If there’s one dessert that never goes out of style, it’s apple crumble. With its warm, spiced apples and crisp, buttery topping, this dessert is like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a comforting treat on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this apple crumble recipe is your go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now.
- Quick to Make: Prep time is minimal, so you can have this delicious dessert ready in under an hour.
- Versatile: This crumble is perfect on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 5-6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning and add a bit of tartness)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken the juices)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats (for a bit of texture)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want the butter to be pea-sized and well-distributed, as this will create that perfect crumbly texture.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Transfer the apple mixture to a greased baking dish (an 8×8 inch or similar size works well).
- Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, making sure to cover them completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. You may see some bubbling juices around the edges—that’s a good sign!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the apple crumble cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level. The warm, spiced apples combined with the crisp, buttery topping create a flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible.
Tips for the Best Apple Crumble
- Choose the right apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the best flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options.
- Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is key to achieving that perfect crumbly texture. If the butter starts to melt while you’re preparing the topping, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Don’t skip the oats: The oats add a wonderful texture to the crumble topping, making it extra crunchy.
Variations to Try
- Add nuts: For a bit of extra crunch, mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping.
- Spice it up: If you love warm spices, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple mixture.
- Mix in other fruits: Pears, berries, or even rhubarb can be added to the apples for a unique twist on the classic crumble.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), you can store the apple crumble in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. The topping will crisp up nicely, just like when it was freshly baked.
Conclusion
This apple crumble recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Happy baking!
