Apple crumble is the epitome of comfort food. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a golden, crumbly topping, this dessert is the perfect way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s the ultimate cozy treat, especially during cooler months. This simple and quick recipe will become a family favorite!
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
Granny Smith apples are tart and balance the sweetness of the crumble, while Honeycrisp apples add a natural sweetness and crisp texture. Feel free to use a mix of both for the best flavor combination. - ¼ cup granulated sugar
This sugar adds a sweet base to the apple filling, helping to bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit. - ¼ cup brown sugar
Brown sugar deepens the flavor with a hint of molasses, adding richness and extra moisture to the apples. - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
A classic spice that pairs wonderfully with apples, giving the crumble a warm and aromatic flavor. - ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Nutmeg enhances the cinnamon, providing a deeper, aromatic warmth to the dessert. - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Lemon juice brightens the apples, adding a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness and brings out the fruit’s natural flavors. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla brings a smooth, fragrant sweetness to complement the spices and apples.
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
The flour is the base for the crumble topping, helping to form the crumbly texture when combined with the butter and sugar. - ½ cup old-fashioned oats
Oats add a chewy texture and a rustic feel to the crumble topping. - ½ cup brown sugar
Brown sugar in the topping creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps the topping become golden and crisp. - ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Adding cinnamon to the topping enhances the warm, spiced flavors in the dessert. - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
The melted butter binds the dry ingredients together and adds richness, making the topping crisp and golden when baked.
Directions:
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish (about 9×9 inches) to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugars. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. - Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, mix together flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butteruntil the mixture forms a crumbly texture. You can use a fork or your hands to combine it. - Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp. You may want to check halfway through to ensure the topping doesn’t over-brown, covering it loosely with foil if needed. - Serve:
Let the apple crumble cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips:
- Apple Variety: Using a mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp) brings out the best of both worlds: a slight tanginess with plenty of natural sweetness.
- Nutty Twist: For added crunch and flavor, try tossing in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping. It adds a nutty contrast to the soft apples.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the apple crumble ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving. It also freezes well if you want to store it for later.
- Serving Suggestion: This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or any time you crave a warm, comforting treat.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 310 per serving
Servings: 6 servings
Homemade Apple Crumble is a warm, comforting dessert that never goes out of style. It’s simple to make, and its deliciously spiced apple filling and crisp topping are irresistible!
