Apple Crumble is the ultimate comfort dessert—warm, sweet, and delightfully crumbly. Made with tender apples spiced with cinnamon and topped with a buttery streusel, it’s a fall favorite that works just as beautifully year-round. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or just craving something nostalgic, this easy apple crumble recipe hits all the right notes.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Sweet and tart apples paired with a buttery crumble topping.
- Warm cinnamon flavor makes it perfect for autumn or holiday meals.
- No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl, a dish, and your hands.
- Ideal for prepping ahead and reheating when guests arrive.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
What Is Apple Crumble?
Apple Crumble is a beloved British dessert made from baked apples topped with a crumbly, buttery streusel. Unlike pie, there’s no pastry base—just layers of tender fruit and crisp topping. While it's often served in the fall, its simplicity and versatility have made it a global favorite. The combination of sweet, soft apples and golden crumble is comforting, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Crumble
- Use tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for balanced flavor.
- Chill the crumble before baking—it helps keep the topping crunchy.
- Don’t overmix the topping; you want large crumbs for the best texture.
- Add oats or chopped nuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
- Bake uncovered so the top gets golden and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits in this crumble?
Yes! Pears, berries, or plums work well either on their own or mixed with apples.
What's the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
Both are similar, but apple crisp usually includes oats in the topping, giving it more texture. Crumble is typically a simpler butter-flour-sugar combo.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on for extra fiber and a more rustic look.
Should I serve apple crumble hot or cold?
It’s best served warm, but it's also delicious at room temperature or chilled. A scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it over the top!
How to Store Apple Crumble
Let your apple crumble cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
How to Freeze Apple Crumble
You can freeze apple crumble before or after baking.
- Before baking: Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
- After baking: Cool completely, then freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to keep the topping crisp.
Ingredients
How to Make Classic Apple Crumble
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In a bowl, mix flour, white sugar, and vanilla sugar. Add cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a bowl, mix flour, white sugar, and vanilla sugar. Add cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Peel and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
Peel and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
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Transfer the apple mixture to a 20×20 cm (8×8-inch) baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with the chilled crumble mixture, breaking it into large chunks as you scatter it over the fruit.
Transfer the apple mixture to a 20×20 cm (8×8-inch) baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with the chilled crumble mixture, breaking it into large chunks as you scatter it over the fruit.
Preheat oven to 360°F (180°C). Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
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Preheat oven to 360°F (180°C). Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let it cool slightly. Scoop into bowls and serve warm—ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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