Apple crumble recipe

Freshly baked apple crumble with the crispiest of toppings, and a delicious apple filling, our apple crumble recipe is what comfort food is all about. We’ve been making crumbles since childhood, it’s such a satisfyingly traditional dish that just oozes comfort.

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Why you’ll love this easy apple crumble recipe

• This is the best apple crumble recipe, and it’s easy so that anyone can make it.
• A real crowd-pleasing autumn/ fall recipe and the kids will love it!
• You can make it ahead and it freezes well.
• It’s 100% vegetarian.

Warm apple crumble with melt in your mouth topping and a scoop of vanilla ice cream is like a hug in a bowl, you just can’t beat it!

How to make apple crumble with step-by-step instructions

Making our easy apple crumble recipe is simple if you follow our instructions.

A full printable recipe, along with the measurements in both US customary and metric, is available in the recipe card below.

Preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C.

Place your apples in a large pan over medium heat, add brown sugar or golden caster sugar, and stir to combine; place the lid on the pan and cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Now, place the apple mixture in a baking dish, make sure they are in an even layer and pour the sugary liquid on top of them, and set them aside.

Place your all-purpose flour (plain flour) in a medium bowl, and add the golden caster sugar and cold unsalted butter cubes.

Using your fingertips, rub the cold butter in until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs; give the bowl a little shake, and if you have any large lumps, rub them in until they have all disappeared.

Now, pour the crumble topping in the center on top of the tender apples, and then gently spread it out evenly over the top of them.

Then, press the crumble mixture down so that it stays together; finish it off by dragging fork lines over the top so that it’ll crisp up.

Sprinkle brown sugar on the crumb topping and bake for 35/40 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or custard – enjoy your apple crumble!

We hope you enjoy making and eating our apple crumble; it’s one of our favorite apple recipes and would love to hear how you got on with making it.

Please leave a comment below, and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Recipe notes and expert tips

• Lemon juice
  Many recipes call for the apple slices to be tossed in lemon juice to prevent them from browning, but it’s not necessary for our apple crumble recipe.
• Cold or melted butter?
  Some recipes call for melted butter, we’ve tried it over the years, but nothing compares to using cold butter for the perfect crumble topping.
• Baking powder
  For a crunchier topping, use a teaspoon of baking powder.
• Out of dark brown sugar?
  You can substitute it with granulated sugar.

Which apples are best to use?

You want to use a firm apple that will not disintegrate when cooked.

We’ve used Bramley cooking apples, but you could use Braeburn apples, Granny Smith apples, Gala apples, Golden Delicious, or Pink Lady apples.

Do I have to peel the apples for crumble?

You don’t have to, no.

We peel our apples as we prefer them this way, but it’s not a necessity.

What is crumble topping made of?

Crumble toppings are traditionally made by mixing three essential items: butter, flour, and sugar. What do I serve it with?

Delicious apple crumble when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, cream, whipped cream, or custard.

Crumble recipe variations

With all good recipes, you start with the base and play with the flavors, and that’s precisely what you can do with our apple crumble recipe.

For the topping: add crushed walnuts, chopped nuts, or rolled oats for extra crunch (like in apple crisp).

Why not try crushing Amaretti biscuits and combining them with almond flour for a beautiful almond flavor?

And we know this isn’t a crumble, but if you love apples, then why not try a Phyllo Dough Apple Turnover or apple sour cream cake?

For the apple filling, combine the apples with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warming, spiced flavor perfect for a fall dessert, or try vanilla or lemon zest.

How do I store apple crumble leftovers?

Our apple crumble will keep in the fridge covered for up to three days.

You can also freeze it, but freeze it separately.

Follow the instructions for the crumble topping and freeze it in a freezer bag, then follow the instructions for the apple mixture, up until the point of transferring it to a baking dish, instead, transfer it to a freezer bag.

Both will keep for up to 3 months, which means you can take full advantage of the apple season.

More easy crumble recipes for you to try

If you like our apple crumble recipe, then check out our other crumble dessert recipes!

• Mini apple crumble – all the flavor of Granny Smith apple crumble in a mini size!
• Apple and rhubarb crumble – the best of two tasty crumbles in one dish!
• Gluten-free apple crumble – enjoy this classic but without the gluten!
• Rhubarb crumble – sharp but sweet, this is an epic recipe!
• Crumble topping – our secrets to the perfect topping!

More dessert recipes for you to try

Try this awesome all in one apple cake from our friends at Lynns way of life!