Apple Crumble Dessert
This apple crumble is always a hit! Serve the apple crumble warm with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle it with sweet cream.
Apple desserts have a way of feeling both nostalgic and endlessly comforting, and this apple crumble is one of those recipes that fits just about any occasion. It’s simple, unfussy, and built around ingredients most home cooks already have on hand, which makes it an easy choice for weeknights, casual gatherings, or last-minute dessert needs.
What makes this apple crumble especially appealing is its balance. The apples soften into a lightly sauced filling without becoming mushy, while the buttery crumble topping bakes up golden and crisp. It’s not overly sweet, which means it pairs beautifully with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of warm custard if you’re feeling indulgent.
This is the kind of dessert you can throw together without much planning, yet it still feels thoughtful and homemade. Whether you’re using up a bowl of apples on the counter or looking for a reliable crowd-pleaser, this crumble earns a permanent place in your dessert rotation.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
Simple, familiar ingredients. This recipe relies on pantry staples like flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, making it easy to prepare without a special shopping trip. It’s a great example of how basic ingredients can come together into something deeply satisfying.
Balanced sweetness. The apples provide natural sweetness while the brown sugar topping adds warmth and depth without overwhelming the fruit. The result is a dessert that tastes rich but not cloying, especially when served with something lightly sweet on top.
Great texture contrast. Tender baked apples underneath a crumbly, buttery topping create that classic contrast everyone expects from a good crumble. The topping stays crisp while the apples soften into a spoonable filling.
Flexible and forgiving. This crumble works well with a variety of apples and doesn’t require precise slicing or fussy techniques. It’s a dependable recipe that adapts easily to what you have on hand.
Perfect for make-ahead serving. Apple crumble tastes just as good warm, at room temperature, or gently reheated. That makes it ideal for entertaining, potlucks, or holiday meals where timing matters.
Ingredient Notes
- Apples – Choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Using a mix of sweet and tart apples adds depth and keeps the filling from tasting flat.
- Water or apple juice – A small amount of liquid helps create steam and a light sauce as the apples bake. Apple juice adds extra fruit flavor, while water keeps the dessert more neutral.
- All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crumble topping, giving it structure while still allowing it to bake up tender and crumbly.
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness along with a subtle molasses flavor that pairs especially well with apples and cinnamon.
- Cinnamon – Brings warmth and spice without overpowering the fruit. You can adjust the amount slightly depending on how spiced you like your desserts.
- Butter – Softened butter blends easily into the dry ingredients, creating those classic buttery crumbs that crisp as they bake.
How to Make It
- Prepare your baking dish and get the oven heating so everything is ready once the crumble is assembled.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples, keeping the pieces fairly uniform so they bake evenly.
- Arrange the apples in the baking dish and add a small amount of liquid to help them soften and release their juices as they bake.
- Combine the dry topping ingredients in a bowl, then work in the butter until the mixture looks crumbly and holds together when pressed.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
- Bake until the apples are tender and bubbling underneath and the topping is golden and crisp.
Pro Tips
- For the best texture, avoid slicing the apples too thin. Slightly thicker slices hold their shape better and prevent the filling from becoming mushy.
- If your apples are very juicy, let the crumble rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to thicken slightly before serving.
- To boost flavor, mix a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger into the crumble topping along with the cinnamon.
- Place the baking dish on a rimmed sheet pan before baking to catch any bubbling juices and keep your oven clean.
Recipe Variations
- Oat-topped apple crumble. Add rolled oats to the topping for extra texture and a heartier, rustic finish. This works especially well if you enjoy a slightly chewy contrast.
- Nutty crumble topping. Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and richness. Nuts also bring a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness.
- Spiced apple crumble. Add cloves, allspice, or cardamom for a warmer, more complex spice profile, especially nice in fall and winter.
- Gluten-free version. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the topping. The crumble will still bake up crisp and flavorful.
- Vegan apple crumble. Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. Choose one designed for baking to maintain the right crumb texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream so the cold, creamy contrast melts slightly into the apples.
- Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a classic, simple presentation.
- Pair with custard or crème anglaise for a more traditional, comforting dessert plate.
- Choose to serve it at room temperature for potlucks or buffet-style gatherings where reheating isn’t convenient.
How to Store
Refrigerate. Let the apple crumble cool completely, then cover the dish or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze. Wrap the cooled crumble tightly or place it in a freezer-safe container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat. Warm individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, covering loosely to prevent drying. For larger portions, reheat in the oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple Crumble Dessert
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 large apples, peeled, cored, sliced apples (4 cups)
- 1/4 cup apple juice, or water
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the apples and slice them into thin wedges.
- Arrange the sliced apples in the prepared baking dish. Pour the water over the apple slices.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the sliced apples.
- Bake the dessert for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
- Serve the apple crumble warm or at room temperature with ice cream or whipped topping. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
