Classic Apple Crumble Recipe

Introduction

Classic Apple Crumble is a comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, crumbly topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, delivering warm, homey flavors in every bite.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a two-layer dessert sits on a wooden board. The bottom layer is a soft, cooked apple filling that peeks through the edges, showing a glossy, syrupy light brown color with chunks of tender apple. The top layer is a crumbly golden-brown streusel topping made of uneven, coarse clusters that cover the whole dish with a crunchy texture. Around the dish, there are some sliced green apples on a wooden round board, and whole red and green apples sit nearby on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • For the crumb topping:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • For the apple filling:
    • 2 1/2 lb Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 to 7 cups)
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • 2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until coarse, crumbly clumps form. Use your hands if needed for perfectly sized crumbs.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour), salt, and cinnamon. Stir until the apples are well coated.
  4. Step 4: Spread the apple filling evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering the fruit completely.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Place a baking sheet underneath the dish to catch any juices if desired.
  6. Step 6: Let the apple crumble cool for about 15 minutes to allow the filling to set. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Tips & Variations

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and firm texture.
  • Swap the cornstarch for all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the topping for added crunch.
  • Try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice with the cinnamon for deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftover apple crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or heat the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked crumble assembled in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white rectangular baking dish filled with apple crumble. The bottom layer shows soft, cooked apple slices in a thick, golden syrup, while the top layer is a crumbly, golden brown topping with a rough texture and small chunks. The crumble is sprinkled lightly with sugar. The dish is placed on a wooden surface with a blurred green apple in the foreground and a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this crumble?

Yes, you can use other firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonathan. Mixing apple varieties can add complexity to the flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Make sure to evenly coat the apples with cornstarch or flour to absorb excess moisture. Also, spreading the topping in an even layer helps it bake crispier. Baking on a lower rack can promote browning as well.

Print

Classic Apple Crumble Recipe

Classic Apple Crumble is a comforting dessert featuring a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling topped with a buttery, crumbly topping baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe uses Granny Smith apples for a tart balance to the sweet and crunchy crumble, perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crumb Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Apple Filling

  • 2 1/2 lb Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 to 7 cups)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Dish and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside while you prepare the filling and topping.
  2. Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly clumps. Use your hands toward the end for perfectly sized crumbs.
  3. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apples with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour), salt, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until the apples are well coated.
  4. Assemble the Apple Crisp: Spread the apple filling evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them fully.
  5. Bake the Apple Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling. To avoid mess, place a baking sheet underneath to catch any bubbling juices.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the apple crisp to cool for about 15 minutes to set the filling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher apple flavor.
  • You can substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour for thickening the filling.
  • For a crunchier topping, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Keywords: apple crumble, apple crisp, dessert, baked apple dessert, Granny Smith apples, cinnamon apple dessert, fall dessert

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