Apple Crumble Recipe
Quick Answer
Toss 6 sliced apples with 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and lemon juice. For the topping, mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup cold cubed butter until crumbly. Spread over apples, bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbling. Serves 8.
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
Apple crumble is the quintessential British dessert — tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices beneath a buttery, golden-brown oat topping. Simpler than pie (no pastry to roll), it takes just 15 minutes to assemble and about 35 minutes to bake until the fruit is bubbling and the crumble is crisp.
The best apple crumble uses a mix of tart and sweet apples: Granny Smith for structure and tartness, Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. Toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
## The Crumble Topping
The ideal ratio is equal parts flour and oats with half as much cold butter, rubbed together until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs with pea-sized butter lumps. These butter pockets create the crispy, crunchy texture.
About This Recipe
"Apple Crumble" is a Dessert recipe that brings apples, peeled and sliced, sugar, cinnamon, flour and oats together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 55 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 6 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The British inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 150 g flour
- 100 g oats
- 120 g cold butter, cubed
- 80 g brown sugar
Instructions
- 1
Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon, pour into baking dish.
- 2
Make crumble: rub butter into flour, oats, and brown sugar until chunky.
- 3
Scatter crumble over apples.
- 4
Bake at 180°C for 35-40 min until golden and bubbling. Serve warm.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Apples, peeled and sliced is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Oven work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Apple Crumble" is a versatile Dessert dish that pairs beautifully with freshly brewed coffee or espresso, lightly sweetened whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and classic British sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store Apple Crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or at room temperature for 1–2 days if it does not contain dairy or custard. Cover loosely so the texture stays fresh. For the best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the oven.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples for crumble?
Use a mix: Granny Smith provides tartness and holds its shape, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness. Avoid Red Delicious — they turn mushy when baked. A 2:1 ratio of tart to sweet works best.
How do I keep my crumble topping crispy?
Three keys: use cold butter (don't let it soften), don't press the topping down (leave it loose and chunky), and bake until deeply golden brown. Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the fruit prevents excess moisture from making the topping soggy.
Can I make apple crumble ahead of time?
Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked (add 5 minutes to baking time). Or bake, cool, and reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes. The topping is crispiest when freshly baked.
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