Classic Homemade Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping

January 15, 2025

Warm, cozy, and oh-so-comforting, this Classic Homemade Apple Crumble is what dessert dreams are made of! Juicy, spiced apples meet a golden, buttery cinnamon oat topping for a treat that's pure nostalgia. Let’s bake this beauty together—your kitchen is about to smell AMAZING!

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If there’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall day, it’s the classic homemade apple crumble. There’s just something magical about the way the tender, cinnamon-spiced apples pair up with a golden, buttery oat topping. It’s like they’re meant to be together! This recipe takes me straight to a cozy kitchen somewhere in the countryside, where the air smells like apples, butter, and freshly ground cinnamon. Oh, and don’t forget the sound of crackling leaves outside—it’s dessert therapy at its finest.

Classic Homemade Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping Recipe

What makes this apple crumble truly special is the topping. Oh, friends, let me tell you about this topping: it’s not your ordinary crumble. This one is loaded with oats for a delightfully crispy texture and just the right amount of cinnamon to give it that warm spice kick. And the apples? We’re not just tossing in any old apples. Choose a mix of tart Granny Smiths and sweet Honeycrisps for the perfect balance of flavors. The crumble itself is buttery, crumbly, and best of all, super easy to whip up. It’s comfort food but with an elevated twist, and every spoonful feels like a celebration of autumn.

Here’s the thing about apple crumble—it’s forgiving, which is one of the reasons I love it so much. A little tip from me to you: when prepping your apples, don’t stress about getting them perfectly sliced. Rustic is the way to go! Want a little extra zing? Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the apples to brighten up the flavors. Oh, and if you’re craving extra texture in your topping, try tossing in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. They make the crumble even crunchier and give a nutty depth to each bite. And yes, your kitchen will smell so incredible that it might just lure everyone within a five-mile radius!

I know you’re already dreaming about digging in, so here’s how to serve this masterpiece: warm it up (of course!) and add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Want to change it up for fun? Try swapping apples with pears or mixing in some fresh cranberries for a tangy twist. You could even go rogue and sprinkle a touch of caramel sauce over the top. But no matter how you serve it, this apple crumble is about to become a household favorite. Now grab your baking dish and let’s get crumbling—it’s time to make magic in the kitchen!

Keywords: classic apple crumble recipe, best homemade apple desserts, cinnamon oat topping dessert, easy fall dessert recipes, how to make apple crumble, cozy dessert ideas, warm apple crumble recipe.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

British

Ingredients

•6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
•3/4 cup granulated sugar
•1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1 tablespoon lemon juice
•1 cup all-purpose flour
•1/2 cup rolled oats
•1/2 cup light brown sugar
•1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat evenly.
3
Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) baking dish and spread it out evenly.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, nutmeg, and salt.
5
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
7
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8
Let the apple crumble cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories

310 calories per serving

Protein

Carbs

49g

Fat

12g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of apple instead of Granny Smith?

A: Yes, you can use other firm and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady. However, Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness balances the sweetness of the crumble topping and they hold their shape well during baking.

Q: Can I substitute rolled oats with quick oats?

A: Yes, you can use quick oats as a substitute for rolled oats. However, the texture of the topping may be slightly different, as quick oats are finer and less chewy than rolled oats.

Q: What should I do if my crumble topping turns out too dry or powdery?

A: If the crumble topping is too dry, it may be because the butter wasn't fully incorporated. Make sure to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If needed, you can add an extra tablespoon of cold butter and mix again.

Q: How do I store leftovers and reheat the apple crumble?

A: Allow the apple crumble to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make this gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well.

Q: What can I serve with apple crumble for a complete dessert?

A: Apple crumble pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with a spoonful of plain or vanilla yogurt.

Q: Can I prepare the apple crumble in advance?

A: Yes, you can assemble the apple crumble up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. When baking, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from a chilled state.

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