Simple Apple Crumble Recipe

This apple crumble recipe is such a comforting dessert I love making during the fall. The sweet spiced apple filling is baked under a buttery crumble topping that just melts in your mouth. It's so good!

My Take On Apple Crumble

Nothing says fall more to me than a simple apple crumble, and this recipe is easily one of the best apple crumble recipes I've ever had.

I use tart Granny Smith apples in this recipe and combine them with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the perfect balance of flavors. The delicious caramelized apple filling is baked under a sweet and cinnamony crumble topping. The apple crumble topping is so darn good I could literally just eat it in a bowl with a spoon! Honestly, I just might have to try. 

Anyway, I don't think it gets more festive than this easy apple crumble recipe, which is why my family and I have been making it ever since the apple-picking season started. So whenever you go apple picking, you need to make this recipe!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's easy to make. All you have to do is mix the apple filling, top it with the crumb topping, then let it bake in the oven. Altogether, it usually only takes me about 10 minutes or less to have it ready to bake!

Better than apple pie. This may be a hot take, but I think this apple crisp is even better than traditional apple pie. Plus, it's way easier to make!

Family favorite. This Fall treat quickly became a family recipe staple in the Cunningham household. It's one of my wife's favorite apple desserts, and my nieces love it, too, so you know this one has to be good.

Ingredients

This delicious recipe is made with baking staple ingredients - just another reason why I love it so much. If you're a regular baker like me, I guarantee you have everything you need to make it at home already! 

Check out everything to make apple crumble:

• 8 tbsp. softened butter
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar 
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 3 tsp. cinnamon, divided
• 1 tsp. nutmeg, divided
• 2lbs. Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch

If you end up with any extra apples, you can use them to make these crescent roll apple turnovers. It's my wife's other favorite apple recipe, so try that out next!

How To Make Apple Crumble

1. Prep work. Preheat the oven to 370°F (185°C) and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Make the crumble topping. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, salt, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and baking powder. Add the softened butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it somewhat combines. Shake the bowl, and if any big bits of butter come to the surface, rub them into the flour more. 

3. Make the apple filling. In a large bowl, toss the apples with 2 tablespoons of sugar, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and cornstarch. Give everything an additional mix to fully coat the apples.

4. Assemble the apple crumble. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the filling.

5. Bake and serve. Bake the crumble for 30-40 minutes or until it's bubbling and golden brown on top. Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whatever toppings you prefer. Enjoy!

My Pro Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• If you have a food processor, use that to make the crumble topping. Just pulse all of the ingredients together until crumbly. It'll make the prep for this recipe even quicker and less messy.
• If your butter isn't at room temperature, you can microwave it for about ten seconds to soften it.
• You can use apple pie spice if you don't have cinnamon and nutmeg. I'd three tablespoons of apple pie spice. 
• Serve the apple crumble with fresh whipped cream, caramel sauce, ice cream, melted butter, or a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon for an indulgent dessert.

How I Recommend Storing Apple Crumble

At room temperature: Store leftover apple crumble in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with a lid or plastic wrap and store it on the counter for up to 2 days.

In the fridge: Transfer the leftover crumble to the fridge, and it'll stay good for about 5 days.

In the freezer: To keep it for longer, let the leftover crumble cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: I just put the crumble in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until it's hot. You can heat a single serving in a bowl in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Let the frozen apple crumble thaw in the fridge overnight or add more reheating time.

FAQS About This Apple Crumble Recipe

Do I have to peel the apples for this recipe?

No, you can totally keep the peels on the apples. You'll just want to make sure that you thoroughly wash them before slicing.

Can I use different apples?

Absolutely! I prefer Granny Smith to balance out the flavors, but you can use any apples that are good for baking, like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, or Braeburn.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you totally can. This is actually a really great make-ahead recipe, especially if you're hosting and are planning on serving it. Just assemble the apple crumble up until baking, then cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed and add a few more minutes since it will be cold. 

More Apple Recipes To Try

• Cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling
• Apple crisp without oats
• Baked apple slices
• Fried apple pies
• Apple pie bars
• Apple pancakes
• Apple cobbler