Classic Apple Crumble: Buttery, Golden Comfort in Every Bite

There are few desserts as universally loved as a Classic Apple Crumble. With its tender, cinnamon-spiced apples tucked beneath a golden, buttery topping, this timeless dessert captures the very essence of homemade comfort food. Whether served warm with melting vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own with a cup of tea, this easy apple crumble recipe brings together simple pantry ingredients in the most delicious way possible.

If you’re searching for the ultimate homemade apple dessert, this old fashioned apple crisp-style crumble will quickly become your go-to. It’s approachable, reliable, and deeply satisfying — the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgic aromas.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create the perfect baked apple crumble with oats from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Apple Crumble

This easy apple crumble recipe checks all the boxes:

• Simple ingredients you likely already have
• No complicated techniques
• Perfect balance of soft apples and crisp topping
• Customizable for dietary needs or flavor preferences
• Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or cozy evenings at home

Unlike pie, there’s no need to fuss with pastry dough. The crumble topping comes together in minutes and bakes into a beautifully textured, golden crust.

The History Behind Apple Crumble

Apple crumble originated in Britain during World War II when rationing made traditional pie crust ingredients scarce. Instead of pastry, home cooks created a simple crumb mixture using flour, fat, and sugar. The result was lighter, quicker, and just as satisfying.

Today, classic apple crumble remains a staple across American and European kitchens, especially during autumn when apples are at their peak. It’s a dessert rooted in resourcefulness but elevated by flavor.

Ingredients

Apple Filling

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Pinch of salt

Crumble Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish.
2. Prepare the apples. Peel, core, and slice the apples into even slices about 1/4 inch thick. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Season the filling. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Toss thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated.
4. Transfer to baking dish. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Make the crumble topping. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Cut in the butter. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Top the apples. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
8. Bake. Place in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
9. Cool slightly. Allow the crumble to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the filling thicken.
10. Serve warm. Enjoy as is, or with ice cream or whipped cream.

Choosing the Best Apples

The best classic apple crumble starts with the right apples. Look for varieties that hold their shape during baking.

Top choices include:

• Granny Smith (tart and firm)
• Honeycrisp (sweet-tart and crisp)
• Braeburn (balanced flavor)
• Pink Lady (bright and slightly tangy)

For deeper flavor, mix two varieties together.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Crumble

1. Keep Butter Cold

Cold butter ensures a crumbly, textured topping rather than a dense crust.

2. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice

It brightens the filling and balances sweetness.

3. Use Oats for Texture

Rolled oats create that classic old fashioned apple crisp feel.

4. Let It Rest

Cooling allows the juices to thicken naturally.

5. Avoid Overmixing

When cutting butter into the topping, stop when pea-sized crumbs form.

Delicious Variations

Caramel Apple Crumble

Add 1/4 cup caramel sauce to the apple mixture before baking.

Nutty Crunch Version

Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping.

Gluten-Free Option

Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.

Berry Apple Twist

Add 1 cup fresh blueberries or raspberries to the apple filling.

Spiced Autumn Version

Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for deeper warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Classic apple crumble is incredibly versatile:

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
• Add freshly whipped cream
• Pair with salted caramel drizzle
• Enjoy with Greek yogurt for brunch
• Serve alongside coffee or chai tea

For special occasions, plate individual portions in ramekins for elegant presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.

Reheating

Warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Why This Easy Apple Crumble Recipe Works

The combination of flour and cornstarch thickens the juices without making the filling gummy. Brown sugar adds caramel depth, while oats create that signature texture that distinguishes crumble from cobbler.

Because the topping ratio is generous, every spoonful delivers crisp, buttery crunch alongside tender apples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is apple crumble the same as apple crisp?

They’re very similar. Apple crisp typically includes oats in the topping, while traditional crumble may not. This recipe blends both styles for maximum texture.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting texture.

The Comfort of Homemade

There’s something incredibly grounding about making a classic apple crumble from scratch. The rhythmic peeling of apples, the scent of cinnamon in the air, and the golden topping bubbling in the oven create a sensory experience that feels timeless.

This homemade apple dessert doesn’t rely on fancy techniques or rare ingredients — just honest flavors and simple preparation.

When you pull that bubbling dish from the oven, you’re not just baking dessert. You’re creating warmth, nostalgia, and comfort in every bite.

Classic Apple Crumble

A warm and comforting baked apple dessert topped with a buttery oat crumble.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Apple Filling

• 6 apples peeled and sliced
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 tsp cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Crumble Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup rolled oats
• 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish
• Pastry cutter
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Toss sliced apples with sugars, lemon juice, vanilla, spices, flour, and cornstarch.
3. Transfer apple mixture to baking dish.
4. Mix flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
5. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
6. Sprinkle topping over apples evenly.
7. Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra crunch, add chopped nuts to the topping. Best served warm.