Simple Apple Crumble Recipe

Simple apple crumble recipe with 7 basic ingredients. Learn to make this crustless apple crisp with golden oat topping in just 40 minutes. Perfect comfort dessert!

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last October, my neighbor knocked on my door with a paper bag full of Honeycrisp apples from her backyard tree.

Well, I thought I’d make a traditional apple pie, but honestly, I was feeling pretty lazy after a long day at work.

Instead, I threw together what I now call my simple apple crumble recipe. You know what happened next? My entire kitchen smelled like cinnamon heaven, and that first warm bite transported me straight back to my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen in upstate New York.

The buttery oat topping gave way to tender, spiced apples beneath—pure comfort in a spoon.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who burns water, this baked apple crumble recipe will become your go-to comfort dessert. Let me tell you, once you master this technique, you’ll never go back to store-bought desserts again.

What Makes This Simple Apple Crumble Special

This simple apple crumble stands apart from other desserts because it celebrates the natural sweetness of apples while adding just enough spice and texture to create something magical. Moreover, unlike traditional apple pies that require pastry skills, this recipe focuses on building incredible flavor through layers.

The secret lies in the contrast between textures. First, you create a spiced apple base that becomes tender and jammy during baking. Then, the oat crumble topping provides that satisfying crunch we all crave. Additionally, the combination of brown and white sugars adds depth while the lemon juice brightens everything up.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Apple Crumble

Bold Crumble Topping Ingredients

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

When selecting apples, choose firm varieties that hold their shape during baking. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn work beautifully in this crustless apple crisp. Man, oh man, avoid Red Delicious apples—they turn mushy and lack the tartness that balances the sweet topping.

For the best results, buy European-style butter with higher fat content. Furthermore, old-fashioned rolled oats create better texture than quick oats. Look for them in the cereal aisle or bulk bins.

Smart Substitutions

Can’t find certain ingredients? No problem. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Similarly, coconut oil or vegan butter works in place of dairy butter. For a healthier twist, replace half the brown sugar with maple syrup or honey.

International readers often ask about measurements. Remember that 1 cup of flour equals approximately 120 grams, while 1 cup of oats weighs about 90 grams. These conversions ensure your apple crisp crumble recipe turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Equipment and Preparation

Equipment You’ll Need

Every successful baked apple crumble recipe starts with the right tools. First, grab a 9-inch round baking dish or an 8×8-inch square pan. I prefer ceramic or enameled cast iron because they distribute heat evenly and look beautiful on the table.

Additionally, you’ll need a large mixing bowl for the apples and a separate bowl for the crumble topping. A sharp peeler makes quick work of the apples, while a pastry cutter or your fingers work perfectly for mixing the topping.

Don’t have a pastry cutter? No worries. Two butter knives or clean hands work just as well. Julia Child herself preferred using her hands for mixing pastry—she believed you could feel when the texture was just right.

Step-by-Step Apple Crumble Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the topping to brown beautifully while cooking the apples through completely. Next, lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice your apples into ¼-inch thick pieces. Oops! I learned this the hard way—if you cut them too thick, they won’t cook evenly. Place the sliced apples in your prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then, squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and toss gently to coat. The flour helps thicken the natural juices, while the lemon prevents browning and adds brightness.

Step 3: Create the Perfect Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and work them in with your fingers or a pastry cutter. You want a texture that resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger butter pieces remaining.

Here’s where many people make mistakes. Don’t overmix the topping—those butter chunks create the flaky, crispy texture we’re after. Think of it like making biscuits; cold butter creates steam pockets that result in amazing texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the prepared apples. Don’t pack it down—let it sit loosely for maximum crispiness. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.

You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells incredible and you can hear gentle bubbling. The topping should be firm to the touch and deep golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the apple crumble from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This cooling time allows the filling to thicken slightly, making serving easier. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.

