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.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!
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!
Apple crumble recipe
Utensils
Ingredients
For the filling
- 21 oz Bramley apples peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- ½ cup Golden caster sugar
For the topping
- 1½ cups All-purpose flour (plain)
- ½ cup Golden caster sugar
- 8 tbsp Unsalted butter cubed
- 1 tbsp Golden caster sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F/ 190°C
For the filling
- Place your apples in a large pan over medium heat, add golden caster sugar or brown 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 aside21 oz Bramley apples, ½ cup Golden caster sugar
For the topping
- Place your all-purpose flour (plain flour) in a medium bowl, 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 disappeared1½ cups All-purpose flour (plain), ½ cup Golden caster sugar, 8 tbsp Unsalted butter
- Now, pour the crumble topping in the center on the top of the tender apples, and then gently spread it out evenly over the top of all of the apples. 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!1 tbsp Golden caster sugar
Notes
- Lemon juice
Many recipes call for the apple slices to be tossed in lemon juice, this is 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 - Out of golden brown sugar?
You can substitute it with granulated sugar
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
More dessert recipes for you to try
Try this awesome all in one apple cake from our friends at Lynns way of life!
Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, for more tasty inspiration!
Did you make this recipe?
We love hearing how you went with ours recipes! Tag us on Instagram at @splash_of_taste_uk
You may also like…
Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Our roasted sweet potato cubes are a must-try! We take fresh sweet potatoes, cut them into bite-sized cubes, add perfect seasoning, and roast them to…
Perfect Pie Crust Recipe
Want to learn how to make the flakiest crust that will take your pies to another level? Our pie crust recipe is easy and uses…
MacKenzie says
This apple crumble was perfect. The crumb topping is everything. Can’t wait to make again.
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
So pleased you enjoyed it, the topping is one of our favorites!
Genevieve says
This was so easy to make and came out perfectly! Sweet, a little bit rich, lots of different textures – everyone loved it. Thank you for the recipe.
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
That’s fantastic, we’re so pleased that everyone loved it!
k says
What a great recipe! I love the tart deliciousness of this and how easy it is to make. That crumble! Mmmm
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
We’re so pleased you enjoyed it!
James Strange says
This was easy to make and it turned out delisicous.
Mandy from Splash of Taste says
That’s great to hear – thank you!
Shelby says
This apple crumble is always a hit and the best way to use up apples from picking!