Warm, spiced apples, golden crunchy topping, and a big scoop of ice cream… this easy apple crumble is pure comfort in a bowl!
Just like my Lemon Delicious or Sticky Date Pudding, it's a classic you'll come back to again and again.
4th time making this in 2 weeks! The family are obsessed.
Thank you, it's delicious
- Danielle
This is hands-down my go-to recipe when I want a no-fuss dessert that still feels a little bit special. The apples are lightly stewed to bring out their natural sweetness and then topped with a simple crumble made from butter, oats, brown sugar, and flour. It's a classic recipe that never goes out of style-and once you try it, you'll see why.
The beauty of this apple crumble is that it's super flexible. You can use any apples you have on hand, add nuts or spices if you like, and even prep it ahead of time. Just like my Butterscotch Pudding, Apricot Pie, Apple Sponge Pudding or Apple Pie, this one is all about simple steps and maximum flavour.
Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
✅ Thermomix and conventional methods included - cook it your way!
🍎 Perfectly soft apples with a sweet cinnamon kick.
⏱️ Quick to prep (just 10 minutes!) - great for last-minute guests.
🧈 Crunchy, golden crumble topping with oats and brown sugar.
❄️ Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead.
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Crumble Ingredients
This simple apple crumble recipe uses just a few pantry staples. Here are a few ingredient tips:
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Rolled oats - Add that irresistible crunch to the topping (avoid quick oats for best texture).
- Apples - Granny Smith are the best apples for crumble because they're tart and hold their shape, but any variety will work.
- Lemon juice - Brightens the apple flavour and keeps them from browning.
- Butter - Make sure it's softened to blend easily into the crumble topping.
Variations
- Gluten-free - Use gluten-free plain flour and ensure your oats are certified GF.
- Apple & berry crumble - Add a handful of frozen raspberries or blueberries to the apple mix.
- Nutty crumble topping - Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the oat topping.
- Refined sugar-free - Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a less processed option.
How To Make Apple Crumble
This easy apple crumble with oats is ready in just a few simple steps.
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine sliced apples, water, caster sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and nutmeg. Simmer for 5-10 mins until just softened. Drain any excess liquid.
- Step 2: Spoon stewed apples into the baking dish.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, plain flour and butter. Rub together with fingertips until crumbly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 35-40 mins or until golden and crisp. Serve warm with ice cream or custard.
Top Tip
If your apples are extra juicy, drain well after stewing to stop the topping going soggy.
Recipe Tips
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavour contrast.
- Don't overcook the apples - they should be just tender before baking.
- Use cold or room temp butter for a crispier crumble texture.
- Leave a few clumps in the topping - this gives a lovely crunch.
- Make ahead and keep unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven for a crispy top, or in the microwave for convenience.
Apple Crumble FAQs
Granny Smith are my go-to-they hold their shape and add a tart contrast to the sweet topping. But Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Braeburn or Jonagold work well too!
Absolutely! This recipe includes a full Thermomix apple crumble method below that makes it even quicker to prepare.
Use real butter, rub the topping together lightly, and don't overmix. Baking until golden (not just pale) is key!
Yes! Prep and assemble the whole crumble earlier in the day and store in the fridge until baking. You can also bake it in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Definitely. Once cooled, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in a warm oven or microwave until hot.
More Apple Dessert Recipes
If you're like me and love cooking with apples, here are a few more recipes you might like to try...
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Apple Crumble
Ingredients
- 5 apples large, peeled, cored and sliced
- 250 g (1 cup) water
- 115 g (½ cup) caster sugar
- 2 tbs lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon 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
Instructions
Conventional Method
- 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 Method
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius (180 if using fan-forced). Grease a large baking dish with butter and set aside.
- Place peeled, cored and sliced apples into the Thermomix bowl. Add the water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice. Cook for 5 minutes, 90 degrees REVERSE, Speed 1. Drain the excess liquid from the apples and place into the prepared baking dish. Rinse and dry the Thermomix bowl.
- Place the plain flour, softened butter and brown sugar into the Thermomix bowl. Mix for 10 seconds, Speed 7.
- Add the rolled oats and mix for 5 seconds, REVERSE, Speed 7.
- 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 or cream.
Notes
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavour contrast.
- Don't overcook the apples - they should be just tender before baking.
- Use cold or room temp butter for a crispier crumble texture.
- Leave a few clumps in the topping - this gives a lovely crunch.
- Make ahead and keep unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven for a crispy top, or in the microwave for convenience.
Simone Taylor says
Hi Lucy, your apple crumble looks amazing. Have you made it with GF flour?
Bake Play Smile says
Hi Simone! Thank you so much! No I haven't made it with gluten-free flour - sorry! xx
Dee says
My go-to apple crumble. Thank you
Bake Play Smile says
That's a huge compliment - thank you!
K Vidovich says
Hi, I am Gluten intolerant as are some family members. I substituted 1 cup of Gluten Free Museli and it gave a great visual as well as a great texture in the mouth. We loved it!
Bake Play Smile says
Wonderful!
Peachy Keen Mumma says
Making this now!! Had some apples to use up! So cool you have your own trees!
Aaron says
Thanks Lucy!
My wife (now) to be eight years ago made apple crumble for me when I reneged on a second date, as I was too shy to admit I "liked" her straight away, so I called in sick, she baked me apple crumble and made a quick knock and drop at my door... And the rest was history!. So given my gutlessness back then, her persistence, and a baked apple crumble.... We have had 8 glorious years together, and I feel indebted to her! Love her to bits 🙂
So I plan to make your apple crumble recipe for our upcoming anniversary and finally pay my dues... Thanks again!
Bake Play Smile says
That is absolutely gorgeous!!! What a fantastic story! I love nothing more than when my hubby cooks for me - so I just know how much your wife will appreciate it. Thats the sweetest story! xx