Cozy Country-Style Apple Crumble Recipe for Fall Baking

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and butter waft through the kitchen when you bake this hearty rustic apple crumble.

Crisp autumn apples nestled in a golden, buttery crumble create a dessert that speaks directly to comfort and warmth.

The rustic apple crumble recipe combines simple ingredients with minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.

Tart Granny Smith apples balance perfectly with the sweet, crumbly topping, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Each bite delivers a delightful mix of tender fruit and crunchy streusel that melts in your mouth.

The dessert comes together quickly, making it an ideal treat for spontaneous gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Serve this classic dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate your culinary experience and delight your taste buds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 8

Apple Crumble Ingredient Essentials

• Apples: Choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and firm texture when baked.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright, tangy undertone to balance sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances natural apple sweetness and helps create caramelization.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements apple's natural taste.
• Nutmeg: Provides subtle, earthy warmth and depth to the fruit filling.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and create a silky, luscious texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structural base for crumbly texture.
• Rolled Oats: Adds hearty, rustic texture and nutty undertone.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers rich, molasses-like sweetness and helps topping caramelize.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create golden, crispy crumble topping.
• Vanilla Ice Cream/Whipped Cream: Optional accompaniment for creamy, cool contrast.

Tools That Help Bake Apple Crumble with Golden Topping

• Large mixing bowl: For tossing and mixing apple filling ingredients.
• Baking dish: 9×9 inch dish for assembling and baking the crumble.
• Pastry cutter or fingers: To blend butter into dry ingredients for topping.
• Sharp knife: For peeling and slicing apples into thin wedges.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure ingredients.
• Cutting board: Surface for preparing apples.

Assemble and Bake a Comforting Apple Crumble

• Prep the Fruity Base

Peel and slice apples into thin wedges. Toss them with a splash of lemon juice, sprinkle of sugar, and a dash of warming spices. This helps prevent browning and adds incredible flavor to your dessert.

• Create the Crunchy Topping

Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of spice. Crumble cold butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture looks like sandy pebbles. This technique ensures a perfectly textured crunch.

• Build Your Dessert

Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish with butter. Spread the apple mixture evenly across the bottom, then generously scatter the crumbly topping over the entire surface.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling starts bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.

• Serve and Savor

Allow the crumble to rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of soft whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Tips to Balance Sweet and Tart in Apple Crumble

• Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Prepare the entire dessert in advance and refrigerate unbaked, then pop it in the oven when ready to serve for a fresh, warm treat.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic dessert.
• Experiment with different spice combinations like adding a pinch of cardamom or replacing some cinnamon with ginger for a unique flavor profile that keeps the dessert exciting.
• Reduce sugar content by using tart apples like Granny Smith and replacing some sugar with a sugar substitute or adding a touch of stevia for a lighter, healthier version of the classic crumble.

Serve Apple Crumble with Ice Cream or Cream

• Chilled Creamy Companion: Top your warm apple crumble with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast that melts smoothly over the crispy topping.
• Rustic Dessert Plating: Serve the crumble in individual ceramic ramekins for an elegant, personal touch that makes each serving feel special and inviting.
• Sweet Sauce Drizzle: Enhance the dessert with a quick caramel or butterscotch sauce drizzled generously over the top, adding an extra layer of rich, decadent flavor that complements the apple's natural sweetness.
• Breakfast Transformation: Enjoy leftover crumble as a morning treat by pairing it with Greek yogurt or mixing it into overnight oats for a delicious breakfast remix that feels indulgent yet satisfying.

Store Crumble for Warmed-Up Treats Later

• Wrap the apple crumble tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy chilled or gently reheat before serving.
• Store the crumble at cool room temperature for up to 2 days, covering loosely with a clean kitchen towel to maintain its delightful texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Prepare the entire dessert or individual portions, wrapping securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen crumble in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. For individual servings, microwave for 30-45 seconds until heated through, restoring the dessert's original delicious warmth and crispy topping.

FAQs

• Why use lemon juice in the apple filling?

Lemon juice prevents apple slices from browning and adds a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the dessert.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use a mix of apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Mixing varieties creates a more complex and interesting flavor profile.

• How do I know if the crumble topping is properly mixed?

The crumble topping is ready when it looks like coarse, uneven crumbs and the butter is well distributed throughout the dry ingredients. The mixture should hold together when gently squeezed.

• Is cornstarch necessary for the recipe?

Cornstarch helps thicken the apple filling and prevent it from becoming too watery. While optional, it ensures a more consistent and less runny dessert.

Rustic Apple Crumble Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade apple crumble delights with its rustic charm and classic American dessert appeal. Warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestle beneath a crisp, buttery topping that crackles with each delightful spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup / 125 grams / 4.4 oz all-purpose flour
• ½ cup / 115 grams / 4 oz unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup / 50 grams / 1.8 oz rolled oats
• ½ cup / 100 grams / 3.5 oz brown sugar
• ¼ cup / 50 grams / 1.8 oz granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Peel and core apples, slice thinly, and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Toss with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch, ensuring each slice is evenly coated for a perfectly thickened filling.
2. Topping Creation: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse, irregular crumbs that will create a crispy, textured topping.
3. Oven Setup and Layering: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly across the dish, creating a uniform base that promises rich, consistent flavor.
4. Baking Process: Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apple layer, covering completely. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly, indicating a perfectly caramelized dessert.
5. Serving: Allow the crumble to cool slightly after removing from the oven. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, dollop of whipped cream, or drizzle of custard to complement the warm, spiced apple base.

Notes

• Select Apple Variety Wisely: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal texture and balanced sweetness, preventing mushy or overly soft filling.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Immediately toss apple slices with lemon juice to maintain vibrant color and prevent oxidation, ensuring fresh-looking presentation.
• Master Crumble Texture: Use cold butter and work quickly with fingertips to create uneven, coarse crumbs that guarantee a perfectly crispy, crunchy topping without overworking the mixture.
• Control Moisture Balance: Cornstarch helps thicken apple filling, preventing watery consistency and ensuring a rich, well-set dessert that holds its shape when served.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg