Golden, bubbling, and topped with a spiced oat crumble, this classic apple crumble is pure autumn comfort in every bite.
This recipe features tender apples caramelized with cinnamon and sugar, all under a buttery, crisp topping—perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Star Ingredients in This Classic Apple Crumble
Apples – Provide the sweet-tart base and become tender and juicy after baking. Tart varieties like Granny Smith hold up best.
Lemon juice – Balances sweetness and prevents browning.
Granulated & brown sugars – A mix of white and molasses-rich sugars creates deep caramel flavor.
Cinnamon – Adds cozy, warming spice to both the filling and topping.
All-purpose flour – Thickens the fruit filling and helps bind the crumble.
Quick oats – Give the crumble its signature crunchy texture.
Cold unsalted butter – The secret to a perfectly crumbly, golden topping.
How to Make This Apple Crumble Recipe
Start by tossing diced apples with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, and flour. Spread the mixture into a baking dish.
In a second bowl, mix the topping ingredients, rubbing the butter into the dry mix until it forms clumps. Scatter it generously over the apples.
Bake until the filling is bubbling and the top is crisp and golden—about 50 minutes at 375°F. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Apple Crumble Recipe
For a chunkier topping, don’t overwork the crumble—clumps are your friend. Using a mix of apple types boosts complexity. Short on time? Skip peeling the apples—they’ll still turn soft and delicious. Add granola or chopped nuts for extra crunch and texture.
How to Store Leftover Apple Crumble
Cool the crumble completely before covering and refrigerating. It keeps well for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Apple Crumble FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What apples work best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are ideal, but any fresh apple will do.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, but the texture will be heartier and slightly chewier.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is traditional, but you can skip it for ease—once baked, the skins soften nicely.
Classic Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping
A timeless dessert, this classic apple crumble features tender, caramel-sweet apples under a crisp cinnamon oat topping. Perfectly suited for gatherings or a cozy evening treat, it’s prepared in under an hour and serves a crowd with comforting flavor.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Recipe Info
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert
Servings: 10
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 apples, peeled and diced
For the Crumble:
- 1 cup quick cook oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, and flour until well coated, then transfer the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish.
In another bowl, mix the crumble ingredients—flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Using your hands, work the butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs; this may take a few minutes. Evenly distribute the crumble mixture over the apple filling, gently pressing it down.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
This crumble can be made a few hours ahead and warmed just before serving. For added depth, consider a mix of apple varieties.
