With a warm, cinnamon laced apple filling and a perfectly crunchy, crumbly topping, Apple Crumble is an absolute crowd pleaser! Very easy to make, this Apple Crumble recipe is a keeper that you’ll make again and again.
This is a reader favourite included by popular demand in my debut cookbook “Dinner”!
THE Apple Crumble recipe
This is The Apple Crumble recipe I’ve been making for years and years. Ever since my sister made an Apple Crumble by a well known celebrity chef for my birthday dinner (yes I’m weird, I seriously requested Apple Crumble instead of a birthday cake) and it was terribly disappointing.
Crumbly topping to be sure, but it was awfully dry and the filling was watery.
Not her fault, it was the recipe. She was not happy. Actually, she was rather grumpy.
That was the moment when I decided I needed to create my own recipe. 🙂
Why use this Apple Crumble recipe?
There are tons and tons of Apple Crumble recipes out there. This recipe doesn’t have any ground breaking techniques or secret ingredients. But it works, tastes great and it makes an Apple Crumble that is everything it should be. Specifically:
1. The apple filling is not dry or watery. It is made ever so slightly jammy / syrupy with the addition of flour mixed with the usual sugar (plus cinnamon for fragrance). Just a bit of flour really makes a difference; and
2. The crumbly topping bakes up beautifully crisp but is not dry or doughy or overly sweet. It crumbles when you serve it – hence the name 😉 – but it doesn’t disintegrate, there are chunks that hold together. Think chunky muesli/granola – like that. But softer. 🙂
Best apples for Apple Crumble
I like to use Granny Smith apples because the sweet-tart palette appeals to me. If you prefer not to have tartness, then feel free to use sweet red apples.
This recipe will also work for pears and even stone fruits like peaches.
The smell when this is in the oven is just heavenly. The cinnamon, the apple, the buttery sweet goodness.
And that moment when you crack through the nubbly golden topping and are greeted with the sight of golden syrupy, tender apples…
It’s just a little bit of heaven, right there.
Just one rule. Don’t forget the ice cream!!! 😇 – Nagi x
Apple Crumble
Watch how to make it
This recipe features in my debut cookbook Dinner. Mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand!
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Apple Crumble
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 lb / 1kg Granny Smith Apples( green apples) , weight before peeling
- 1 tbsp flour , plain / all-purpose
- 1/2 cup white sugar (sub brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or water)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats / oatmeal (quick cooking is ok)
- 1 cup flour , plain / all-purpose
- 1 cup (loosely packed) brown sugar (sub white sugar)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 125g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted
- Pinch of salt
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F (both fan and standard).
- Apple – Peel apples, then cut into 1.5cm/ 1/2” cubes.
- Apple filling – Place apples in a bowl. Sprinkle with flour, sugar and cinnamon, then pour over lemon juice. Toss, then spread out evenly in a 1.5 litre/1.5 quart baking dish.
- Crumble topping – Place Topping ingredients in a bowl. Mix until clumps form, like wet sand (see video). Spread over the apples, crumbling with fingers if required to get that crumbly topping.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove, cover loosely with foil to keep warm and let stand for 10 minutes before serving (let's the apple syrup thicken slightly).
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!
Recipe Notes:
Originally posted April 2016, updated with new commentary, recipe video and fresh new photos. No change to recipe!Nutrition Information:
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Life of Dozer
This is why I don’t need a compost!!!
Okay.
Mine was too watery for my liking.
Made this on a whim so I wouldn’t have to throw away apples before going on holiday and boy am I glad I did.
This recipe was so easy and delicious. I was pretty relaxed with the measurements and it still turned out great. Thanks for the recipe.
I’ve made this twice. The second time I increased the topping quantity by 25%. The main change I made was to pre-cook the filling. The recipe works really well.
Made today with pink lady apples and pure maple sugar. SWOON!
Great recipe
This recipe for apple crumble is great. I’ve done it a few times and always comes out perfect, thank you Nagi.
This is hands down the best apple crumble I’ve ever had. I’ve only gotten into baking within the last two years, but I’ve baked everything from cookies to cupcakes, brownies, pies, butter tarts, cinnamon buns, bread loafs, dessert loafs, donuts, etc. and this has to be one of the best things I’ve ever baked. I did use apple crisp apples (that’s all I had) instead of the Granny Smith. I also drizzled a little bit of Carmel on top of mine and baked it for exactly 44mins, but other than those small changes, incredible recipe! So grateful I found this
We both found it a bit sweet but still a lovely recipe. Next time I’d cut the sugar down in the topping by half
My 9 year old daughter and I made this recipe tonight and it was such a hit with the family! Will definitely be making it again. Thank you
I scrolled through a few pages of apple crumble recipes but this one was the ONLY one that looked exactly like what I pictured in my head! Also, wasn’t overly complicated and delivered on flavor and comfort! Thank you!
Nagi, your version of Apple Crumble is the best one that I’ve ever cooked. My family devoured it leaving no leftovers. My granddaughter India requested it for her 6th Birthday dinner she loved it so much!
Such a winner! Made this for friends recently and everyone raved about it. The crumble was the best I’ve ever had, I made it exactly as per the recipe and the proportions were spot on. New favourite!
I made this with cooked quinces, put the crumble on top without any modifications and cooked it in the air fryer at 180 degrees for 20 minutes.. Absolutely delicious!! I have been searching for this crumble for years and never found anything nearly as crisp, crunchy, delicious and perfect. Use it for any uncooked or cooked fruit with adjustments of temperature according to which type of fruit you are using. Thank you so much! The search for the perfect crumble is over!!!
This recipe is a delight! I halved the sugar in both the apple and crumble sections and it was perfect. Served with home-made ice cream. Absolutely delish! And it’s perfect in my little one’s lunchbox in the following days
This is now a household staple – loved by all. Thanks Nagi 🙂
This recipe is so good!!! My husband absolutely loved it too. Yay! Thanks Nagi x
Made exactly according to the recipe card and it turned out great! No problem with the cup of sugar, balanced nicely with the tartness if the apple. Had with Vanilla ice-cream, YUM 😋
Sadly, this didnt turn out satisfactorily for me. – we’ll eat itnevertheless.
My wife and I made this recipe but instead of using apples we used pumpkin pie filling from your pumpkin pie recipe. Highly recommend.
I always seem to have trouble getting crumble topping right, but this was absolutely perfect – my go to recipe from here on in. I went rogue with the filling though, only had 2 small (and slightly elderly) apples, so I made up the difference with thinly sliced chokos. Slightly firmer texture than apples, but honestly, that is the only difference, it all tasted amazing!