Home > Desserts > Apple Crumble Apple Crumble September 8, 2019 | 28 Comments SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Jump to Recipe This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy. This Apple Crumble is warm and tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a crisp brown sugar and oat-crumble topping. This show-stopping dessert is simple to make, transports nicely, and the crumble can be made ahead of time. And if you can’t get enough apple desserts like me, give these Apple Crumble Bars and this Apple Pie a try! The secret to the perfect Apple Crumble This Apple Crumble recipe has been over a year in the making! I came close to posting it last year, but it wasn’t *quite* perfect. A few more tweaks this summer and I can confidently say it’s the best apple crisp I’ve ever eaten. But of course, you’re here for the secret, so without further ado: the “secret” is in cutting the apples. I’ve consistently struggled with getting sliced apples perfectly and evenly tender throughout (without burning the crumble topping). So after trying a crumble with cubed apples instead (thanks for the tip A Beautiful Plate!), I’ve never turned back. Cutting the apples into 1/2-inch dice changes everything! They’re perfectly tender (without being soggy), better flavored (the spices can coat more of the apple) and overall, the crumble is easier to eat. Give it a try: cube the apples instead of slicing them and be forever changed. How to make Apple Crumble Throughout this post I’ve broken down the steps for making this delicious dessert in picture form, and below is a description of what’s happening in each of the numbered photos. Pictures 1-4: how to make the apple crumble filling 1: Use two types of apples for the best flavor. The two flavors I recommend: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. 2: Peel and dice the apples; we’re looking for 1/2-inch pieces. It’s important to cut all the apples *roughly* the same size so they cook evenly. 3: Add those apples with the rest of the filling ingredients: sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla. Toss gently while ensuring the apples get an even mix. 4: Pour the apples in an even layer in a 9×9-inch pan. Pictures 5-8: (below) is how to make apple crumble topping 5: Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, oats, flour, and salt. 6: Mix everything together. 7: Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the ingredients until the size of peas. 8: Use your fingers to finish incorporating the butter into the other ingredients. Promptly place the crumble in the fridge so the butter can firm up again! How to make, cont. Pictures 9-12: assembly and baking 9: Finished crumble topping. 10: Add the crumble topping to the apples. 11: The crumble is added evenly on top. Tip: never press down the crumble! Chill the crumble before baking. 12: And it’s baked, amazing, and ready for some vanilla bean ice cream on top. Apple Crumble FAQs1What Is The Difference Between Apple Crisp And Apple Crumble?A crisp is a baked fruit dessert topped with crunchy (and crisp) layer of ingredients. A crumble is similar to a crisp, but with more of a streusel topping (flour, lots of butter, sugar). A crumble rarely includes nuts. 2Can You Cook With Red Delicious Apples? Firm and crisp apples work best for baking. The two types of apples I recommend in this crumble are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. These two varieties complement each other nicely and they contribute different textures, varying levels of sweetness, and different amounts of tartness. If you don’t have Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, Gala, Golden Delicious, or any tart apples will work. I don’t recommend Red Delicious apples in this recipe. 3Should You Peel The Apples?Yes! The skin won’t break down nicely during the baking, so you’ll end up with a tougher texture. 4How Long Can You Freeze Apple Crumble? Frozen apple crumble (baked or unbaked) will last 3 to 4 months when properly stored in the freezer. Below are directions for freezing and thawing. Unbaked: Freeze an unbaked Apple Crumble directly in a freezer-safe (and ovenproof) pan. Wrap the pan securely (to keep out excess moisture) with plastic or paper and then foil. Baked: Allow the crumble to cool completely before storing. Then wrap it in freezer-safe packaging and freeze. Thawing: Thaw the unbaked or baked dessert in the fridge overnight. Once it’s thawed, you can bake it according to the original recipe or until warmed through. The reheating process of a baked crumble should take about 20-30 minutes. 5How Do You Store Apple Crumble?Once the crumble is already assembled and baked, no matter how you store it, it’s going to get a bit soft. If possible, separate the crumble topping and apples and store those separately before baking (see below). If there happens to be leftovers, cover the pan with plastic wrap, poke a few holes in the top, and place in the fridge. Apple Crumble is best eaten the same day it’s made and is fine for up to 2 days after being made. 6How To Make Apple Crumble Ahead Of TimeMake the apple filling (add 1 additional tablespoon of lemon juice to keep the apples from browning too much) and the crumble topping separately. Refrigerate each in airtight containers, for up to one day. When ready to bake, sprinkle the crumble on top of the apples, and bake as directed in the recipe below. 7How Long Does It Take To Reheat Apple Crumble?Reheat leftovers (uncovered) for 10-15 minutes in a 375 degrees F oven. 8What Is The Topping Made Of?The topping “crumble” is made up of flour, oats, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, & salt. 9Why Is My Apple Crumble Not Crunchy?Make sure you’re measuring everything correctly, if your butter to flour ratio is off it might not be as crispy. You also want to make sure you’re not pulling out your apple crumble too early before the topping is golden brown. It’s also important to let it cool down before serving. 10Is Apple Crumble British Or American?Apple crumble is a British “pudding” that became popular during World War II. More delicious desserts Caramel Apple Cheesecake with caramel sauce Healthy Apple Muffins with Greek yogurt Pumpkin Cupcakes with cinnamon-cream cheese frosting Coconut Cream Pie no baking required! Lemon Bars reader favorite FOLLOW ALONG! