Name: Easy Apple Crumble
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5–6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon (divided); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar (or white sugar); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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I love making this easy apple crumble when I want a cozy, comforting dessert that feels classic and homemade. It’s warm, full of tender cinnamon apples, and topped with a buttery, golden crumble that I can’t resist. I find it perfect for family dinners, holidays, or whenever I crave something sweet and simple.

Easy Apple Crumble

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the filling:

5–6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the crumble topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup rolled oats

½ cup brown sugar (or white sugar if preferred)

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Directions

Preheat the oven:
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish.

Prepare the filling:
In a large bowl, I toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. I make sure the apples are evenly coated, then I spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Make the crumble topping:
In another bowl, I combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. I add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or my fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble and bake:
I sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Then I bake it for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling around the edges.

Serve:
I let the crumble cool slightly before serving. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6

Preparation time: about 15–20 minutes

Baking time: 35–40 minutes

Total time: about 55–60 minutes

Variations

I sometimes mix tart and sweet apples together for a more balanced flavor. Combining Granny Smith with Honeycrisp gives me both brightness and natural sweetness.

When I want extra crunch, I add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.

If I need a gluten-free version, I substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. I make sure the oats I use are certified gluten-free as well.

For a deeper flavor, I occasionally add a pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel over the top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Once it has completely cooled, I either cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the crumble to an airtight container.

When I reheat it, I prefer using the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–15 minutes to help the topping stay crisp. If I’m in a hurry, I warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, though the topping will be softer.

I can also freeze the baked crumble for up to 2 months. I let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the crumble a few hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator before baking. I also sometimes bake it the day before and reheat it just before serving.

Which apples work best for apple crumble?

I like using firm apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. I often combine one tart variety with one sweet variety for the best flavor.

How do I know when the crumble is done?

I look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit around the edges. I also check that the apples feel tender when I insert a knife.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, I can slightly reduce the sugar in both the filling and the topping if I prefer a less sweet dessert. If my apples are naturally sweet, I sometimes cut back a bit without affecting the texture.

Why is my crumble topping not crispy?

If my topping turns out soft, it may be because the butter was too warm or the crumble was covered while still hot. I make sure to use cold butter and allow the crumble to cool uncovered for the best texture.

Conclusion

I find this easy apple crumble to be one of the most comforting and reliable desserts I can make. With its tender cinnamon apples and buttery, golden topping, it always feels special without requiring much effort. Whenever I need a warm, crowd-pleasing treat, this is the recipe I happily turn to.

📖 Recipe:

Easy Apple Crumble

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A warm and comforting apple crumble made with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble. This easy, classic dessert is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you crave something cozy and homemade.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated. Spread into the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.