This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
There’s something about the aroma of baked apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the irresistible crumbly topping that makes Apple Crumble an all-time favorite dessert.
Even if you’re not an experienced baker, making apple crumble is a breeze. Unlike its finicky cousin, the pie, apple crumble requires minimal effort and expertise. With a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that will impress your taste buds and those lucky enough to savor it.
Apple Crumble
Apple crumble starts with the star ingredient—apples. You need to peel them, slice them, and watch as they transform into a gooey, caramelized filling that’s bursting with flavor. The sweet and tangy apples take center stage, and it’s incredible how they become the heart and soul of this magical dessert.
When you are choosing which apples to use in your crumble, I suggest selecting firm apples for the best texture. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are all excellent choices.
Apple crumble can be served for various seasonal celebrations. During the winter holidays, consider adding a festive twist by incorporating spices like cloves, ginger, or nutmeg. For summer gatherings, serve chilled apple crumble with a scoop of fruity sorbet or a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing dessert option. This dessert is great to bring to a potluck or to serve after a Sunday dinner. There is really no wrong time to delve into apple crumble!
What’s the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?
That’s easy! Apple crisp generally includes oats and apple crumble does not. The apple crumble topping will remind you a bit of a shortbread cookie in all the right ways. It’s delicious and just different enough from a crisp to deserve it’s own post.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Apples
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Butter
Keep scrolling to find a full, printable recipe with a detailed ingredient list.
Recipe Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut butter into small pieces and add them to the dry ingredients. Use a fork or pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Peel, core, and slice apples. In a separate bowl, coat the apple slices with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Transfer the coated apple slices to a skillet or pie dish. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Let the crumble cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely! Apple crumble freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Apple crumble is delicious on its own, but it’s often enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Yes! Instead of using a large dish, you can divide the apple mixture and crumble topping among individual ramekins or baking dishes. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller portions may cook faster.
More Recipes
- Apple Hand Pies
- Easy Apple Pie Recipe (Using Fresh Apples)
- Homemade Cherry Crumble Recipe
- All Butter Pie Crust
If you’ve tried this Apple Crumble recipe or any other recipe on Bless This Mess, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some pictures of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories.
Apple Crumble
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup butter, at room temperature
For the filling:
- 5 large apples
- ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- To prepare the topping, in a large bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined.
- Cut the ¾ cup of room temperature butter into small pieces, then add these to your dry ingredients. Using a fork or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set this mixture aside for later.
- For the filling, peel, core, and slice the 5 large apples into about ¼ inch slices.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the apple slices with the ¼ cup of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Toss the apple slices until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
- Transfer the apple mixture into a large cast-iron skillet or deep pie dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple mixture, making sure to cover the apples completely.
- Bake the apple crumble in your preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Allow the crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Choose firm apples for the best texture in your crumble. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are all excellent choices.
- When preparing your topping, ensure that your butter is at room temperature for the best results. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dry ingredients.
- Cutting the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs ensures a crispy, crumbly topping. This process, known as “cutting in,” is essential for creating the right texture in your topping.
- Keep an eye on your crumble as it bakes, as oven temperatures can vary. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
- Apple crumble is best served warm, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
Apple crumble is a tasty and comforting dessert that brings joy to both young and old. With its simple prep and mouthwatering flavors, it’s no wonder that apple crumble continues to be a favorite treat by all.
