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    Home » Recipes » Easy Apple Crumble

    Easy Apple Crumble

    Published: Jul 25, 2022 · Modified: Oct 23, 2022 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 80 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    A bowl of apple crumble served with ice-cream.

    Everyone's ALL-TIME FAVOURITE apple crumble recipe.... a sweet apple and cinnamon filling with a crunchy brown sugar and oat topping.

    Absolutely NO fancy equipment required... have this winter dessert on the table in just 45 minutes and don't forget to serve with plenty of ice-cream, cream or custard.

    A spoon in a dish of golden baked apple crumble.

    I'm going to let you in on a little secret... this is the easiest and best apple crumble recipe you'll ever try.

    It's so quick (on the table in just 45 minutes), made from just a handful of basic ingredients and requires no fancy equipment at all.

    With my recipe, you'll end up with the most delicious golden crunchy crumble made with oats and a perfectly sweet and soft apple and cinnamon filling underneath.

    And if you're like me and can never have enough crumble, then make sure you try my Apple Crumble Slice, Apple Crumble Cake, Apple Crumble Muffins, Raspberry Apple Crumble Cake and Apple & Blueberry Crumble recipes too. All seriously scrumptious!

    Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

    There's so much to love about my quick and easy apple crumble recipe!

    • Many names... same delicious dessert - whether you know this sweet dessert as apple crisp, apple streusel or apple crumble.... each name refers to the same popular dessert.
    • Budget-friendly - made from pantry and fridge staples (that you might already have at home), this apple crisp recipe costs just a couple of dollars and serves 8 people.
    • Crowd pleaser - from toddlers through to grandparents, this classic apple crumble recipe is always a popular option for dessert.
    • 45 minute recipe - from starting to prepare this dessert to serving it up at the dinner table, 45 minutes is all you need!
    • Gluten-free option - substitute the plain flour for gluten-free plain flour for a gluten-free apple crumble recipe that is just as tasty!
    • Freezer-friendly - freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months. Apple crumble defrosts beautifully so don't be afraid to stash away a few serves for later.
    A plate topped with crunchy oat crumble, stewed apples and ice-cream.

    What You Need

    Apple crumble is incredibly budget-friendly and made from basic pantry ingredients (have a peek in your pantry and fridge... you might find that you already have the ingredients sitting there).

    Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

    For The Apple & Cinnamon Filling:

    • Apples - the Granny Smith variety of apples are generally considered the best apples to use for apple crumble. They don’t go as mushy as some other varieties and their tartness is the perfect contrast to the sweet brown sugar and oat crumble. Alternatively, you can use any variety of apple you like, such as Pink Lady, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Cripps Pink etc.
    • Water - for lightly stewing the apples.
    • Caster sugar - this superfine sugar is perfectly suited to stewing apples as it dissolves once mixed with water giving the apples a light, sweet flavour.
    • Lemon juice - adding lemon juice to the stewed apples helps to stop them from browning.
    • Cinnamon & nutmeg - the perfect combination of spices for apple crumble. Choose ground cinnamon and nutmeg.

    For The Oat Crumble Topping:

    The crumble topping with oats is just SO easy to make... and all you need is 4 basic ingredients.

    The ingredients for crunchy oat topping.
    • Rolled oats - also known as old fashioned oats. Alternatively, you can use quick oats, however, the larger rolled oats give a crunchier crumble!
    • Brown sugar - you can use either regular brown sugar or dark brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramelised flavour to the crumble.
    • Plain flour - also known as all purpose flour.
    • Butter - you can use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe. The butter binds the oats, sugar and flour together, giving you clusters of crunchy crumble.

    Equipment Required

    Absolutely NO fancy equipment is required to make my easy apple crumble recipe:

    • Stove-top & saucepan - for stewing the apples. Alternatively, you can use my Thermomix apple crumble recipe here.
    • Bowl - for mixing the crumble ingredients together. You don't even need a spoon - your fingers are the best way to make the crunchy oat clusters!
    • Baking dish - you can use any large baking dish you like. I recommend using a greased 30cm round baking dish or a large rectangular baking dish.
    • Oven - I specify fan-forced temperatures. If using a conventional oven, increase the temperature by 10-20 degrees celsius.
    A round baking dish filled with a crunchy golden oat topping.

