Apple Crumble

This easy homemade Apple Crumble is our favorite dessert for apple season! With it’s sweet, caramelized apple filling and crumbly topping this simple, comforting dessert is most definitely a crowd pleaser! Serve warm and bubbling from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a memorable, easy dessert!

Love all things apple? Try my Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread, Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping and these Caramel Apple Empanadas!

Of all the apple recipes I make each fall, this sensational Apple Crumble is my favorite. It takes just minutes to make and the flavor is unmatched. It screams of fall and is the perfect way to enjoy apple season. The crumble topping is exceptionally delicious and the perfect complement to the spiced apple filling.

If no one was watching, I would eat this straight from the dish for dinner.

The sweet apple filling caramelizes while it’s baking resulting in a tantalizing texture and deep, caramel flavor. It’s one of those desserts that work equally well in the summer and winter months.

I love to make up this crumble for the holidays in place of or in addition to my Deep Dish Dutch Apple Pie. It’s unexpected and delicious and the perfect excuse to add ice cream to our decadent dessert lineup.

For a mouthwatering, other-worldly experience, serve this Apple Crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and homemade caramel sauce. I have no words for the magic that this is but the moans of delight I hear when I serve it speak volumes.

Easy Apple Crumble Recipe

This recipe uses baking staples and apples. It’s simple, straight forward and easy enough that my 12 year old can make it on his own. If you want to make quick work of the apples, consider investing in an apple peeler corer slicer. They are AMAZING and a must if you’re working with apples a lot.

Even without that handy piece of equipment, I am able to core, peel and slice in about 6 or 7 minutes. The entire recipes comes together in about 10 minutes giving the oven just enough time to preheat.

For a fun twist, top with dollops of homemade whipped cream and a dusting of homemade apple pie spice!

What Is The Difference Between a Cobbler, Crumble and Crisp?

All three of these desserts start with a delicious fruit filling. The difference lies primarily in the topping.

• Cobblers. A cobbler, like this Blueberry Cobbler, has a biscuit or scone like topping.
• Crumbles. A crumble is historically a combination of sugar, butter and flour that gets “crumbled” over the top of the fruit filling.
• Crisps. A crisp will usually have oats added to the topping and it gets sprinkled over the filling. It bakes up with a lovely crispy topping.

All of these desserts are amazing and you’ll note that this recipe is for apple crumble without oats.

More Fall Favorites

Fall is our favorite season for homey comfort food. Here are a few favorites to check out:

1. Rice Pudding
2. Pumpkin Scones
3. Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
4. Baked Sweet Potatoes
5. Zuppa Toscana Soup

Apple Crumble Ingredients

I love that this recipe calls for pantry ingredients because it’s one of those recipes we’ll make a dozen of times during the cooler months of the year. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Apple Crumble Topping

• all purpose flour – this is the foundation of the topping.
• brown sugar – you can use light or dark brown sugar in this recipe. Dark brown sugar will have a deeper molasses flavor which is yummy in this apple crumble recipe.
• baking powder – for a little extra crunch and lift in the topping.
• salt – for flavor and balance.
• ground cinnamon – give the crumble topping more flavor and spice.
• unsalted butter – the butter is melted and then stirred into the dry ingredients for the easiest crumble topping ever.

Apple Crumble Filling

• apples – the star of the show! I like to use Granny Smith apples but any apples will work in this recipe. You will need to peel and core the apple s and then cut or dice into bite sized pieces. I use about 2 1/2 pounds and when I measure I always end up with about about 6 to 7 cups of apple pieces.
• sugar – I used granulated sugar in the video below but frequently do half and half with brown sugar or even use all brown sugar occasionally. You can use what you prefer.
• lemon juice – gives the filling a brightness and keeps the apples from discoloring.
• corn starch or all purpose flour – they are interchangeable in this recipe and I have had great success using both in the past. Please use whichever you like. Both with thicken the filling beautifully as it bakes. Remember to let the crumble cool to allow it to thicken some before serving.
• salt – just a pinch for flavor and balance.
• ground cinnamon – perfectly spices the apple filling. I also sometimes will use apple pie spice in this recipe and it’s got a bit more of a flavor punch which is nice.

How to Make Apple Crumble

Get ready for the best apple crumble recipe! So simple and quick to make, you’re sure to love it. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Apple Crumble Topping

1. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
2. Stir in the melted butter with a fork until crumbly.

Apple Crumble Filling

1. Combine apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour if using) and cinnamon.
2. Transfer to a baking dish and spread into an even layer.
3. Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the top of the filling.
4. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
5. Let cool for 15 minutes to allow the filling to thicken.

Apple Crumble Recipe FAQs

What kind of apples should I use? I prefer Granny Smith apples for all or half of the recipe. For this particular version, I used half Granny Smith and half Honeycrisp apples. You can use virtually any kind of apple for this recipe so use what you have on hand.

Can I double the recipe? You sure can! Use a 9×13 baking dish if doubling the recipe.

Do I have to peel the apples? You’re going to love this – NO! You can absolutely leave the peel on just make sure to wash the apples well. The peel will add a nice texture to the apple filling in this easy apple crumble recipe.

Can I make individual servings? Sure can! Use ramekins and divide the filling and topping evenly between them. Bake as directed.

Tips and Variations

• Drizzle caramel sauce over top just before serving to amp up the indulgence. 
• Stir in half a teaspoon of vanilla extract in with the apple filling ingredients for a beautiful aroma and sensational flavor.
• Chopped nuts make a great topping or make it extra special with Candied Pecans.
• Serve with a dollop of extra whipped cream and a dash of apple pie spice or cinnamon. 
• Serve alongside a heaping scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream!

More Apple Recipes

Apple season is here! Check out more recipes below:

1. Snickers Salad
2. No Bake Apple Cheesecake
3. Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping
4. Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread
5. Deep Dish Dutch Apple Pie
6. Overnight Apple Pie Slow Cooker Oatmeal
7. Easy Apple Tart with Caramel Sauce
8. Caramel Apple Empanadas
9. Homemade Apple Pie Filling
10. Baked Apple Pie Dip
11. Deep Dish Dutch Apple Pie

How To Make Apple Crumble