There’s something truly magical about a warm, comforting Apple Crumble Recipe that combines tender, tangy apples with a sweet, buttery crumble topping that simply melts in your mouth. This recipe is a classic dessert that evokes cozy memories and satisfies cravings with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it after a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this Apple Crumble Recipe is your ticket to pure, homemade happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Crumble Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the dish’s harmonious taste and texture. From the crispness of Granny Smith apples to the melt-in-your-mouth crumble topping, every component contributes something special.
- Granny Smith apples: Eight peeled and chopped apples provide a tart base that shines through the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: A teaspoon enhances the flavor depth with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Granulated sugar: Half a cup adds just the right amount of sweetness to the apples without overpowering.
- Lemon juice: Two teaspoons prevent browning and add a fresh citrusy zing.
- All-purpose flour: Used twice—two tablespoons in the filling to thicken and 1¼ cups in the topping for a crumbly texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Half a teaspoon in the filling and another half for the topping, bringing warm spice notes that perfectly complement the apples.
- Brown sugar: Half a cup in the topping offers a deep caramel flavor and dark color.
- Granulated sugar (for topping): A quarter cup balances out the brown sugar’s richness.
- Salt: A quarter teaspoon in the topping rounds out all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Half a cup melted butter binds the crumble topping together and adds luscious richness.
How to Make Apple Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This ensures it’s ready and hot by the time you assemble your crumble so you can bake it evenly to a golden perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the chopped Granny Smith apples, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, lemon juice, two tablespoons of flour, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss everything together until all the apple pieces are beautifully coated. This mixture is what gives you that soft, flavorful fruit base that sings in every bite.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and then use a fork to mix gently until the mixture clumps into that perfect crumbly texture that will bake up with a satisfyingly crisp top layer.
Step 4: Assemble the Crumble
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour in the apple filling, spreading it out evenly. Next, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, making sure to cover the surface so every slice will be topped with that signature crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your assembled apple crumble dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbling fruit filling and a topping that’s beautifully golden brown—this is when your kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible.
Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow the Apple Crumble Recipe to sit for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the filling set slightly and cool enough so you don’t burn your tongue while still enjoying the warmth and gooey, crunchy balance.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Apple Crumble Recipe by adding a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful texture contrast. Don’t overlook a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation that tastes as wonderful as it looks.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of hot tea or coffee, balancing the sweetness with a bit of bitterness. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside a warm caramel sauce drizzle or pour over a bit of crème anglaise to turn your crumble into an elegant finale.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Apple Crumble Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions that feel special and tailored to each guest. You can also layer it in clear glasses with extra whipped cream for an attractive parfait-style dessert that shows off each delicious layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover apple crumble covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will remain delicious for up to 3 days and allows the flavors to meld even more.
Freezing
You can freeze this Apple Crumble Recipe before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly and bake from frozen by adding 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time. For baked leftovers, wrap well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat apple crumble in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and crisp on top. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the crumbly texture. If using a microwave, reheat in short intervals to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Crumble Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give the perfect tartness and firmness, you can use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, juicier crumble. Just keep in mind that softer apples might create a less firm filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. The texture might be slightly different but it will still be delicious and safe for those avoiding gluten.
How do I know when the Apple Crumble Recipe is perfectly baked?
You’ll want to see the fruit filling bubbling around the edges and the crumble topping turning a golden brown color with crispy edges. The aroma will also be a helpful guide—your kitchen will smell irresistibly inviting!
Can I prepare the apple filling in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare and refrigerate the apple filling a few hours or even a day ahead. Just stir it gently before assembling to redistribute the juices and prevent settling.
What’s the best way to serve Apple Crumble Recipe for a crowd?
For large groups, bake the crumble in a bigger dish or multiple smaller dishes. Serve it warm with communal bowls of ice cream or whipped cream to let everyone help themselves, creating a relaxed and happy dessert experience.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crumble Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a heartwarming treat that feels like a hug from the inside. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding every single time. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it—and watch as it becomes your new go-to dessert for any occasion.
Print
Apple Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Apple Crumble recipe features tart Granny Smith apples baked under a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping. Perfectly golden and bubbling fresh from the oven, it’s an easy and comforting dessert to enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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 ensure it’s ready for baking the crumble evenly.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples with vanilla extract, granulated sugar, lemon juice, all purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are fully coated in this flavorful mixture.
- Make 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 forms a crumbly texture.
- Assemble the Dish: Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. Pour the apple filling evenly into the dish.
- Add Crumble Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the apple filling to cover 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 is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This lets the filling set slightly for easier serving and enhances flavor. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Make sure the apples are coated well to prevent the crumble from becoming soggy.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to restore crispness to the topping before serving.
