Homemade Apple Crumble

This easy recipe for apple crumble is the best way to bring fresh crisp apples to the table!

Tender and sweet cinnamon-kissed apples are baked under a buttery brown sugar crumble topping.

With just a few simple steps (and ingredients you likely have on hand), this delicious dessert is ready to put into the oven.

We love apple recipes in the fall from cozy Apple Pie Bread to easy apple hand pies.

The Best Apples for Crumble

Granny Smith Apples are my personal favorite for most dessert recipes. I love their tart flavor and they hold their shape well.

Other options include Honeycrisp, Gala, Braeburn, or Pink Lady.

Apples on a cutting board to make Apple Crumble

Other Ingredients for Apple Crumble

In addition to the apples mentioned above, you’ll need just a handful of pantry ingredients for this apple crumble recipe.

Apple Filling: A bit of all purpose flour thickens the juices while cinnamon and sugar sweeten and flavor it.

Crumble Topping: The crumble topping is made with flour, cold butter, sugar, and spices. Feel free to add some finely chopped pecans or walnuts.

Apple crumble topping in a glass bowl with a pastry blender

How to Make Apple Crumble

Sometimes simple is best when it comes time to make dessert. I love this dessert because it reminds my of the desserts my mom used to make when I was younger.

Prepare topping: Place toppings in a bowl and cut with a pastry cutter until it begins to stick together as you mix it. Refrigerate while preparing apples.
Prepare apples: Toss apples with sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a greased casserole dish.
Bake: Sprinkle topping and bake until golden brown according to the recipe below.

ingredients to make Apple Crumble in a baking dish

Tips for A Great Crumble Topping

Use cold butter in this recipe and mix the topping until it starts to stick together and form larger pieces.
If the topping seems powdery, it needs to be mixed longer until it forms larger crumbs.
Refrigerate the topping while peeling the apples, this helps keep it from melting and keeps it crumbly and crisp.
Use firm apples so they don’t lose their shape and become mushy while baking. Overbaking can cause mushy apples.
Check the apple crumble early so the apples don’t overcook or they will turn into applesauce!

Baked Apple in a white casserole dish on a wood board

What is Apple Crumble?

A crumble is fruit mixed with sweetened seasonings like cinnamon, allspice, cloves, sugar, and a bit of flour or cornstarch for thickening. It’s baked with a streusel-type topping.

Apple Crumble vs. Cobbler vs. Crisp

Apple crumble (as in this recipe) is made with a simple streusel topping made of butter, flour, sugars, and spices.
Apple crisp contains oats and nuts.
Apple Cobbler is more of a cake-like or biscuit-like topping depending on the recipe.

Does apple crumble need to be refrigerated?

This easy apple crumble recipe can be stored either in the fridge for 24 hours before baking. If making ahead, toss the apples with a spoonful of lemon juice so they don’t brown too much.

Once baked, it can be kept or on the counter for up to 2 days. If you plan to store it longer, I would suggest keeping it in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze apple crumble?

Yes, apple crumble can be frozen either before or after baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. If the crumble is still really cold, it might need a few minutes of extra baking time.

More Apple Recipes

Did your family love this Apple Crumble? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

4.95 from 72 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Homemade Apple Crumble is a quick and easy dessert full of warm and cozy Fall flavors.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Place all topping ingredients (except butter) in a medium bowl. Use a pastry cutter to cut in butter until the mixture starts to stick together, about 3 minutes. Place in the fridge while preparing the apples.
Place apples in a 2qt baking dish and toss with sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Sprinkle crumble topping over top of apple mixture and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden and apples are soft.
Serve warm with ice cream.

Use cold butter in this recipe and mix the topping until it starts to stick together and form larger pieces. If it seems powdery, it hasn’t been mixed enough.
Refrigerate the topping while prepping the apples, this helps keep it from melting and keeps it crumbly.
Use firm apples so they don’t lose their shape and become mushy while baking. Check the apples early, overbaking can cause mushy apples.
Adding nuts or granola makes the crumble extra crunchy.

4.95 from 72 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

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