Expert Tips and Creative Variations

Professional Secrets for Success

After testing this recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered several techniques that separate good apple crumble from extraordinary apple crumble. First, always use a mix of apple varieties. Combining tart Granny Smiths with sweet Honeycrisps creates complex flavor.

Second, don’t skip the salt in the topping. That tiny amount enhances all the other flavors, just like Thomas Keller teaches in his baking philosophy. Additionally, cold butter is crucial—it creates the flaky texture that makes people ask for your recipe.

Five Delicious Variations to Try

Cranberry Apple Crumble: Add ½ cup dried cranberries to the apple mixture for tart-sweet balance and beautiful color contrast.

Maple Pecan Crumble: Replace ¼ cup brown sugar with maple syrup and add ½ cup chopped pecans to the topping for Southern charm.

Chai-Spiced Apple Crumble: Enhance the spice blend with ground ginger, cardamom, and a pinch of black pepper for warming complexity.

Bourbon Apple Crumble: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to the apple mixture for grown-up sophistication and deeper flavor.

Gluten-Free Almond Crumble: Substitute almond flour for regular flour and add sliced almonds to the topping for nutty richness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

This baked apple crumble recipe stores beautifully and actually improves overnight as flavors meld together. Cover leftovers with foil and refrigerate for up to four days. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and bake when ready.

For reheating, place individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. The topping regains its crispiness beautifully with oven reheating.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

This simple apple crumble pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. For special occasions, try serving it with caramel sauce or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Coffee lovers, listen up. This dessert tastes incredible alongside freshly brewed coffee or black tea. During the holidays, serve it with spiced cider or mulled wine for the ultimate comfort combination.

Looking for more apple desserts? Check out the best apple crisp recipe for a different take on this classic comfort food.

Apple Crumble FAQs

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Fall Dessert

This simple apple crumble recipe proves that the best desserts come from simple ingredients prepared with care. From the first bite of tender, cinnamon-scented apples to the satisfying crunch of the golden oat topping, every spoonful delivers pure comfort.

The beauty of this crustless apple crisp lies in its versatility. Serve it for casual weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or Sunday brunches. Moreover, the make-ahead friendly nature means you can prepare it when convenient and bake when needed.

Remember that neighbor who shared her apples with me? She still stops by every fall, hoping I’ll make another batch. That’s the power of this recipe—it creates memories and brings people together around the table.

For your next dinner party, consider pairing this dessert with quick lasagna soup for a complete comfort food experience. The warm, spiced flavors complement hearty main dishes perfectly.

What variations will you try first? Whether you stick with the classic version or experiment with bourbon or maple pecan additions, this baked apple crumble recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Share your apple crumble creations on social media and tag us—we love seeing how our readers make these recipes their own. After all, the best recipes are meant to be shared and adapted to create new family traditions.

For more inspiration, explore our collection of Japanese cotton candy Swiss cake roll and Japanese clear soup recipe to discover flavors from around the world.

Simple Apple Crumble

This simple apple crumble recipe transforms fresh apples into a cozy, crustless dessert topped with a golden oat crumble. With just 7 basic ingredients and under 40 minutes of baking, it delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 9-inch round baking dish
• mixing bowls
• Peeler
• Pastry cutter

Ingredients

  

Apple Filling

• 6 medium Apples peeled, cored, sliced
• 2 Tbsp Brown sugar for filling
• 1 Tbsp White sugar for filling
• 1 Tbsp All-purpose flour for filling
• ½ tsp Ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp Grated nutmeg
• 2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice about 1/2 lemon

Crumble Topping

• 1 cup All-purpose flour for topping
• 1 cup Rolled oats old-fashioned
• 1 cup Light brown sugar for topping
• 125 g Cold butter cubed
• ¼ tsp Salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
• Peel, core, and slice apples. Toss with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in the baking dish.
• Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Sprinkle topping over apples. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
• Cool for 10 minutes before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Try adding cranberries, pecans, or chai spices for delicious variations. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for later.

Keyword apple crisp crumble recipe, baked apple crumble recipe, crustless apple crisp, simple apple crumble