Description
Classic Apple Crumble is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden, buttery crumble that’s perfectly crisp. Simple to make with basic ingredients and kitchen tools, this recipe is ideal for all skill levels. It offers versatility for gluten-free and vegan options, and makes a delightful year-round treat perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Filling
- 6 tart, firm apples (e.g., Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/gluten-free flour alternative)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced (or coconut oil/plant-based margarine for vegan option)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces. Toss them with fresh lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to evenly coat and enhance flavor while preventing browning.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, combine flour, oats (if using), brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until pea-sized clumps form, ensuring the topping will bake crisp and crumbly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and spread the spiced apple mixture evenly inside. Liberally scatter the crumble topping over the apples, covering every spot for a balanced texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool Slightly, Then Serve: Let the crumble cool for a few minutes to set the filling. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or crème fraîche for an indulgent touch.
Notes
- Use cold butter to keep the topping flaky and avoid greasiness.
- Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for best texture and flavor retention.
- Mix the crumble topping gently to maintain a crumbly texture rather than a doughy crust.
- Distribute the crumble evenly over the apples to ensure balanced bites.
- Look for bubbling fruit along the edges as an indicator that the crumble is done baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: apple crumble, classic apple dessert, cinnamon apple crumble, easy apple dessert, gluten free apple crumble