Apple Crumble

  • By KJ

Apple Crumble is loaded with juicy cinnamon-sugar apples and a sugar cookie-like topping that melts in your mouth.

It’s a simple dessert that is destined to please a crowd! Spoon yourself a bowl of this warm apple crumble and top it off with a melty scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It’s time to lean into those fall vibes. 🍂

My dad loved this dessert so much that he stashed it away so no one else could get their hands on it. That’s what I call a success!

Apple crumble in a skillet served with vanilla ice cream.

Apple Crumble is loaded with juicy cinnamon-sugar apples and a sugar cookie-like topping that melts in your mouth. 

It’s a simple dessert that is destined to please a crowd! Spoon yourself a bowl of this warm apple crumble and top it off with a melty scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

It’s time to lean into those fall vibes. 🍂

My dad loved this dessert so much that he stashed it away so no one else could get their hands on it. That’s what I call a success!

Apple crumble in a skillet served with vanilla ice cream.

Why KJ Loves

Apple Crumble

Apple Crumble

A cozy, warm apple crumble recipe topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is perfect for the cooler weather months and holidays! I love how easily this recipe comes together and how your whole house smells so warm and inviting while its baking!

Sliced apples in a bowl with the filling ingrediens.

An Apple Dessert Without Oats

Apple crisp generally gets all the attention. 

But apple crumble is an equally as delicious dessert option.

The difference?

While apple crisp is topped with a crunchy, oat-based topping, apple crumble is usually oat-free. 

Apple crumble topping is made with flour, sugar, and butter. It’s generally softer, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Apple crumble filling.

What Makes This the Best Apple Crumble?

When the busyness of fall kicks in, it can be hard to find much time to bake. This is an easy apple crumble recipe with just seven ingredients and a few steps. 

Even though this dessert may seem simple, don’t underestimate it! 

It’s full of warmth and fall flavors — from the almond-scented, buttery crumble to the sweet, juicy apple filling. 

Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this apple dessert is simply irresistible!

A prepared apple crumble ready for the oven.

The Right Balance of Tart & Sweet

For the best apple crumble, I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They have a tart flavor that perfectly balances out the sweetness of the crumble.

If you’re using a less tart apple, reduce the sugar slightly so your crumble isn’t too sweet. 

An apple crumble topped with vanilla ice cream.

Regular Apple Crumble Ingredients

For the apple filling:

Granny Smith apples

Peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices

Sugar

A combo of brown sugar and regular sugar

Flour

Regular all-purpose or gluten-free

Ground cinnamon

Vanilla extract

Lemon juice

For the crumble topping:

Flour

Regular all-purpose or gluten-free

Baking soda

Ground cinnamon

Almond extract

Butter (melted)

To make this dairy-free, you can substitute with ½ cup melted coconut oil. 

Sugar

Apple crumble in a skillet served with vanilla ice cream.

Apple Crumble Variations

Gluten-Free Apple Crumble

To make this apple crumble recipe gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free flour. 

Dairy-Free Apple Crumble

To make this apple crumble dairy-free, substitute the butter for ½ cup coconut oil (measure when melted). 

Sugar Substitutions

Instead of using regular sugar and brown sugar, you can substitute maple syrup and coconut sugar. 

For the filling, use ½ cup coconut sugar and ¼ cup maple syrup. 

For the topping, use ½ cup coconut sugar. 

Apple crumble served in a bowl with vanilla ice cream.

How to Make Apple Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

1

Make the apple filling.

Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and toss to coat the apples completely. Pour the apple mixture into a 9×13 pan or large pie pan.

2

Make the crumble topping.

In a medium bowl, mix together all of the ingredients until a cookie/crumbly topping has formed.

Top the apple filling with an even layer of crumble topping.

3

Bake the apple crumble.

Bake until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and caramelized.

Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with warm, salted caramel for an extra treat! 

4

Wash the dishes. How sad.

A half-eaten bowl of apple crumble.

Apple Crumble FAQ

What is the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?

While apple crisp and apple crumble are similar desserts, the main difference lies in their toppings. Apple crisp typically has an oat-based topping, while apple crumble has a more classic crumbly topping made with flour, sugar, and butter. Both are equally tasty, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

What is the secret to good crumble?

The secret to a good crumble lies in achieving the perfect balance between sweet and tart flavors. By using tart apples like Granny Smith apples, you’ll create a well-rounded taste. 

What is the crumble on apple crumble made of?

The crumble topping typically consists of flour, sugar, and butter. The ingredients are combined until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs, then sprinkled over the apple filling before baking.

What's the difference between apple pie and apple crumble?

Apple pie and apple crumble differ in their crust and topping. Apple pie has a flaky pastry crust on the bottom and often a crust on the top (although you can top an apple pie with crumble!). Apple crumble has no pastry crust on the bottom and has a crumbly topping made of butter, sugar, and flour. 

Can you make apple crumble gluten-free?

Yes, apple crumble can be made gluten-free by using alternative flour, such as a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. 

Can you make apple crumble dairy-free?

Yes, you can make apple crumble dairy-free by using dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil instead of butter and a non-dairy ice cream for serving.

How do you store apple crumble?

Store in an airtight container on the counter or in the fridge for several days. 

A close-up photo of apple crumble with vanilla ice cream melting.

Looking for other Apple Recipes? Check these out!

Apple Crumb Pie

Brown Butter Apple Berry Crisp

Caramel Apple Sangira

Print
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Apple crumble in a skillet served with vanilla ice cream.

Apple Crumble


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: KJ & Company - Kate Poskochil
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Apple Crumble is loaded with juicy cinnamon-sugar apples and a sugar cookie-like topping that melts in your mouth. 

It’s a simple dessert that is destined to please a crowd! Spoon yourself a bowl of this warm apple crumble and top it off with a melty scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

It’s time to lean into those fall vibes. 🍂

My dad loved this dessert so much that he stashed it away so no one else could get their hands on it. That’s what I call a success!


Ingredients

Scale

For the filling:

  • 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla 
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the topping:

  • 1 stick butter, melted
  • 1 ¼ cup flour 
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ cup sugar 
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

For the filling:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, flour, vanilla and cinnamon. Gently toss to evenly combine. Pour the filling into a 9×13 baking dish or a 3 1/2 quart baking dish of similar size.

For the topping:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, baking soda, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon and salt until a crumble forms.
  2. Evenly top the prepared filling with the crumble mixture.
  3. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  4. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Notes

  • Nutritional information for this recipe is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 328
  • Sugar: 48.2g
  • Sodium: 318mg
  • Fat: 11.8g
  • Fiber: 4.5g
  • Protein: 1.1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Apple Crumble

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