Classic Apple Crumble Recipe

Introduction

Classic Apple Crumble is a comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples under a buttery, crumbly topping. Simple to make and full of cozy flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion.

A close-up of a baked apple crumble showing two main layers: the bottom layer is soft, golden, and glossy cooked apple chunks in syrup, with a juicy and tender texture, while the top layer is a thick, crumbly, golden-brown streusel with small and large crumbs creating a rough texture. The dish is in a white bowl and is placed on a white marbled surface, with some of the apple filling slightly exposed underneath the crumble topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 1/2 lb Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 to 7 cups)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until coarse, crumbly clumps form. Use your hands at the end for perfectly sized crumbs.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples with 1/2 cup sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Stir until the apples are well coated.
  4. Step 4: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples to fully cover them.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Place a baking sheet underneath to catch any overflow.
  6. Step 6: Let the crumble cool for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

  • For more depth, add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping.
  • Substitute Granny Smith apples with a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
  • Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the apple filling and prevent browning.

Storage

Store leftover apple crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For best texture, reheat rather than freeze.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a dessert with two visible layers on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of soft, golden-brown cooked apple slices covered in a glossy syrup, while the top layer is a thick, crumbly, and rough-textured topping in various shades of tan and light brown. The crumbly topping appears uneven and chunky, covering the apple filling completely except for one small exposed section that reveals the juicy apples underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Frozen apples can be used but may release more liquid. Thaw and drain excess moisture before using to prevent a soggy crumble.

How do I make the topping extra crunchy?

Chill the crumble topping before baking and avoid overmixing the butter to keep crumbs distinct and crisp.

Print

Classic Apple Crumble Recipe

A classic and comforting apple crumble featuring tender Granny Smith apples topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture of flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for cozy evenings and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.

  • Author: Caleb
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crumb Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Apple Filling

  • 2 1/2 lb Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 to 7 cups)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside while you prepare the filling and topping.
  2. Make Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly clumps. For best results, use your hands at the end to create perfectly sized crumbs.
  3. Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apples with granulated or brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch or flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the apples are evenly coated and all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Assemble: Spread the apple filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Bake: Place the assembled apple crumble in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling. Optionally, place a baking sheet underneath to catch any bubbling juices.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the crumble to cool for about 15 minutes to let the filling set slightly before serving. For an extra indulgence, serve warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart and firm texture that holds well during baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both topping and filling.
  • You can swap cornstarch with all-purpose flour to thicken the filling as desired.
  • Let the crumble cool before serving to prevent a runny filling and easier slicing.
  • Serving warm with ice cream enhances the overall flavor and experience.

Keywords: apple crumble, classic apple dessert, Granny Smith apple dessert, baked apple dessert, easy apple crumble, cinnamon apple crisp

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