If you want a dessert that wraps you in warm, cozy comfort with every bite, this Apple Crumble Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, tart Granny Smith apples with a perfectly spiced, golden crumble topping that’s crunchy and buttery. This classic treat is simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough to impress at any gathering. Get ready to fall in love with the beautiful balance of sweet, tart, and spice that makes this Apple Crumble Recipe a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Apple Crumble Recipe are easy to find and straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role—from creating the juicy apple filling to the buttery, crispy topping. Let’s break down how these simple pantry staples come together to deliver such amazing texture and flavor.
- 8 Granny Smith apples: Their tartness provides a perfect contrast to the sweet crumble and helps keep the filling juicy and flavorful.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic sweetness that enhances the apples.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples just the right amount without overpowering their natural flavor.
- 2 tsp lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and brightens the overall taste.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the apple filling, making every spoonful satisfyingly smooth.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds classic warmth and spice to the filling.
- 1¼ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping, providing that irresistible crispiness.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar by contributing extra sweetness and texture.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Sprinkles extra warmth into the crumble topping for a harmonious flavor.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors, rounding out the taste perfectly.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crumble together while adding rich, buttery goodness.
How to Make Apple Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350ºF. This temperature is just right to cook the apples until tender while turning the topping beautifully golden and crisp. It sets the stage for that perfect balance of textures.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples with vanilla extract, granulated sugar, lemon juice, flour, and cinnamon. Make sure every piece of apple is well coated. This mixture will bubble with flavor and thicken up as it bakes, giving you that classic, juicy filling everyone loves in an Apple Crumble Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then pour in the melted butter and use a fork to combine everything until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This topping is what gives the crumble its heavenly crunch and rich flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Crumble
Grease a 9×9 baking dish and pour in the apple mixture, spreading it out evenly. Then generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering every inch. This layering ensures each bite has the perfect ratio of soft fruit and crispy topping that makes this Apple Crumble Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the apple filling is bubbling and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The smell filling your kitchen will already make you eager to dig in, but give it a little patience—you want the flavors to meld and the topping to set beautifully.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Allow the crumble to cool for 10 to 15 minutes once out of the oven. This resting time lets the filling thicken slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy. Plus, it gives you the perfect warm dessert experience every time.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
For that next-level touch, serve your apple crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts softly over the warm dessert. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can also bring extra texture and richness. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing note.
Side Dishes
Apple crumble is a wonderful standalone dessert, but if you’re looking to create a full meal experience, consider pairing it with a light cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee. Alternatively, a warm custard or crème anglaise sauce can complement the fruit and spices beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Apple Crumble Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch perfect for dinner parties. You can also layer the filling and crumble in a clear glass trifle bowl for a stunning visual effect that shows off all the textures. Garnishing each serving with a cinnamon stick adds an inviting aroma as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover apple crumble can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the freshness of the apples and the crunch of the topping when reheated properly.
Freezing
Apple crumble freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to defrost, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve its delicious texture.
Reheating
To bring your apple crumble back to life, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the topping crispier compared to microwaving, which can sometimes make it soggy. If you’re in a hurry, microwave reheating is fine but consider adding a minute or two extra for best results.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Crumble Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect because of their tartness and firmness, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for different sweetness levels and textures. Just be mindful that softer apples cook faster.
Is it possible to make this Apple Crumble Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or almond flour. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I prepare the crumble topping in advance?
Definitely. You can make the crumble topping a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready to bake, simply sprinkle it fresh over the apple filling before popping the dish in the oven.
How do I know when the apple crumble is done baking?
You’ll see the fruit filling bubbling around the edges and the topping will have turned a beautiful golden brown. If you want extra crispiness, you can bake it a few minutes longer but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Can I double this Apple Crumble Recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish or two separate dishes. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep checking for that bubbly filling and golden topping.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crumble Recipe is a timeless, heartwarming dessert that never fails to bring smiles. It’s simple to make but delivers big on flavor, perfect for sharing with friends and family any time you want a little extra sweetness. I hope you give it a try and create delicious memories with every bite!
Print
Apple Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Apple Crumble recipe features a tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble topping. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, it’s a comforting dessert ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Crumble Topping
- 1¼ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the apple crumble.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Granny Smith apples with vanilla extract, granulated sugar, lemon juice, all purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Toss thoroughly to ensure the apples are fully coated with the mixture.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and use a fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly in texture.
- Assemble Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and pour the apple filling evenly into the dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the apple filling, covering it completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the apple filling is bubbling and the crumble topping turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the crumble from the oven and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes serving easier. Enjoy your warm apple crumble!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- To make the topping gluten free, substitute all purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend.
