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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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

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

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

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

FAQ's

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.

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...