Apple Crumble - Tart and tender apples covered in a simple streusel topping for an easy dessert that can be prepped in minutes.
Most apple crumble recipes tell you to cut in cold butter, but after years of testing (and the knockout success of my easy blueberry crumble), I’ve made this melted butter method my go-to. Not only is it faster and simpler, it produces the most delicious streusel topping, with buttery, crisp clusters that melt in your mouth without any fiddly techniques.
The result is an effortless apple crumble that takes just minutes to prep and comes out buttery, textured, and utterly foolproof every time. If you want the ultimate comfort dessert that impresses without stress, this is the best apple crumble recipe for you.
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Why You'll Love This Apple Crumble Recipe
- Easy melted butter crumble method for a golden crisp topping that takes minutes to prep.
- No food processor or special equipment required.
- Reliable, tested recipe with step-by-step instructions and flexible variations.
Ingredients for Apple Crumble
Below is a list of all the ingredients you'll need for this easy apple crumble recipe.
- Apples - Granny Smiths are my go-to apple to add a lovely crunch and tartness to the crumble.
- Sugar - Granulated white sugar creates a lovely syrup when mixed with the sweet apple juices, and it also adds a crunch to the crumble.
- Light Brown Sugar - Using a second sugar adds a deeper, more caramel flavor.
- Flour - All-purpose flour will give some structure to the crumbly topping. You can also use gluten-free flour if that suits you better.
- Butter - It's best to use unsalted butter because the salt levels in the crumble can be controlled. If you're using salted butter, skip adding the salt later on. We will be melting the butter, so there's no need to bring it up to room temperature.
- Cinnamon - This will add some lovely warm flavors to create a spiced apple filling. I like to use ground cinnamon, but you can use any spices you like here.
- Lemon Juice - A little bit of lemon juice helps keep the apples fresh and also adds a touch of acidity to balance out the flavor.
See the recipe card for quantities and the full recipe.
Best Apples for Apple Crumble
The type of apples you use can make all the difference in a good crumble recipe! The best apples to use in a crumble are Granny Smith apples because they are slightly tart, so they will balance the sweetness of the crumble nicely. You can also go for Pink Lady Apples or Bramley Apples, or even a mixture of different kinds of apples.
For the best results, I like using fresh apples so they have a good bite, but this delicious apple crumble recipe can also be made with canned apples, which is especially helpful if you want to make it out of apple season. If using canned apples, make sure you drain off all the liquid from the can first.
Recommended Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Knife
- Chopping Board
- Wooden Spoon
- 8x8-inch Baking Dish - or double the recipe for a 9x13-inch dish.
How to Make Apple Crumble
In just a few simple steps, you'll have made the queen of apple desserts - a delicious apple crumble that can be enjoyed straight away! I use my classic crumble topping recipe with spices mixed in to top the crisp apples and create the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
Prepare Apples
Peel and core the fresh apples, then chop them up into bite-sized pieces. Place the prepared apples into a large bowl.
Make Apple Filling
Add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice to the chopped apples. Mix everything together to coat the apples.
Set the bowl aside while you prepare the crumble topping.
Dry Ingredients
In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter in the microwave in 30-second bursts until it is completely melted.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the remaining flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Butter
Pour the melted butter over the dry crumble mixture, and use a fork to mix it in until the flour is completely coated in butter.
Make Apple Crumble Topping
Keep mixing with a fork until the mixture forms large clumps of crumble.
Assemble
Pour the apple chunks into a baking dish and spread them out in an even layer. Use your hands to sprinkle the crunchy topping all over the apple layer - make sure every part of the apples is covered generously in crumble.
Bake
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the streusel topping is crisp and golden brown, and you can see the apple syrup bubbling at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the crumble sit for 10 minutes before serving - both so you don't burn your tongue, and also to allow the juices to thicken up a little.
Note: The bake time may vary depending on the size you have cut your apples, so if you leave them in large slices or chunks, add a few more minutes onto the oven time.
How to Serve Apple Crumble
Honestly, I sometimes just like to grab a spoon and dig into this delicious dessert!
