Which apples are best for crumble?

A blend works best! Go for firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn for structure, and combine with sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious for balance.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap all-purpose flour for a trusted gluten-free blend. The crumb will be just as delicious—nobody will notice a difference!

My crumble seems too runny—what went wrong?

This can happen if the apples are especially juicy or didn’t mix thoroughly with cornstarch. Next time, try adding a touch more cornstarch or let the crumble cool a bit before serving; the juices thicken as they cool.

Can I prepare apple crumble ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble ahead and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to one day. When ready, bake straight from the fridge—you may need an extra 5–10 minutes.

Apple Crumble Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Apple Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds apples (about 6 cups), peeled and diced; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup salted butter, cold and cubed

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

If there’s ever a dessert that guarantees pure comfort in every bite, it’s a classic Apple Crumble. Think sweet-tart apples bubbling beneath a blanket of buttery, golden, cinnamon-scented crumbs—honestly, who could resist? This is the sort of recipe you can whip up with minimal fuss, making it absolutely perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing sweet treat. It’s everything cozy and homey, delivering those warm, nostalgic flavors with every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stunning Simplicity: No complicated steps or fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and some crisp apples.
Quick Prep: You’ll have this in the oven in about 15 minutes, so dessert doesn’t have to wait.
Perfect Texture: The crisp, buttery topping contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy apple filling.
Customize with Ease: Whether you love tart apples or prefer yours sweet, the recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Crowd-Pleaser: This is one those desserts everyone loves—ideal for a family dinner, a potluck, or just when you need a little extra comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these easy-to-find ingredients and you’re halfway to delicious:

Apples: The star of the show! Choose a mix of tart and sweet—Granny Smith for tang, or Honeycrisp for juiciness and sweetness. Apples hold their shape, giving the crumble substance.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and prevents the apples from browning.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetening the apple filling, balancing tartness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling, ensuring those lovely juices aren’t too runny.
Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that classic, warm flavor. Use it in both filling and topping for depth.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a just-right aroma that ties everything together.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the backbone of the crumble topping, resulting in that craveable crunch.
Brown Sugar: For a richer, caramel-like sweetness in the topping (a must for me!).
Salted Butter (cold, cubed): Cold butter is crucial—it creates those little pockets of melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Tip: If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to the topping blend for balance.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Crumbles are meant for playing around:

Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts with the topping for extra crunch.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apples for extra warmth.
Berries Galore: Toss in fresh or frozen berries alongside apples for a berry-apple medley.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose—no one will know the difference.
Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a plant-based treat.

How to Make Apple Crumble

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This ensures easy serving later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and dice your apples—you want them in small, even pieces for a soft-yet-chunky bite. Toss the apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. This quick mix coats every piece and gets the flavors melded. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure to scrape in every bit of juice.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl (or a food processor, if you have one), combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add in the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter (or the food processor’s pulse function), work the butter into the flour until you have a mix that looks like chunky, damp sand—clumps are a good sign!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Generously scatter the crumble topping over the apples, spreading to cover the filling completely. Bake for 40–45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling filling. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—it’ll be hard to wait, but those juices need to set just a bit.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cold Butter is Non-Negotiable: Don’t let it soften! Cold butter makes the topping crumbly and irresistibly crisp.
Even Slicing: Dice apples uniformly so they cook at an even rate. Nobody wants mushy or undercooked pieces.
Taste as You Go: Apples vary in sweetness. Taste a slice and adjust your sugar if needed.
Cover if Browning Too Fast: If your crumble is browning but the apples aren’t done, loosely tent with foil and keep baking.
Leftover Juice: Don’t skip the juices in your mixing bowl—pour them over the apples for extra flavor!

How to Serve

Classic: Serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—absolutely unbeatable.
Elevate: A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds another layer of luxury.
For Breakfast: Who says crumble is just for dessert? Try a bowl with thick Greek yogurt for a sweet morning start.

Tip: Serve straight from the baking dish for that rustic, homey feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the crumble cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The topping will stay crumbly, and the flavors only deepen.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble the crumble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. You can bake it straight from frozen—just add about 10 extra minutes.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick treat or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until bubbly again. The topping regains some crispness in the oven.

FAQs

Which apples are best for crumble?

A blend works best! Go for firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn for structure, and combine with sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious for balance.
Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap all-purpose flour for a trusted gluten-free blend. The crumb will be just as delicious—nobody will notice a difference!
My crumble seems too runny—what went wrong?

This can happen if the apples are especially juicy or didn’t mix thoroughly with cornstarch. Next time, try adding a touch more cornstarch or let the crumble cool a bit before serving; the juices thicken as they cool.
Can I prepare apple crumble ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble ahead and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to one day. When ready, bake straight from the fridge—you may need an extra 5–10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

An Apple Crumble is one of life’s little joys—simple, delicious, and so approachable. Whether you’re baking for a dessert craving, a cozy family meal, or just because apples are in season, this recipe is reliable and endlessly adaptable. Pull out those apples and give it a try; you might just find it becomes a new favorite. Happy baking!