ana There’s something special about autumn desserts, especially when the kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. Apple crumble is one of those simple, homemade treats that never goes out of style.
Soft, juicy apples coated in cinnamon and topped with a golden, buttery crumble made with brown sugar and oats create the perfect combination of flavors and textures. There’s no need to prepare pastry or spend hours in the kitchen. All you need are a few basic ingredients, a baking dish, and an oven.
This apple crumble is best enjoyed warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the freshly baked apples. It’s the perfect dessert for a cozy afternoon, a family gathering, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups diced apples (about 4–5 large apples, such as Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (about 100 g)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Oat Crumble Topping
- ½ cup salted butter, melted (about 115 g)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed (about 200 g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (about 125 g)
- ¾ cup rolled oats (about 60 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Wash the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into small cubes. There’s no need to peel them – the skins will soften during baking and become barely noticeable.
Place the diced apples in a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
Transfer the apple mixture to a 9 × 9-inch (23 × 23 cm) baking dish or an oven-safe cast iron skillet.
Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, vanilla extract, and salt.
Mix with a spoon or fork until a moist, crumbly mixture forms. If needed, gently work the mixture with your fingers to create larger crumble pieces.
Spread the topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Bake the Apple Crumble
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling around the edges.
Let It Rest and Serve
Remove the apple crumble from the oven and let it rest for about 10–15 minutes. This allows the apple filling to cool slightly and thicken.
Serve warm, preferably with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips and Notes
Do you need to peel the apples?
Not at all! The apple skins soften beautifully during baking and blend into the filling. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to peel the apples before using them.
Which apples work best for apple crumble?
Choose apple varieties that hold their shape during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Braeburn, or Granny Smith. Combining sweet and tart apples is also a great way to create a more balanced flavor.
Can you reduce the sugar?
Yes! If your apples are naturally sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. The crumble topping is already quite sweet, so feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste.
Enjoy!
