Introduction
When you pull a golden pan of baked apple crumble from the oven, the kitchen fills with a warm, buttery aroma threaded with cinnamon and caramel — the kind that wraps around you like a well-loved blanket. The apples bubble softly beneath a crisp, oat-studded topping that shatters with each spoonful, revealing tender, syrupy fruit underneath. It’s sweet but not cloying; comforting yet lively. One bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures: the crunch of the crumble, the silk of baked apples, the cool creaminess of melting ice cream if you choose to add it.
This baked apple crumble is perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts, weekend brunches with friends, holiday gatherings, or a simple weeknight dessert that feels special without a fuss. If you like exploring apple-based desserts, you might also enjoy this inventive twist: Apple Crumble Cheesecake — a richer, party-ready cousin that keeps the same beloved flavors.
Dish Snapshot
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner bakers
Nutrition Highlights
Nutrition per serving (approximate; makes 6 servings)
- Calories: ~402 kcal
- Protein: ~4.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~62 g
- Sugars: ~30–35 g (natural + added sugar)
- Fat: ~16 g
- Saturated fat: ~9–10 g
- Fiber: ~4–5 g
- Sodium: ~100–200 mg (depends on butter & salt used)
Notes on accuracy and sources:
These values are estimates calculated from standard ingredient nutrition profiles (USDA FoodData Central) and rounded for clarity. For personalized dietary recommendations or precise analysis (for medical needs, strict diets, or label requirements), refer to detailed databases like the USDA FoodData Central and guidance from reputable sources such as the CDC or Mayo Clinic.
Why You’ll Love It
This crumble shines because it hits several emotional and sensory sweet spots:
- Irresistible aroma: The cinnamon-butter scent is nostalgic and inviting, making your home smell like celebration.
- Comfort food with simplicity: It’s pleasingly rustic — no rolling or delicate assembly — yet looks and tastes like you put in twice the effort.
- Versatile and social: Serve it at brunch, bring it to potlucks, or spoon it out at holiday dinners. It’s a dish people gather around and remember.
- Seasonal and fresh: Use crisp autumn apples for a fall centerpiece, or swap in firm summer apples for a lighter take.
How to Make Baked Apple Crumble
Ingredients
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (about 1 stick / 113 g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for extra warmth
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) mixed into the topping for crunch
- Substitute for vegan: use 1/2 cup coconut oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter, and replace brown sugar with coconut sugar if desired
- Gluten-free option: substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats
- For a tarter filling: use 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or reduce brown sugar by 1–2 tablespoons
Method & Process
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon until evenly coated. Let sit for a few minutes to macerate.
- Spread the apple mixture in a greased baking dish (an 8×8-inch or similar-sized dish works well).
- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples, covering them completely. If using nuts, mix them into the topping before sprinkling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the apples are soft and the top is golden brown and crisp. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 5–10 minutes.
- Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
Practical tips
- Avoid overmixing the crumble topping — you want pea-size lumps of butter-and-flour coated oats for texture.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife into the filling; it should glide into tender apples with some resistance (not mushy).
- If the apples release a lot of juice and the base looks soupy, bake a few extra minutes to reduce liquid, or let rest before serving — it will thicken as it cools.
Best Pairings
- Classic: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast between hot and cold.
- Cozy drink pairings: a cup of strong coffee, chai tea, or mulled cider complements the spice and sweetness beautifully.
- Savory contrast: for brunch, top a small portion with a dollop of Greek yogurt or mascarpone to add tang and richness — a lovely companion to a slice of Mascarpone Apple Crumble Cake if you’re building a dessert spread.
- Light option: serve with plain steamed yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a breakfast-friendly bowl.
How to Store
- Room temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 day (best eaten the same day for crunch).
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds if you don’t mind the topping softening.
- Freezer: Freeze baked crumble (cool completely) in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–30 minutes (cover loosely with foil at first, then uncover to crisp the topping).
Chef’s Advice
- Apple selection matters: Choose a mix of firm, baking apples (e.g., Granny Smith for tartness and Braeburn or Honeycrisp for sweetness) to balance texture and flavor.
- Topping texture: For extra crunch, toast the rolled oats lightly in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes before mixing into the topping.
- Balance sweetness: Taste your apple mix before topping — if you used very sweet apples, you can cut brown sugar by 1–2 tablespoons. Conversely, tart apples may benefit from a pinch more sugar.
- Even browning cue: Rotate the dish halfway through baking for uniform color if your oven runs hot in spots.
Creative Twists
- Spiced Maple Walnut Crumble: Replace the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and fold 1/2 cup chopped walnuts into the topping. Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of ground cloves.
- Pear & Apple Mix: Use 2 cups apples + 2 cups ripe pears for a softer, floral character. Reduce lemon juice slightly to avoid pear browning.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: Use vegan butter and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with certified gluten-free oats. Add 2 tablespoons ground flax mixed with 6 tablespoons water (let sit 5 minutes) if you want to reduce butter and bind the topping.
- Boozy Caramel: Stir 1 tablespoon bourbon or dark rum into the apple mixture and drizzle a little caramel sauce over each serving for an adult dessert.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the crumble in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
Q: My topping went soft after refrigeration — how do I fix it?
A: Re-crisp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–12 minutes, uncovered. Microwaving will warm it but soften the topping.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar to make it healthier?
A: You can cut brown sugar by up to half, especially if using naturally sweeter apples (e.g., Honeycrisp). Consider adding a splash of maple syrup or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance perceived sweetness.
Q: What can I do if my filling is too runny?
A: Bake a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid, or sprinkle 1–2 teaspoons of cornstarch into the apple mixture before baking to help thicken juices.
Q: Any egg-free or dairy-free tips?
A: This recipe is naturally egg-free. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter or coconut oil in equal measure.
Conclusion
This baked apple crumble is a dependable, heartwarming dessert that’s easy enough for weeknights and charming enough for holidays. It’s a celebration of contrasts — crisp topping, soft fruit, warm spices — that invites sharing and seconds. If you enjoy exploring variations and want more inspiration, check out this straightforward take on the dish by Mom On Timeout and the detailed recipe notes at RecipeTin Eats. Try it, share a photo, and tell us how you flavored yours — community recipes and stories are what make a simple crumble unforgettable.
Print
Baked Apple Crumble
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting baked apple crumble with a crunchy oat topping and tender baked apples, perfect for cozy gatherings or weekend desserts.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (about 1 stick / 113 g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Spread the apple mixture in a greased baking dish (an 8×8-inch or similar-sized dish works well).
- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the apples are soft and the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
Notes
For a tarter filling, use 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or reduce brown sugar by 1–2 tablespoons. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 5–10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 402
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