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates, recipes and content. Apple Crumble 5 from 7 votes - Review this recipe This Apple Crumble is warm and tender cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a crisp brown sugar and oat-crumble topping. SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Print Recipe Apple Crumble 5 from 7 votes - Review this recipe SAVE TO RECIPE BOX Print Recipe This Apple Crumble is warm and tender cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a crisp brown sugar and oat-crumble topping. Course Dessert, Snack Cuisine American Keyword apple crumble Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 45 minutes Chilling Time 35 minutes Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes Servings 6 -8 servings Calories 409kcal Author Chelsea Lords Cost $6.21 IngredientsCrumble -- Note 1▢ 1 cup white, all-purpose flour▢ 1 cup old-fashioned oats▢ 1 cup light or dark brown sugar▢ 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon▢ 1/2 teaspoon baking soda▢ 1 teaspoon fine sea salt▢ 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes and coldFilling▢ 2 pounds apples (I recommend an equal mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), measured before peeling; peel and then cube into 1/2 inch pieces (~7 apples)▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice▢ 1/2 cup white granulated sugar▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon▢ 2 tablespoons cornstarch▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extractUS - Metric USMetric InstructionsPREP: Line a sheet pan with a Silpat liner or parchment paper (just in case anything bubbles over) and lightly grease a 9-x-9-inch baking pan (or 2=quart pan). Set aside.TOPPING: In a large bowl, toss together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir until combined. Cube the butter and add it to the dry ingredients. Toss to coat the butter and use a pastry cutter to work it in. Finish by using your fingertips to work and press the butter into the dry ingredients until well dispersed and resembling crumbs. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.FILLING: Peel the apples and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Add to a large bowl and toss with the remaining filling ingredients: the lemon juice, white sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and vanilla. Toss gently until well combined and apples are evenly coated.ASSEMBLY: Pour the the apple filling (and any accumulated juices) to the prepared 9-x-9-inch pan. Spread apples in an even layer. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples but do not press it down. Refrigerate 20 minutes and then set the baking dish in the center of the lined pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. BAKE: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes (45 minutes is the sweet spot for me!), or until the crisp topping is golden brown, the apples are fork tender, and the filling is very slightly bubbling around the edges. (If the topping is browning too much, lightly cover the top with foil)SERVE: Let the crumble cool on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Serve warm and top with vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream. Video Recipe NotesNote 1: We like a lot of crumble topping. If you're wanting more of an even mix of apples to crumble, you may want to reduce the amount of crumble. Nutrition FactsServing: 1serving | 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 We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed. DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? I love hearing from you when you've made one of my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @ChelseasMessyApron or leave me a comment below.
Made this today and it was delicious! I think I liked it better than my old favorite I’ve been making for years. The only thing I did different was add more apples and put into a 9”x13” pan. I only had Honeycrisp apples from my tree so I used all Honeycrisp. It was so good warm out of the oven. Thank you for this delicious recipe. Reply
Yay!! So thrilled this apple crumble was a hit 🙂 And I’m jealous you have homegrown Honeycrisp apples 😉 Sounds delicious! Reply
I love to cook but have had less than stellar results when baking, so when I say that this recipe was easy to follow and a total HIT, trust me it was! ? I’even had requests to add it to our list of Thanksgiving desserts! Reply
Yay!! I’m so thrilled to hear it 🙂 Thanks so much for the comment and review; I’m honored it makes it to your Thanksgiving dessert menu 🙂 Reply
We just got back from a Colorado vacation and the temperatures in Missouri are still in the 90’s. But, I’m so ready for comfort food and will be making this soon even if it doesn’t cool down outside! Thanks for the tip about chopping up the apples! Reply
I made this yesterday for book club, and it was a huge hit. Not too sweet, not mushy (baked for 45 min). Topping was perfect! Reply
This was SO delicious! The friends and family have loved it so far, honestly may have to make a second batch!! Only thing I did differently was use an 8×8 pan, and used cortland apples! ? Thanks for the recipe Chelsea! Reply
Well, I’ve got too many apples for one crust, and not quite enough for two of them. Maybe it would be nice to try making some kind of a mincemeat pie? Thank you for the wonderful recipe. Reply
Yes, Vivian, do try this Blueberry Crisp recipe! It’s our go-to recipe any time we have extra blueberries and don’t want them to go to waste 🙂 I usually cut the recipe in half because there are only two of us! Delish!!!! Thanks Chelsea! Reply
I have made crisps and crumbles by cutting in the butter and by melting the butter, and can’t tell a huge difference. It’s so much easier to just melt the butter. Did you try it like this and can you see or explain the difference? Since you experimented so many times I figured you may know! Reply
I may be crazy for asking this… but do you have any idea how this would do with ghee or Earth Balance vegan butter? I assume taste may not be AS rich and delicious but curious if it would still hold up! Thanks! Reply
I’m so sorry Nicole, I don’t have a lot of experience with vegan butter in baking so I’m really not sure how it would do. I wish I could be of more help, hopefully someone else can chime in Reply
I made this delicious apple crumble for my family’s Thanksgiving dinner. It was super yummy, and everyone loved it! Reply
How could I lower the sodium on this recpe. It looks and sounds delicious, but way too high in sodium or hubby Reply
