Comforting Apple Crumble

Indulge in the comforting warmth of our ultimate Apple Crumble, a delightful dessert featuring succulent, tender apples infused with aromatic cinnamon spice, crowned with an irresistibly crisp mixture of brown sugar and rolled oats. This timeless treat is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also travels exceptionally well, making it a perfect potluck contribution or a hassle-free family dessert. For added convenience, the crumble topping can be prepared in advance, saving you precious time on baking day. If you adore apple-based desserts, be sure to explore our effortlessly delicious Apple Dump Cake and our renowned Classic Apple Pie!

Crafting the Perfect Apple Crumble: Our Signature Recipe

Developing this apple crumble recipe was a labor of love, spanning over a year of meticulous testing and fine-tuning. After several key adjustments this past summer, we can confidently say that this version is simply the best we’ve ever tasted. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

The Secret to Unrivaled Apple Crumble Texture

So, what’s the crucial element that elevates this apple crumble from good to extraordinary? The secret lies in how the apples are prepared: **cubing them into 1/2-inch pieces**. While sliced apples are a common choice, they can be notoriously tricky to cook evenly, often resulting in some pieces being too firm and others mushy. Cubing the apples ensures uniform tenderness throughout the filling, allowing each piece to become perfectly soft and juicy without turning to applesauce.

This method significantly improves the overall eating experience. Cubed apples hold their shape better, absorb the cinnamon and sugar flavors more effectively, and create a more satisfying texture against the crisp topping. A special thanks to A Beautiful Plate for this brilliant tip! Give it a try, and you’ll be astonished by the difference it makes in achieving a consistently delicious and perfectly textured apple crumble.

Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Apple Crumble

Creating an exceptional apple crumble requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients for both the rich, spiced apple filling and the golden, crunchy topping. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

For the Irresistible Crumble Topping:

• All-Purpose Flour: Serves as the primary structural component, providing the necessary base for the crumble mixture. It helps achieve that desirable light yet firm texture.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds a wonderful chewiness and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar. They also contribute to the rustic, hearty character of the crumble.
• Brown Sugar (Light or Dark): Imparts a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and plays a crucial role in creating the caramelized, golden-brown crust that defines a great crumble. Dark brown sugar will give a richer flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: A warming spice that brings classic comfort and aromatic depth to the topping, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Baking Soda: A small amount helps the crumble topping achieve a slightly lighter texture and aids in browning, contributing to its attractive golden hue.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, making the topping truly shine.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: This is critical. Cut into small cubes and kept cold, it binds the dry ingredients together, creates richness, and, most importantly, forms flaky pockets that result in a perfectly crisp and golden topping when baked.

For the Luscious Apple Filling:

• Apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp Recommended): The heart of this dessert. A blend of Granny Smith (for tartness and firm texture) and Honeycrisp (for sweetness and juicy crispness) creates a balanced and flavorful filling that holds up beautifully during baking. Aim for about 2 pounds.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty tartness that cuts through the sweetness, preventing the filling from becoming overly rich. It also helps prevent the apples from browning excessively after being cut.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apples, complementing their natural flavors and helping to create a syrupy, delicious juice as they cook down.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential for imparting that classic warm, comforting spice flavor that pairs so perfectly with baked apples.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the juices released from the apples during baking form a luscious, cohesive sauce rather than a watery mess.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall aroma and adds a subtle layer of complex sweetness, rounding out the apple filling’s flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make the Best Apple Crumble

Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping apple crumble that everyone will adore. Precision and technique make all the difference!

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by lining a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; this will catch any drips during baking and make cleanup a breeze. Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan, ensuring the apples won’t stick.
2. Craft the Crumble Topping: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. For the best crispness, avoid overworking the mixture. Refrigerate the crumble topping for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the filling; this keeps the butter cold and prevents a greasy topping.
3. Assemble the Flavorful Apple Filling: Peel and cube your chosen apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended) into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. Place the cubed apples in a large bowl. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, then sprinkle with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and pure vanilla extract. Toss gently until all the apple pieces are evenly coated. The cornstarch will ensure the filling thickens beautifully.
4. Layer and Chill: Transfer the seasoned apple mixture, including any juices from the bowl, into your prepared baking pan. Spread the apples evenly and press them down gently to create a compact layer. Evenly sprinkle the chilled crumble mixture over the apples, making sure not to press it down. This light application allows for a crispier topping. Place the assembled dish in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes. During this chilling period, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Chilling the crumble helps the butter firm up, resulting in a flakier, crispier topping.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: After chilling, carefully place the baking pan onto the lined sheet pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the crumble topping is a rich golden brown, the apples are fork-tender when pierced, and the filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on the topping; if it begins to brown too quickly, lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the apples finish cooking.
6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the apple crumble from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting time is crucial as it allows the apple filling to set and thicken to the perfect consistency. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of crème anglaise for an truly indulgent experience!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crumble

What Exactly is Apple Crumble?

Apple crumble is a classic British dessert composed of a warm, fruit filling (typically apples) baked beneath a streusel-like topping made from flour, sugar, butter, and often oats. It’s a comforting dish, especially popular during cooler months, and is cherished for its contrasting textures of soft, spiced fruit and a crisp, buttery crust. It’s similar to an American apple crisp, but often features a more crumbly, less oat-heavy topping.

How can I make an Apple Crumble Pie?

