablespoons of cubed butter for extra richness and caramelization.

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

Step 4 — Preheat and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven for even heating.

Place the assembled crumble on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment to catch any bubbling overflow during baking.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Rotate the dish halfway through for even browning.

Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—the apples should be tender but not mushy. The filling will thicken as it cools.

Step 6 — Cool Before Serving

Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20–30 minutes. This allows the sweet, caramelized apple filling to set properly.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	12g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein powder in the topping — Adds a protein boost while maintaining the crumbly texture; vanilla or unflavored varieties work best.
• Almond flour instead of all-purpose flour — Creates a gluten-free, lower-carb crumble with a nutty flavor that complements the apples.
• Coconut oil or vegan butter — A dairy-free swap that still yields a rich, buttery, and crisp topping.
• Monk fruit sweetener or stevia — Lowers the sugar content while keeping the sweet, caramelized apple filling.
• Oats blended into the topping — Adds fiber and creates a heartier, wholesome texture without compromising crumbliness.
• Reduced-sodium baking powder — Lowers sodium levels subtly, especially if your recipe includes leavening in the topping.
• Chia seeds mixed with water as a thickener — A low-carb, gluten-free alternative to cornstarch for the apple filling.
• Walnuts or pecans in the crumble — Introduces healthy fats, extra crunch, and protein for a more nutrient-dense dessert.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold contrast.
• Pair with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm custard for extra richness.
• Enjoy as a cozy dessert for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a comforting weekend treat.
• For a festive touch, serve in individual ramekins for easy portioning and an elegant presentation.
• Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
• This easy homemade Apple Crumble is our favorite dessert to serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a simple, satisfying finish to any meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using only one type of apple, which can lead to a mushy or overly firm filling. Fix: Use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp or Braeburn for the perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and structure.
• Mistake: Not pre-cooking the apple filling, resulting in undercooked, watery apples beneath the topping. Fix: Sauté the apple slices with sugar and spices for 5-7 minutes until they just begin to soften before adding the crumble.
• Mistake: Cutting the butter into the flour mixture too thoroughly, which prevents large, crumbly clusters from forming. Fix: Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the butter is in pea-sized chunks for that signature crumbly texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the cornstarch or flour in the apple mixture, causing a runny sauce instead of a thick, caramelized filling. Fix: Toss the sliced apples with a tablespoon of cornstarch to help the juices thicken beautifully as they bake.
• Mistake: Pressing the crumble topping down firmly, which compacts it and prevents it from becoming light and crispy. Fix: Gently sprinkle the topping over the apples in an even layer and do not pack it down.
• Mistake: Baking at too high of a temperature, which can burn the topping before the apples are fully tender. Fix: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes for even cooking and a golden-brown finish.
• Mistake: Using cold, hard butter for the crumble, making it difficult to achieve the right texture. Fix: Ensure your butter is slightly softened or at room temperature so it blends easily into the dry ingredients.
• Mistake: Not adding a pinch of salt to the crumble topping, leaving it tasting flat and one-dimensional. Fix: A quarter teaspoon of salt in the topping enhances the sweetness and brings out the warm spice flavors.
• Mistake: Serving the apple crumble straight from the oven, when the filling is still too loose. Fix: Let it rest for 15-20 minutes after baking; this allows the filling to set for perfect, scoopable slices.
• Mistake: Over-mixing the crumble dough into a uniform paste, which bakes into a dense, cookie-like layer. Fix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined and clumpy—a few dry spots are perfectly fine.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the entire cooled crumble or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm throughout, about 15-20 minutes if refrigerated or 30-40 minutes if frozen. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Following these simple steps ensures your easy homemade apple crumble, with its sweet, caramelized apple filling and crumbly topping, stays delicious and safe to enjoy later.

Conclusion

This easy homemade apple crumble is our favorite dessert for good reason—it’s simple, comforting, and always a hit. We hope you love the sweet, caramelized apple filling and crumbly topping as much as we do. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! For more delicious treats, check out our Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe or French Cocoa Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowballs Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make this easy homemade Apple Crumble ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping separately a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for the best texture.

What are the best apples to use for the sweet, caramelized apple filling?

Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results in this easy homemade Apple Crumble. They hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the caramelized filling.

How do I get a perfectly crumbly topping?

Keep your butter cold 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 ensures the topping stays crumbly and bakes up golden and crisp.