    Step By Step Instructions

    This is SUCH an easy homemade apple crumble recipe... quick, easy and no-fuss!

    Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

    Step 1 - Cook The Apples

    Apples, cinnamon and water in a saucepan.

    Cook the apples with the water, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan until just softened. 

    Pour into a lightly greased baking dish.

    Step 2 - Make The Crumble

    Oat crumble mixture in a bowl.

    Make the crumble by using your fingers to squish the rolled oats, plain flour, brown sugar and butter together until all of the butter has been evenly distributed. The mixture should be completely combined and look like small clusters.

    Step 3 - Bake

    Crumbly topping spread in a white round baking dish.

    Sprinkle the crumble over the top of the cooked apple and bake in the oven until golden on top.

    FAQ's

    What type of apples are best for apple crumble?

    You can use any type of apple you like for this recipe!
    Granny Smith's are generally considered the best apples to use for apple crumble. They don’t go as mushy as some other varieties and their tartness is the perfect contrast to the sweet brown sugar and oat crumble. Alternatively, you can use any variety of apple you like, such as Pink Lady, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Cripps Pink etc.

    How do I get a REALLY crunchy crumble on top?

    Nothing beats the crunchiest crumble topping!
    Here's some tips for getting it just right:
    Take your butter out of the fridge a few minutes before using it (you still want it to be hard, but not so hard that you can't work with it!)
    Chop the butter into small chunks so that it's easier to distribute.
    Use your hands to 'squish' the butter through the rolled oats, plain flour and brown sugar.
    Once the butter is evenly distributed, you'll have little 'clusters' of crumble held together by the butter.
    When you're adding the crumble topping to the cooked apple, make sure you leave the little chunks as they are (don't try and break them up too much).

    What is the difference between apple pie and apple crumble?

    Apple pie has a pastry base and top with an apple filling, whereas apple crumble has an apple filling base and an oat crumble topping.

    Are apple crumble, apple streusel and apple crisp the same thing?

    Yes! Apple crumble is referred to as apple streusel and apple crisp in other parts of the world.

    Can apple crumble be made gluten-free?

    Yes! Oats are already gluten-free so all you need to do is substitute the plain flour for gluten-free plain flour for a gluten-free apple crumble.

    An overhead shot of a plate of baked apple dessert served with ice-cream.

    Expert Tips

    • Make ahead of time - Apple Crumble can be prepared and cooked ahead of time. Simply reheat when ready to serve.
    • Storing - store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    • Freeze - freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months.
    • Reheating - place leftovers directly from the fridge into a warm oven, or alternatively microwave to reheat. Frozen leftover apple crumble can be defrosted and reheated in the microwave or a low temperature oven as well.
    A spoonful of apple crisp with ice-cream.

    More Apple Dessert Recipes

    If you're like me and love cooking with apples, here's a few more recipes you might like to try...

    • A piece of apple pie with ice cream and caramel sauce.
      Easy Homemade Apple Pie
    • A slice of butter cake with layeres of apples and almonds on top being removed from the cake.
      Easy Apple Cake
    • A slice of apple crumble cake with a scoop of ice-cream on the side.
      Apple Crumble Cake
    • A half eaten sweet scroll with apple and cinnamon.
      Apple & Cinnamon Scrolls
    A plate topped with crunchy oat crumble, stewed apples and ice-cream.

