Get ready to make a warm, comforting apple crumble that tastes like the best parts of apple pie with far less fuss. This easy apple dessert has a tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a buttery crumble topping that bakes into golden, crisp clusters. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a simple homemade dessert that is perfect for fall baking, holidays, family dinners, or any time you want something cozy and satisfying.
Recommended apple types
The best apple crumble starts with the right apples. Just like apple pie, this recipe works especially well with apples that offer a balance of sweetness and tartness while still holding their shape as they bake. Apples that become too soft can turn mushy in the filling, while apples that are too sweet may make the dessert taste overly sugary.
Good choices include Granny Smith, Northern Spy, Ginger Gold, Jazz, Golden Delicious, and Pink Lady. Using a mix of varieties gives the crumble more depth of flavor, with some apples bringing tartness and others adding natural sweetness. Sweeter apples can be used, but they may make the finished dessert richer and sweeter than intended.
How to make
Making apple crumble is wonderfully simple. You do not need to roll dough or prepare a pie crust, which makes this recipe a great option when you want a homemade apple dessert without extra work. The process is straightforward, and the result is a bubbling fruit filling covered with a crisp, buttery topping.
- Peel the apples if you prefer a softer filling, or leave the skins on for extra texture. Core the apples, then dice them into even pieces so they bake at the same rate.
- Toss the apples with sugar, salt, cinnamon, flour, and the citrus zest and juices listed in the recipe. This helps flavor the filling and lightly thicken the juices as the crumble bakes.
- Make the crumble topping by combining flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chilled butter. Work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms large crumbs.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly in a large baking dish, then scatter the crumble topping over the fruit.
- Bake until the apples are tender, the filling is bubbling, and the crumble topping is golden brown. Let the dessert rest before serving so the filling has time to thicken slightly.
Crisps vs Crumbles
Apple crisps and apple crumbles are very similar desserts. Both usually begin with a fruit filling that resembles pie filling, and both are finished with a buttery topping made from ingredients such as flour, sugar, and butter. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can be used in either dessert.
The main difference is in the topping. A crumble topping is usually made without oats or nuts and often has larger, more rustic clumps. A crisp topping commonly includes oats or nuts and may bake into a lighter, crunchier texture. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but this apple crumble recipe keeps the topping closer to the traditional version: buttery, tender, golden, and crumbly.
Freezing tip
Yes, you can freeze apple crumble. It freezes well whether it is baked or unbaked, making it a helpful make-ahead dessert for busy seasons. When stored properly in airtight freezer-safe packaging, apple crumble can last for 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
For a baked crumble, allow it to cool completely first. Place it in an airtight container or wrap the baking dish tightly, then freeze it in the coldest part of the freezer. If it is stored in a deep freezer and the container is fully airtight, it may keep for longer.
For an unbaked crumble, you have two easy options.
- Assemble the entire apple crumble in a freezer-safe baking dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze it until ready to bake.
- Freeze the apple filling and the crumble topping separately in airtight freezer-safe containers, then assemble before baking.
Thawing tips
Whether your apple crumble is baked or unbaked, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. Once thawed, bake or reheat it using roughly the same baking guidance as a freshly made crumble. A previously baked crumble may need less time, so begin checking it after about 30 minutes. The filling should be hot and bubbling, and the topping should be crisp and golden.
Making it gluten-free
This recipe can be adapted into a gluten-free apple crumble with a few simple swaps. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix in both the filling and the topping. In the apple filling, cornstarch can also be used instead of flour to help thicken the juices. For the crumble topping, replacing a small portion of the gluten-free baking mix with almond flour can add a pleasant texture and flavor.
Serving inspirations
Apple crumble is best served warm, especially with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the cinnamon apple filling. Whipped cream is another delicious option if you prefer something lighter. This dessert is also lovely with a warm drink, such as hot chocolate or apple cider. It can be served slightly warm or at room temperature, making it easy to prepare ahead for gatherings.
Recipe Card
Apple Crumble
Ingredients
Apple Crumble Filling
- 3 lbs apples cored and peeled, if desired
- 1 orange zest
- 1 lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crumble
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter cubed and chilled
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set out a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
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Peel the apples if desired, then core and dice them.
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Toss the apples with the orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
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In a separate bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon for the crumble topping.
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Add the chilled butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour mixture until large crumbs form.
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Pour the apple mixture into the baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
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Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. If the crumble browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until the filling is bubbly.
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Let the apple crumble rest before serving so the filling can thicken.
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Serve warm or at room temperature, preferably with a scoop of ice cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 454 kcal
Carbohydrates: 71 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 49 mg
Sodium: 166 mg
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 43 g