Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)

Table of Contents

The delightful aroma of a simple apple crumble wafting through a cozy kitchen takes me back to my childhood! I still vividly remember the weekends spent with my grandmother as she expertly crafted this sweet, crumbly dessert. Our house would fill with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, mingling with the eager chatter of family gathering around the kitchen table. There was something magical about watching those tender, juicy apples transform into a bubbling, caramelized filling, all topped with that irresistible crumbly topping. Every bite was an explosion of warmth and nostalgia, and I knew this dish would forever hold a special place in my heart. Trust me, once you taste this Simple Apple Crumble, you’ll find your kitchen filled with the same warm fuzzies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for the novice baker!
• Quick Prep Time: You can have this delicious dessert ready in just about 15 minutes of prep time!
• Naturally Good: With fresh apples and a sprinkle of spices, this crumble is a healthier indulgence your body will thank you for.
• Warm and Cozy: Nothing feels more comforting than a warm apple crumble fresh out of the oven, especially when topped with cold ice cream!
• Crowd-Pleasing: This dessert is a guaranteed hit—perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even just a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 6 Apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties for depth of flavor—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are fantastic choices!
• ½ tsp Grated Nutmeg: Just a pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic depth to the filling. Adjust to taste!
• ½ tsp Cinnamon: This warm spice is essential to the classic apple crumble flavor! A little extra won’t hurt either!
• 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor to balance the tartness of the apples.
• 1 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken the apple filling as it bakes, creating that luscious gooey texture.
• 1 Tbsp White Sugar: For a touch of sweetness; you can adjust based on your apple’s sweetness level.
• Juice of Half a Lemon: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and prevents the apples from browning!
• 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour: For the crumble topping; self-raising flour works too if you’re needing a shortcut!
• 1 Cup Porridge Oats: These provide a fantastic chewy texture and nutty flavor to the topping.
• 125 g Butter: Whether melted or cool and cubed, butter is the magic ingredient for a crispy crumble.
• 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the crumble and gives it a beautiful caramel color.
• ¼ tsp Salt: A little pinch in the topping enhances flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (375°F). While that’s heating up, grab your favorite baking dish and lightly grease it—your apples will thank you!

Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. Transfer them into your previously prepared baking pan. The crisp, sweet scent of the apples will fill your kitchen with cozy vibes.

Mix the Apple Filling

In a bowl, combine the apples with 1 tablespoon of flour, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle each ingredient over the apples and gently toss to mix them well. Finish by adding half of the lemon juice, and give everything a little stir! The mixture will glisten and seem so inviting.

Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, mix the porridge oats, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add your cold butter (keeping it cold creates that lovely crumble texture); rub the butter into the dry ingredients with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs—with a few larger chunks for crunch! This is where the fun happens—get your hands in there!

Assemble & Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping over the beautifully spiced apple filling. Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy, and the apples are bubbling up from underneath. The tantalizing aroma will make it hard to resist. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in!

Serve

Serve warm, ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of creamy custard for that dreamy finish!

Pro Tips for Success

• Apple Variety: Mix sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
• Butter Texture: Whether you use melted or cold butter, just make sure it’s evenly distributed for perfect crumble texture.
• Oats Variety: Use rolled oats for a chewier topping or instant oats for a finer crumb!

Flavor Variations

• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for an extra crunch.
• Fruit Medley: Toss in some ripe pears or berries for a seasonal twist!
• Spices: Don’t hesitate to play around with spices—ginger or allspice can add lovely, warm flavors.

Serving Suggestions

To complement your apple crumble, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a charming presentation, serve in individual ramekins together with tea or hot cider. Who could resist that?

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the apple filling a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. The crumble can be assembled hours before baking as well. Just keep it covered until you’re ready to pop it in the oven. Properly stored in the fridge, apple crumble will last up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Reimagine leftovers by using them as a delicious topping on yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast. Or, serve them with a layer of pancake batter for a cozy brunch treat!

Freezing

Yes, apple crumble freezes beautifully! Just assemble the crumble and bake it, then let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake until heated through.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your crumble in the oven at 180°C (375°F) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings on low power, but the oven method will keep that lovely crisp topping!

FAQs

Can I use any apples?
Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor balance. Try combinations like Granny Smith, Gala, or Pink Lady!

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

Is it okay to leave the skin on the apples?
Certainly! Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and texture—just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly.

How do I know when the crumble is done?
The crumble is ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples bubble around the edges!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my dear friends! This Simple Apple Crumble is the perfect way to wrap yourself in a warm hug of nostalgia and comfort. As you prepare this delightful dessert, remember to relish each step—whether it’s the peeling of the apples or the beautiful aroma as it bakes. It’s not just about the finished dish; it’s about the love you pour into it. May it bring joy and warmth to your home, just as it does in mine! Happy baking! 🍏✨