    Easy Apple Crumble

    Everyone's ALL-TIME FAVOURITE apple crumble recipe.. a sweet apple and cinnamon filling with a crunchy brown sugar and oat topping.
    5 from 51 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Australian recipe, western
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 serves
    Calories: 450kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    • 5 apples large, peeled, cored and sliced
    • 250 g (1 cup) water
    • 115 g (½ cup) caster sugar
    • 2 tbs lemon juice
    • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
    • ½ tsp nutmeg
    • 120 g (1 ⅓ cup) rolled oats
    • 100 g (½ cup) brown sugar packed
    • 50 g plain flour
    • 115 g butter room temperature, cut into small cubes
    Metric - US Customary
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan-forced).
    • Grease a large round baking 30cm baking dish with butter and set aside.
    • Place the peeled and sliced apples into a medium saucepan with the water, caster sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and nutmeg.
    • Bring to a low simmer for 5-10 minutes or until just softened. Drain off the excess liquid. Place the stewed apples into the baking dish.
    • To make the crumble, place the oats, brown sugar, plain flour and butter into a bowl. Use your fingers to squeeze and break up the lumps of butter until crumbs have formed and all of the oats and flour are completely combined with the butter.
    • Sprinkle the crumble over the apple and place into the preheated oven.
    • Cook for 35-40 minutes or until the crumble is golden and crunchy.
    • Serve immediately with ice-cream, cream or custard.
    • Thermomix Instructions - Click the link in the notes section below for the Thermomix recipe.

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
    • Thermomix Method - click here for my Thermomix Apple Crumble recipe.
    • Variety of apples - You can use any type of apple you like for this recipe! Granny Smith's are generally considered the best apples to use for apple crumble. They don’t go as mushy as some other varieties and their tartness is the perfect contrast to the sweet brown sugar and oat crumble. Alternatively, you can use any variety of apple you like, such as Pink Lady, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Cripps Pink etc.
    • Gluten-free alternative - rolled oats are already gluten-free so all you need to do is substitute the plain flour for gluten-free plain flour to make this a gluten-free apple crumble.
    • Make ahead of time - Apple Crumble can be prepared and cooked ahead of time. Simply reheat when ready to serve.
    • Storing - store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    • Freeze - freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months.
    • Reheating - place leftovers directly from the fridge into a warm oven, or alternatively microwave to reheat. Frozen leftover apple crumble can be defrosted and reheated in the microwave or a low temperature oven as well.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 291mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 6.7mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2.2mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gaye Goldsmith

      May 10, 2023 at 12:05 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing

      Reply
    2. Abbey

      October 03, 2022 at 5:35 pm

      Instead of draining the syrup. Would it reduce to a caramel like sauce to mix in with the apples?

      Reply
      • Lucy

        October 04, 2022 at 8:09 am

        Hi Abbey, too much liquid will stop your crumble from going crunchy! I wouldn't recommend keeping it!

        Reply
    3. Jas

      August 22, 2022 at 1:30 pm

      Hi, this looks yum!
      What icecream did you use in this picture? Looks like it's vanilla with swirl of something else. Keen to try both. Thanks

      Reply
      • Lucy

        August 23, 2022 at 11:04 am

        Hmm looking at the picture, it could be this? But I'm not 100% sure! https://connoisseuricecream.com.au/product/vanilla-caramel-brownie-tub/

        Reply
    4. Kelsie

      May 30, 2021 at 8:38 pm

      This looks amazing!! that golden crumble!!
      I love apple crumble and I’ve yet found my perfect recipe.
      I have a feeling this will be it!!

      Reply
      • Lucy

        May 31, 2021 at 7:47 am

        Hi Kelsie, I hope you love it!

        Reply
        • Kelsie

          August 02, 2022 at 6:52 pm

          5 stars
          I didn't realise I had saved this recipe and never made it....until tonight!
          Please to report it was yummy, but far too sweet for my liking. (And I used half the amount of sugar in the apples)
          I think next time I will increase the amount of apples so there is plenty more fruit. (I used small apples, so used 2 extra but it wasn't really much apple for the amount of crumble and for the size of the dish)
          And I will omit the sugar from the apples all together. I find when 'stewed' or cooked they are usually sweet already.
          Happily ate two servings though! 😛 and my partner who doesn't really like apple crumble much ate it. (Although I think he secretly enjoyed that most of it was crumble) It tasted like an Anzac biscuits! yum

          Reply
    5. Allana

      May 05, 2021 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      Made as per recipe and it was delicious! Will be my go to dessert! Thank you for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Lucy

        May 06, 2021 at 6:30 am

        Yay! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
        • Lauren

          May 03, 2022 at 8:56 pm

          Can this be cooked the day prior and then reheated when needed?

          Reply
          • Lucy

            May 04, 2022 at 7:58 am

            Absoutely!

            Reply
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    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

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