The easiest way to serve up your apple crumble is by scooping generous portions onto a plate or into a small bowl. Apple crumble is a cozy dessert that's best served nice and warm - so either serve it 10 minutes after baking, or reheat it in the oven before serving.
Any good crumble is delightful just as it is, with no side garnishes. But, if you're craving that creamy contrast with your crispy crumble, serve it with a drizzle of homemade custard, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, or a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. To add a sweet and toasty topping, drizzle my homemade caramel sauce over your dessert.
Best Apple Crumble Recipe Variations
This apple crumble is a wonderful recipe as is - but here are a few ideas for my favorite ways to customise it:
- Different Fruits - This crumble topping works wonderfully with so many kinds of juicy fruit. You can pair the tart apples with pears, rhubarb, plums, or blackberries, or simply swap them out for something completely different - try my blueberry crumble recipe!
- Granola Topping - Dessert for breakfast? Yes please. Adding some rolled oats, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, and a drizzle of honey to your crumble topping will add a delicious flavor and crunchy texture.
- Spices - Make your apple crumble the ultimate comforting dessert by adding in some extra spices. A dash of ground ginger, cardamom, or allspice will bring a lovely warmth to the flavor.
- Apple Crisp - Add in some rolled oats to your crumble topping to turn it into a delicious apple crisp recipe.
- Apple Pie - You can easily turn this recipe into a scrumptious apple crumble pie by baking it in a flaky pie crust instead of a baking dish.
- Individual Portions - You can also bake this recipe in small ramekins to make each one an individual serving of crumble.
How To Store Apple Crumble
Store any leftover apple crumble in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When you're ready to eat the extra portion, pop it in the oven at 350°F / 180°C for 20-25 minutes until it is warmed through and the streusel is crunchy.
FAQs
If you have a question about this recipe that isn't answered here, please write it in the comment section, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
An apple crisp is very similar to an apple crumble, but the topping includes rolled oats for an extra crispy, crunchy texture.
I like to use fresh, Granny Smith apples for my crumble because they bring a lovely tartness to balance out the sweet flavors, but you can use any kind of apples you like.
Reheat your apple crumble in the oven at 350°F / 180 °C for 20-25 minutes, or until it is warmed through fully with a nice crunch.
Yes, you can use canned apples in a crumble, though the apples will be a little softer with less bite. Make sure you drain off all the excess liquid from the can before using.
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Love a dessert that is quick and easy to throw together? Try some of these easy desserts:
Recipe
Apple Crumble Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 2 pounds Apples 900g / about 6-8 apples. Weight before peeling.
- 2 tablespoon All-purpose Flour
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar 100g
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
For the Crumble Topping
- 1¾ cups All-purpose Flour 210g
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar 100g
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar 110g
- 1¼ sticks Unsalted Butter 140g
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C (170° fan-assisted).
- Peel and core the apples, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.Place them into a bowl.2 pounds Apples
- To the apples, add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice, then mix everything together to coat the apples. Set aside while you prepare the crumble.2 tablespoon All-purpose Flour, ½ cup Granulated Sugar, ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Melt the butter in the microwave in 30-second bursts until completely melted.1¼ sticks Unsalted Butter
- In a separate bowl, stir together all the dry ingredients for the crumble.1¾ cups All-purpose Flour, ½ cup Granulated Sugar, ½ cup Light Brown Sugar, 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon Salt
- Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredient mixture, then use a fork to mix it through until all the flour is coated in butter, and you have large clumps of crumble.
- Tip the apple chunks into a baking dish and spread them out in an even layer.
- Use your hands to sprinkle the crumble topping all over the apples - make sure every part of the apples are covered generously in crumble.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crumble is crisp and golden brown, and you can see the apple syrup bubbling at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the crumble sit for 10 minutes before serving - both so you don't burn your tongue, and also to allow the juices to thicken up a little.
Notes
It really helps and I love hearing all your feedback!
Jules Grasekamp
My family absolutely adores this apple crumble recipe - I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!