This warm, comforting apple crumble is everything I crave in a fall or winter dessert. It combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crisp, buttery oat topping and is always best served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold, soft and crunchy, makes every bite unforgettable. Whether I make it for a family dinner or just to enjoy a cozy evening treat, this dessert never disappoints.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers rich, homemade flavor without much fuss. The topping is perfectly golden and crisp, while the apples become sweet, soft, and slightly tangy as they bake. I also enjoy how versatile it is — I can switch up the apples or add nuts and spices to make it my own. Plus, when I serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, it feels like something truly special, even though it’s so simple to make.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crumble topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the apple filling:
6 medium baking apples (such as Golden Delicious or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch, for thickening)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon for the topping. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly and evenly combined. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, flour (or cornstarch), and cinnamon. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Let the crumble cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
I sometimes use a mix of apple varieties for more depth of flavor — Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
For a crunchier texture, I like to stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping.
When I want more spice, I add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice to the filling.
To make it gluten-free, I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Instead of a large dish, I bake the crumble in individual ramekins for personal servings — they look great and bake faster.
storage/reheating
I keep leftover apple crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat it, I usually place it in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to keep the topping crisp. If I’m in a hurry, I microwave a single serving for 45 to 60 seconds, though the topping does get a little softer this way.
FAQs
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
I prefer apples that hold their shape during baking like Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They give a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make this apple crumble ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. When I’m ready, I just pop it into the oven. It’s best to bake it fresh for a crispy topping.
Do I have to peel the apples?
I always peel them because I prefer a softer filling. The skins can become chewy during baking, which I try to avoid.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
No problem — I use all-purpose flour as a thickener when I’m out of cornstarch. It gives the filling a slightly different texture but works just as well.
Can I freeze apple crumble?
Yes, I freeze it either baked or unbaked. If baked, I let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, I warm it in the oven until hot all the way through.
Conclusion
This baked apple crumble with vanilla ice cream is one of my favorite desserts because it’s simple, delicious, and satisfying every time. Whether I make it for guests or just for myself, it always brings that nostalgic comfort I love in a homemade dessert. The aroma of spiced apples and the golden topping fresh from the oven is something I never get tired of.
This warm baked apple crumble is a classic fall and winter dessert made with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a crisp, buttery crumble topping. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s comforting, easy to make, and full of nostalgic flavor.
Ingredients
For the crumble topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the apple filling:
6 medium baking apples (such as Golden Delicious or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon for the topping. Add melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, flour (or cornstarch), and cinnamon until evenly coated.
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples to fully cover the surface.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top.
Notes
Use a mix of apple varieties (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for more flavor depth.
Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping for added crunch.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for extra warmth.
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Bake in individual ramekins for quicker cooking and personal servings.
