Apple Crumble (Plus VIDEO)

Apple Crumble – an easy apple-filled treat, weaved with crunchy, buttery, and sweet cinnamon taste. A total crowd-pleaser you’ll surely make over and over again! The crumble topping with oats, apple pie spice, and a touch of lemon will satisfy any soulful craving.

Contents… What is Apple Crumble? Recipe Ingredients Alternative Ingredients What are the Best Apples for Apple Crumble? Storing and Freezing Instructions More Easy Apple Recipes How to Make Apple Crumble Watch How To Make It

Apples. The first fruit most of us learned since it always represents the first letter in the alphabet (I know, right?!)  

And who doesn’t love apples? My family, and even my 6-month old niece, who just recently learned how to eat, loves them too! (don’t worry, I steamed and mashed them). 

To satisfy my family’s love for apples, I’ve recently created my own version of Apple Crumble to save money, have way more flavor than the store-bought version, and have healthier ingredients. I am very much happy to share my recipe with you today!

What is Apple Crumble?

Apple crumble is like an apple pie without the crust but way more delicious, in my opinion. I love to top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream too. Try it, and you’ll never regret it! 

However, there’s also this apple recipe that is often mistaken for apple crumble – apple crisp. Truly, they share the same ingredients but differ slightly in the toppings. 

Apple crumbles use rolled oats and brown sugar as toppings, while apple crisp is topped with streusel – a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. That being said, apple crisp and crumble recipes are still used interchangeably, at least in the U.S.

Recipe Ingredients

An apple crumble is made with simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry. You just need to buy (or pick😉) the freshest apples first! Here’s what you need for this easy peasy tasty apple treat.

• Apples – The star ingredient of this delicious apple crumble recipe needs to be one of the firmer varieties. I personally like to use a tart apple, like Granny Smith, but use whatever you love and have available. You can leave the peel on for a more rustic dessert.
• Lemon juice – The tartness of the lemon juice balances the sweetness of this recipe. It also keeps the apples from turning dark before you can get this baby in the oven.
• All-Purpose Flour – This also helps the apples keep from turning brown, and it absorbs the extra moisture from the baking apples. It is used in the apple filling and crumble topping.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ground Ginger – Cinnamon is the main ingredient in apple pie spice. The nutmeg and ground ginger definite complements. This spice combination is in the filling and the crumble topping. Yum! It adds a holiday taste and aroma.
• Granulated and Brown Sugar – Our favorite addiction that adds the sweetness we crave. Brown sugar adds subtle flavor, while white sugar only adds sweetness. However, feel free to use all white or brown if that’s what you have in your pantry. And you’ll need it for both the filling and crumble.
• Rolled Oats – This ingredient is the base for the crumble that tops the baking apples. The nice thing is that it adds a healthy touch to this dessert.
• Pecans – A typical Southern nut that makes any comfort food sweet even better. Any time I can use pecans instead of walnuts, I go for it.
• Salt – A pantry staple flavor-enhancer that we would not know how to live without.
• Vanilla Extract – This incredible ingredient adds depth of flavor and is super easy to make at home. Homemade vanilla extract not only tastes better but also is cheaper and better for you.
• Baking Powder – A leavening agent that adds a little lift and keeps the crumble from packing down and getting hard.
• Unsalted Butter – Buttery goodness makes this apple crumble recipe absolutely mouthwatering.

Alternative Ingredients

• Berries – Adding berries to the apples such as blackberries or blueberries kicks the flavor experience way up. 
• Nuts – Walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds all make for a wonderful apple crumble.
• Pears or Peaches – Almost any fruit can replace apples. Pear and peach crumbles are absolutely delicious.

What are the Best Apples for Apple Crumble?

While Granny Smith Apples are the most common variety used for baking due to their wonderful crispy texture and tart flavor that still remains after being cooked in the oven. 

However, there are times where these kinds are not available in the market. But you don’t need to worry! I’ve listed some varieties that will work just great. 

• Honey Crisp – its name says it all (not the honey). Its crisp texture remains firm even after baking! 
• Jonagold – this kind of apple is not good for storing and must be used right away. But it holds up well while baking, plus it’s sweet and tart. 
• Braeburn – they hold well under the stack of rolled oat toppings. It has a rich taste that turns out juicy but not mushy. So, if you prefer a drier apple crumble, make this your last option. 

You can also experiment with making apple crumble with different types of apples to really get to know their differences. Then pick your favorite based on your preference.  And as a bonus, this recipe also works for pears.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Have you made an extra apple crumble? Don’t worry! It won’t go to waste. Just store them correctly to last for 3 to 4 months in the freezer unbaked and even baked! 

Unbaked Apple Crumble can either be (1) kept entirely on a freezer-safe baking dish. Just wrap it tightly, or (2) wrap the apple crumble filling separately from the topping in a freezer-safe airtight container. 

While for the Baked Apple Crumble, transfer it to an airtight container (or you put the whole dish in an airtight container), then place it deep into the coldest part of your freezer.  

Your apple crumbles can even last up to a year if your store it in a deep freezer and you use a really airtight container. 

More Easy Apple Recipes

• Apple Turnover
• Cinnamon Apple Cake
• Apple Cobbler
• Apple Fritters

How to Make Apple Crumble

Prepare the Apple Filling

• Preheat oven to 375℉/190℃.
• Prepare the Pan – Grease a 9×13 baking dish with softened butter or use cooking spray.
• Make the Filling – Chop apples into medium chunks, then add to a large bowl, together with the lemon juice, flour, pumpkin spice, granulated and brown sugar. Thoroughly mix until fully combined. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the Crumble

• Make the Crumble – In another large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, pecan, salt vanilla extract, brown, and granulated sugar.

Finishing Touches

• Put it all Together – Top apple mixture with the oatmeal flour mixture, evenly spread all over the apples.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until slightly brown around edges and apples are tender, and the topping is golden brown.
• Serve Warm – Let it cool slightly, then top with vanilla ice and serve at once.

Watch How To Make It

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