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:
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
- Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- Stir in the melted butter with a fork until crumbly.
Apple Crumble Filling
- Combine apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour if using) and cinnamon.
- Transfer to a baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the top of the filling.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- 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:
- Snickers Salad
- No Bake Apple Cheesecake
- Apple Muffins with Crumb Topping
- Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread
- Deep Dish Dutch Apple Pie
- Overnight Apple Pie Slow Cooker Oatmeal
- Easy Apple Tart with Caramel Sauce
- Caramel Apple Empanadas
- Homemade Apple Pie Filling
- Baked Apple Pie Dip
- Deep Dish Dutch Apple Pie
How To Make Apple Crumble
Apple Crumble
Ingredients
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar light or dark
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Filling
- 2 ½ pounds Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced or diced into bite sized pieces (about 6 to 7 cups)
- ½ cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons corn starch or all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Crumble Topping
- In a medium bowl combine all purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder and cinnamon. Whisk to combine.1 cup all purpose flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly.8 tablespoons unsalted butter
Prepare Filling
- In a large bowl, combine apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour if using) and ground cinnamon.2 ½ pounds Granny Smith apples, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons corn starch, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Transfer apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the top of the filling.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving with ice cream if desired.
Moit says
This recipe is so simple and delicious, I made 4 trays and gave it to my friends and family. They all loved it!
Jeff says
I made this and it soo good. Thank you
Nickie C says
Sooo good! This is one of the best apple desserts I’ve ever had!!
Willow Rain Gessner says
Delicious! I work in a kitchen as a dessert chef and this crumble was an immediate hit. If anyone is reading this, try adding chopped toasted cinnamon sugar pecans into the crumble. It adds a whole ‘nother level of yummy.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It’s honestly one of my favorite desserts to make – year-round! So easy and so yummy! Thank you so much!
Lisa says
Hi Trish,
I made your apple crumb recipe last weekend for my husband’s family birthday party! This is one of his favorite types of desserts. Your recipe is absolutely delicious, especially served with vanilla bean ice cream!. I feel like it has a great balance of flavors, and because of the amount of apples and spices, it was not too sweet which is something I look for in a dessert. I know it calls for Granny Smith apples, which I have used many times for apple desserts, but this time I chose Cosmic Crisp apples since they are a new favorite. I don’t know if it was using this particular apple, but they got baked and cooked enough, but remained crisp-tender which my husband and I both loved! I also used Trader Joe’s Vegan Butter since our daughter is vegan. It’s always nice to be able to find recipes that are easy to convert to vegan. Thank you for the great recipe! I will definitely be making this again in the future.
Aimée says
Wow. This recipe is so simple yet SO GOOD!! Truly and amazingly delicious. I just made it and I wanted to cry ’cause of how good it is 🙈 I used 10 small golden apples by the way, granulated sugar and all purpose flour instead of brown sugar and cornstarch and it’s perfect nonetheless. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂🫶
Lisa w. says
Eating it right now for desert. Husband told me this was amazing. Thank you for the wonderful recipe. This was soooooooo delicious.
Rachel S says
Hi Trish!
I’m excited to make this apple crumble for a big Friendsgiving, and was wondering:
Would you recommend making the apple pie filling, refrigerate for hours, and then assemble with crumble topping and bake, so that it’s fresh out of the oven after the main course and sides are done? That way the topping isn’t mushy from resting on the apple filling in the fridge?
Timing is everything, as they say! 🙂
I greatly appreciate your tips, and thank you for this amazing recipe!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s exactly how I would do it!
Melissa says
This is a delicious dessert! Thank you for sharing! Have you tried freezing this after baking or before baking? Or could I use frozen apples rather than fresh? I have several apples and would love to either make this and freeze or dice up and freeze the apples and make later. Thoughts? Thanks!