If you’re looking to combine the best of both worlds – a classic pie crust with a delicious crumble topping – consider trying our Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. It offers a unique and decadent twist, featuring a delightful apple pie base crowned with an irresistible crumble topping that truly elevates the experience.

What are the best apples to use for Apple Crumble?

For the best balance of flavor and texture, a combination of apples is highly recommended. Granny Smith apples provide a wonderful tartness that prevents the dessert from being overly sweet and maintains a firm texture when baked. Honeycrisp apples contribute sweetness and a pleasant crispness. Other good choices include Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala, but be cautious with softer varieties like Red Delicious, as they can become mushy and watery during baking, potentially leading to a soggy crumble. The key is to use firm, flavorful apples.

How long can you freeze apple crumble?

Apple crumble is quite freezer-friendly and can maintain its quality for 3-4 months in the freezer. For unbaked crumble, prepare it in an ovenproof and freezer-safe pan, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or parchment paper, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. For baked crumble, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it securely in freezer-safe material and freezing. To thaw, simply let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat baked crumble in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crisp again.

What’s the best way to store leftover apple crumble?

To ensure your apple crumble remains at its best, especially maintaining the crispness of the topping, it’s ideal to store the unbaked topping and the apple filling separately in airtight containers in the fridge. For leftovers of an already baked crumble, cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap (you can poke a few holes to prevent too much condensation) and keep it in the refrigerator. While it’s truly best enjoyed on the day it’s baked for peak freshness and crunch, it will still be delicious for up to 2 days.

Can I prepare apple crumble ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing your apple crumble in advance is a great time-saver. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling: Mix your chopped apples with all the filling ingredients, adding an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to help prevent browning and maintain freshness.
2. Make the Crumble Topping: Follow the instructions for the topping mixture.
3. Store Separately: Store both the apple filling and the crumble topping in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one day.
4. Assemble and Bake: When you’re ready to bake, transfer the apple filling to your baking pan, top with the crumble mixture, and follow the baking directions as usual. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the ingredients will be cold.

Expert Tips for the Most Delicious Apple Crumble

Achieving apple crumble perfection is simple with these invaluable tips:

• Choose the Right Apples: As mentioned, a mix of Granny Smith (for tartness and firm texture) and Honeycrisp (for sweetness and juicy crispness) offers the best balance. Using only sweet apples can result in an overly sugary dessert, while too many soft apples can make the filling watery.
• Keep Your Butter Cold: Always use cold butter, cut into small cubes, for the crumble topping. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly, allowing it to create steam pockets in the oven that result in a wonderfully flaky and crisp texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Crumble: Mix the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough rather than tender topping.
• Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the assembled crumble for at least 20 minutes before baking is a game-changer. This firms up the butter in the topping and allows the apple filling to settle, contributing to a more even bake and crispier topping.
• Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice the crumble topping browning too quickly during baking but the apples aren’t yet tender, simply cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. This shields the top from direct heat while allowing the fruit filling to cook through completely.
• Allow for Resting Time: After baking, let the crumble cool for at least 15-20 minutes. This essential resting period allows the cornstarch to fully thicken the apple juices, ensuring a perfectly set and delicious filling.
• Serve Warm with Companions: Apple crumble is best served warm. Pair it with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream, a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm custard for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Apple Crumble

By
Chelsea Lords

This irresistible Apple Crumble features warm, tender cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a perfectly crisp brown sugar and oat-crumble topping. A classic dessert for any occasion!

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Chilling Time:
35 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 40 minutes

Servings:
6

Video Guide

Equipment

• Sheet pan (15″ x 10″)
• 8 x 8-inch baking pan or 9 x 9-inch baking pan
• Pastry cutter

Ingredients

Crumble Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (recommended brand)
• 1 cup light brown sugar or dark brown sugar for deeper flavor
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt recommended)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter cut into small cubes and kept cold

Apple Filling

• 2 to 3 Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples (approximately 2 pounds, see Note 1 below)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (good quality recommended)

Instructions

1. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly grease an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Add cubed cold butter and mix it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
3. Peel and cube apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. In another large bowl, mix apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until every piece is evenly coated.
4. Transfer the apple mixture (including any released juices) to the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly and pressing down gently. Sprinkle the chilled crumble mixture evenly on top, but do not press it down. Chill the assembled dish for 20 minutes. While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. After chilling, place the baking dish on the lined sheet pan. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, the apples are tender when tested with a knife, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 15–20 minutes on a wire rack to allow the filling to thicken to the perfect consistency. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Choosing Apples: It’s best to weigh apples before peeling to get an accurate 2 pounds. We highly recommend using a mix of half Granny Smith and half Honeycrisp apples for the perfect balance of sweet and tartness, and a texture that holds up well during baking. Other firm apple varieties can work, but avoid less firm apples as they may result in a mushy or watery crumble. After peeling and cubing, you should yield approximately 5-1/2 to 6 cups of apples from 5–7 medium apples.

Storage & Leftovers: To maintain the crispness of the topping, it’s best to store the unbaked crumble topping and the apple filling separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For any leftover baked crumble, cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap (you can poke a few small holes for air circulation) and refrigerate. While it’s most delicious on the day it’s made, it will remain good for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 409kcal | Carbohydrates: 61.6g | Protein: 3.2g | Fat: 17.5g | Cholesterol: 45.8mg | Sodium: 3.3mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 41.3g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.