Dessert

Easy Apple Crumble Recipe

ByLily Monroe October 16, 2025October 16, 2025

Introduction

This easy apple crumble is a comforting dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat topping. It’s perfect for cozy evenings and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

A white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is soft, chunky apple pieces in a light brown sauce; the middle layer is a thick, crumbly golden brown oat topping; the top layer is a smooth white scoop of vanilla ice cream with visible vanilla bean specks. A silver spoon rests on the edge of the bowl. In the background, there is a white baking dish with more apple crumble on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 apples, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup light brown sugar, packed (for crumble)
1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble)
1 cup quick cook oats
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 teaspoon cinnamon (for crumble)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ cup flour. Toss well to coat the apples evenly.
Step 2: Pour the apple mixture into a 2-quart baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, oats, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter.
Step 4: Use your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. This may take a few minutes.
Step 5: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples and press lightly to cover.
Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Step 7: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, ideally topped with a scoop of ice cream.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling.
Try using a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex taste.
Substitute the oats with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Use chilled grated butter instead of cubes for quicker mixing.

Storage

Store leftover apple crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white baking dish filled with a baked apple crumble dessert, showing two main layers: the bottom layer is soft, cooked apple pieces in a light brown syrup, and the top layer is a golden brown, crunchy crumb topping with a grainy texture. A spoon holds a scoop of the crumble above the dish, with visible chunks of apple and crisp, crumbly topping. The dish sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Frozen apples can be used but may release more moisture, which can result in a softer crumble topping. Thaw and drain excess liquid before using for best results.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats. This will maintain the texture and flavor while avoiding gluten.