6–7 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well!)
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Crumble Topping:
1 cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish.
Peel, core, and slice apples into ¼-inch thick slices.
In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and flour until evenly coated.
Spread apple mixture evenly in prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger clumps.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving—the filling will thicken as it cools.
👩🍳 Pro Tips for the Perfect Crumble
Apple Variety Matters: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp, Fuji) apples for balanced flavor.
Keep Butter Cold: This ensures a flaky, crumbly texture rather than a doughy one.
Don't Overmix: Leave some larger butter chunks for extra texture.
Baking Time: If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the crumble and refrigerate overnight before baking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Classic: Warm with vanilla ice cream
Elegant: With a drizzle of caramel sauce and toasted pecans
Breakfast-Worthy: With Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola
Holiday Style: With a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Covered for up to 4 days
Freeze: Before or after baking for up to 3 months
Reheat: In a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm, or microwave individual portions
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The magic of this crumble lies in the balance—tart apples sweetened just enough, warm spices that don't overwhelm, and a topping that's both crisp and tender. The oats add wonderful texture, while the brown sugar creates that beautiful caramelization we all love. It's simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for any occasion.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen apples?
Yes! No need to thaw—just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
What if I don't have oats?
Use an additional ¾ cup flour, though the texture will be less crunchy.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
How do I know when it's done?
The topping should be golden and you should see bubbles around the edges.
Final Spoonful
This Easy Homemade Apple Crumble is more than just dessert—it's comfort in a baking dish. It’s the taste of autumn, the warmth of the holidays, and the simple joy of sharing something made with love. Perfect for new bakers and seasoned pros alike, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Now we'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite way to enjoy apple desserts? Do you have any special family variations or secret ingredients? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
Happy baking! May your apples be sweet and your crumble always crispy. 🍎✨
