Best Apple Crumble Recipe
Crisp, cozy, and a little indulgent, this Apple Crumble is fall in every bite. Sweet, tender apples spiced with cinnamon are topped with a golden brown, buttery streusel that’s irresistibly crunchy. Enjoy it straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or savor it warm on its own for a simple, comforting treat.
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A Note from Kim
Why This Apple Dessert Wins
This apple crumble recipe is a wonderful alternative to a traditional apple pie or apple crisp! It has all the cozy, warm flavors you love, soft, spiced apples and a crunchy, crumbly topping without all the fuss.
One of the best things about this dessert is how easy and forgiving it is. There’s no need for a pie crust or complicated prep; it all bakes in one dish while the apples cook down and the topping turns perfectly golden and crisp. It’s also great to make ahead, so you don’t use precious oven space if you’re prepping for Thanksgiving dinner.
With love (and lots of good eats), 
I just made this tonight and it was really delicious. The topping, is one of the best toppings I have ever tasted. So easy to make too!
— Katie
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples for the best balance of flavor and texture. No need to peel them if you like a rustic feel!
- Granulated sugar: White sugar sweetens the apples and helps draw out their natural juices for a luscious filling.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and keeps the apples from browning, freshly squeezed is best.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the juices so the filling isn’t runny. Cornstarch rather than just adding extra flour gives a clearer, glossier finish.
- Spices: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon and ground ginger add that warm, cozy fall flavor we all love.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the apple flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumble and gives it structure.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses for richer flavor.
- Baking powder: Helps keep the topping light and crisp instead of dense.
- Butter: Melted butter binds the topping together and helps the crumble bake up crisp and flavorful. I always use unsalted butter but either is fine.
- Vanilla ice cream: The classic finishing touch! Melts into the warm crumble and makes every bite extra indulgent.
Easy Swaps & Flavor Upgrades
- Apple swap: Instead of the traditional apple filling, try pears, peaches, or a mix of berries for a fun twist on the classic crumble.
- Berry crumbles: Try my apple blackberry crumble or my best blackberry crumble!
- Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Oat crumble: Add ½–1 cup of rolled oats to the topping for extra texture and a heartier bite.
- Nutty crunch: Mix chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the crumble topping before baking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves for a deeper spiced flavor.
- Dairy-free: Use melted coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- Mini crumbles: Make individual servings in ramekins, perfect for dinner parties or portion control.
- Caramel twist: Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the apple layer before adding the crumble topping for an indulgent touch.
- Boozy version: Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum to the apple mixture for even more depth of flavor.
Best Apple Crumble Recipe
Ingredients
For the apple filling:
- 6 large baking apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn or a combination; about 4 pounds), peeled (or unpeeled), cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, about half a lemon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, or all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the crumble topping:
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder, this will keep the topping from getting soggy
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, melted, plus more for pan
- vanilla ice cream, optional for serving
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Add prepared 6 large baking apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn or a combination; about 4 pounds), 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to baking dish and toss to combine. You can also combine everything in a large bowl, if that's easier. Spread in an even layer. It will seem like too many apples for the dish, but they will bake down. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir in melted 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter until everything is combined.
- Instead of pressing the crumb mixture over the top of apples, crumble it evenly over the top in (pebble-sized) pieces, so it bakes with a crumbly texture. Bake until apples are bubbling and topping is golden, about 50 minutes.
- Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or room temperature with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- Use a mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet varieties (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) gives the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Don’t skimp on the crumble: Pile it high! The topping will shrink a little as it bakes, and everyone loves those crispy bits.
- Slice evenly: Try to keep apple slices about the same thickness so they bake evenly and soften at the same rate.
- Make ahead friendly: Assemble the filling and topping separately, refrigerate both, then bake when ready for fresh-from-the-oven crispness.
- Less sweet: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar in the topping to as little as ½ cup. Keep the sugar in the filling the same so the syrupy texture stays just right, and use all tart green apples like Granny Smith to naturally balance the sweetness.
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy it within a day, you can cover the apple crumble tightly and leave it at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes to bring back the crisp topping.
- Freezer: You can freeze baked or unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen (add 10–15 extra minutes) or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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How to Make This Apple Crumble Recipe
These instructions are simple and straightforward, just toss, crumble, and bake! No fancy equipment or pie crusts needed, just classic comfort in every bite.
Step 1: Toss apples. Add apples, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, and salt to your baking dish or a bowl and toss to combine.
Step 2: Transfer to dish. Spread apple slices in an even layer in the greased baking dish. It will seem like too many apples for the dish, but they will bake down. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the crumble. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until everything is combined.
Step 4: Add the topping. Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the top in small pieces, so it bakes with a crumbly texture.
Step 5: Bake. Place in the oven and bake until apples are bubbling and topping is golden, about 50 minutes.
Step 6: Serve. Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Kim’s Recipe Tips
- Use a mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet varieties (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) gives the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Don’t skimp on the crumble: Pile it high! The topping will shrink a little as it bakes, and everyone loves those crispy bits.
- Slice evenly: Try to keep apple slices about the same thickness so they bake evenly and soften at the same rate.
- Let it rest: Allow the crumble to cool for at least 10–15 minutes after baking. This helps the filling thicken up and makes serving easier.
- Make ahead friendly: Assemble the filling and topping separately, refrigerate both, then bake when ready for fresh-from-the-oven crispness.
- Less sweet: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar in the topping to as little as ½ cup. Keep the sugar in the filling the same so the syrupy texture stays just right, and use all tart green apples like Granny Smith to naturally balance the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
A mix of tart and sweet apples works best, try combining Granny Smith with Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
t’s totally up to you! Leaving the peels on gives the crumble a more rustic texture and adds extra nutrients, while peeling the apples makes the filling softer and more classic. If you prefer them peeled but want to save time, an apple-peeler-slicer makes quick work of the job, it’s a game changer during apple season!
Yes! You can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch pan; the bake time will be slightly shorter, around 35–40 minutes.
Storage Recommendations
- Room temperature: If you plan to enjoy it within a day, you can cover the apple crumble tightly and leave it at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes to bring back the crisp topping.
- Freezer: You can freeze baked or unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen (add 10–15 extra minutes) or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
More Apple Dessert Recipes
If you try this best apple crumble recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Gorgeous and delicious apple crumble! Easy to follow the directions, and I made it exactly as written. Thank you for your recipe content!
Made this today. Fantastic!! I’ve played around with different crumble recipes but this one hits the nail on the head. It’s a keeper.
This was delicious! Delicate, buttery, and I added a pear. One of my new favorite recipes! I’m planning to make it again for Thanksgiving along with your broccoli rice casserole, which I love.
This recipe is so simple and delicious, I made 4 trays and gave it to my friends and family. They all loved it!
So happy to hear!
What a great recipe! I served the apple crumble with ice cream as the dessert for Bunco party. All the guests raved about it and asked for the recipe. The addition of the ginger powder gives it a special taste. It was so easy to make. As the notes suggested, I left the apple peel on and am glad I did.
One word: delicious!
I just made this tonight and it was really delicious. The topping, is one of the best toppings I have ever tasted.
So easy to make too!
That makes me so happy to hear! Thanks so much for your comment!
This is the best apple crumble I have ever had. Don’t change a thing when you make this. I could have taken a fork and eaten the whole thing.
Yes, it’s dangerous in a good way!
I tried this today, and I must say, I am so impressed with the result. It was easy and so simple but really really delicious. My whole family loved it.
Yay! That makes me so happy!