There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting classic apple crumble to soothe the soul and satisfy your sweet tooth. This beloved dessert, with its tender spiced apples and golden, buttery crumble topping, is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, impromptu gatherings, or even festive occasions. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an approachable treat that every home cook can master.

Table of Contents

Classic Apple Crumble

George Law

A timeless dessert of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden, buttery crumble. Simple to make with pantry staples, this classic apple crumble is perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine British, Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

oven
Mixing bowls
baking dish (8 or 9-inch)
mixing spoon or fork
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 lb Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly clumps form.
In a large bowl, toss chopped apples with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
Bake for 35-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling.
Cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle if desired.

Notes

Use tart Granny Smith apples for the best flavor balance. Add chopped nuts or rolled oats to the topping for extra crunch. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

Keyword apple crumble, baked dessert, cinnamon apple, easy fall recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Classic Apple Crumble

Easy to make with basic pantry staples

Perfect balance of tart and sweet thanks to Granny Smith apples and cinnamon

Buttery, crumbly topping with a hint of spice

Wonderful served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Family-friendly dessert everyone will enjoy

Ingredients for Classic Apple Crumble You’ll Need

For the crumble topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the apple filling:
2 1/2 lb Granny Smith apples (about 6 to 7 cups), peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly clumps form. Using your hands, mix until the crumble has the perfect texture.
In a large bowl, mix the chopped apples with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon until well coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling. Place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips if desired.
Let cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Prep Tips
To save time, consider using pre-peeled or frozen apples, or even leftover cooked apples from pies. Pre-made crumble toppings from stores can also help streamline preparation.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftover apple crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for a fresh-from-the-oven experience. This dessert freezes well wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your warm apple crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of nutmeg can add a delightful twist.

Variations and Add-ons

Feel free to mix in raisins, chopped nuts, or even a splash of apple cider to the filling to customize the flavor. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour in the topping with almond or oat flour.

Cultural Note

Apple crumble is a classic British dessert that has won hearts worldwide. Its combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy topping makes it a universal symbol of homey comfort.

Additional Tips

Choosing the right apples is key. Granny Smiths provide a tart contrast to the sweet topping, while mixing half Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples adds complexity.

For extra flavor layers, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.

To make the topping extra crunchy, fold in a handful of rolled oats or chopped pecans.

This classic apple crumble is the perfect recipe for seasons when you want warmth, comfort, and a little sweetness. Simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough for family gatherings or potlucks, this dessert will quickly become a favorite.

Enjoy every bite of this warm, comforting classic!