Apple Crumble Recipe

Name: Apple Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 cups sliced peeled Granny Smith apples; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 cup white sugar; 0.75 cup all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Apple crumble is the perfect way to welcome fall. Full of cozy autumnal flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert will become a seasonal favorite. Here's a simple and delicious recipe to make the best apple crumble.

Apple Crumble Ingredients

4 cups sliced peeled Granny Smith apples
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup white sugar
cup all-purpose flour
teaspoon ground cinnamon
teaspoon ground nutmeg
teaspoon salt
cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

How to Make Apple Crumble

Follow these simple steps to make your apple crumble:

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375F (190C).
Prepare the apples: Place the sliced apples in an 8x10-inch casserole dish. Mix the water and lemon juice together, then sprinkle the mixture over the apples to prevent browning.
Make the crumble topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well. Add the cold butter pieces and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. You can use your hands to incorporate the butter for a better texture.
Assemble: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples in the baking dish.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp.
Cool slightly: Let the apple crumble sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Test Kitchen Tips

Apple slicing: The easiest way to slice an apple is to cut each side off the core and then slice them into -inch pieces.
Peeling apples: While some prefer leaving the peel on for texture, peeling the apples will give the dish a smoother feel. Its a personal choice, but we recommend peeling for a more delicate texture.
Mixing the topping: You can use an electric mixer to mix the crumble topping, but it's best to use your hands. Keep mixing until it feels like wet sand for the perfect crumbly texture.

How to Serve Apple Crumble

Let the apple crumble cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to thicken. While its delicious on its own, we highly recommend serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

How to Store Apple Crumble

If you have leftovers, let the apple crumble cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can You Freeze Apple Crumble?

Yes, you can freeze apple crumble! To do so, bake the crumble in a foil pan. Once its cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then wrap it in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it slowly in the oven to restore the crispy topping.

Community Feedback

Heres what others have to say about this recipe:

Ridiculously easy and a great recipe,
So warm, comforting, and exquisite,
This is so good!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Fact	Amount per serving
Calories	248
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	31mg
Sodium	75mg
Total Carbohydrate	36g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	27g
Protein	1g
Vitamin C	1mg
Calcium	8mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	34mg

History and Origins

The origins of Apple Crumble are somewhat unclear, but it is widely believed to have emerged during World War II in Britain. The dish was an easy-to-make, economical alternative to pies when rationing made traditional baking ingredients scarce. While pies required more flour and butter for a pastry crust, crumbles simply used a streusel-like topping made from sugar, butter, and flour, making it more affordable. Over time, this simple yet comforting dessert became a favorite in British homes, and its popularity spread worldwide.

Regional Variations

While Apple Crumble is most commonly associated with British cuisine, many countries have put their own twist on it. In the United States, it is often referred to as apple crisp, though the preparation is nearly identical. Some regions add oats to the crumble topping for extra texture, or incorporate spices like allspice and cloves. In other variations, different types of apples may be used, with tart varieties like Granny Smith being particularly favored for their ability to hold up well during baking.

What Sets Apple Crumble Apart?

Apple Crumble is often compared to other desserts like Apple Pie and Apple Betty, but it stands out in a few key ways. Unlike apple pie, which requires a pastry crust, Apple Crumble relies on a simple crumbly topping made from butter, sugar, flour, and sometimes oats. This results in a texture that is both soft and crispy, with the apples cooked to a tender consistency. Apple Betty, on the other hand, is more akin to a bread pudding and often includes layers of breadcrumbs, making it a distinctly different dessert despite the shared use of apples.

Where Is Apple Crumble Typically Served?

Apple Crumble is typically served as a comforting dessert, perfect for cozy family meals, especially during the colder months. Its a popular choice for Thanksgiving in the U.S. and for similar seasonal celebrations in the UK. In Britain, its commonly enjoyed with custard, but its also delicious with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Some might even enjoy it for breakfast, with the warm apples and crumbly topping offering a sweet and satisfying start to the day.

Interesting Facts

Apple Crumble is one of the most popular desserts in the UK, often referred to as "apple crisp" in the U.S. and Canada.
The dish became a symbol of British wartime rationing and thrift, providing a tasty treat using basic, easily available ingredients.
Though traditionally made with apples, Apple Crumble can also be made with other fruits like pears, berries, or rhubarb, offering versatility for different tastes and seasons.
Its believed that adding a layer of oats to the crumble topping adds a crispier texture, which is why the dessert is sometimes known as Apple Crisp in the U.S.

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FAQ about Apple Crumble Recipe

Allow the apple crumble leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Yes, you can freeze apple crumble! If you plan to freeze it, bake the crumble in a foil pan. Cover the whole thing tightly with storage wrap, then wrap it again with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

To restore the crispness of the topping, reheat the apple crumble slowly in the oven instead of using a microwave. This will help maintain the crumble's texture.

Yes, you can prepare the apple crumble ahead of time. Simply assemble it and store it in the fridge before baking. When ready to serve, bake it as instructed. You can also freeze the unbaked crumble for up to three months.

Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe, as they are tart and firm, holding their shape well during baking. However, you can also use other varieties such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a sweeter version.

While the recipe calls for unsalted butter, you can experiment with other fats such as coconut oil or margarine. These substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but they can work well in a pinch.

Apple crumble is delicious on its own, but it's often served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard for extra richness. It also pairs well with a scoop of frozen yogurt for a lighter option.

Yes! You can experiment with extra ingredients in the topping, such as oats, chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds), or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Apple crumble typically takes about 45 minutes to bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp.

The recipe calls for an 8x10-inch casserole dish. However, you can adjust the size of the dish depending on how much crumble you want to make. Just make sure the apple mixture is evenly covered with the crumble topping.

Comments

Justin Smith

07/15/2024 06:47:48 PM

I discovered this Apple Betty pie recipe in a vintage cookbook, and it's a delightful twist from the traditional version, replacing water and lemon juice with 1/4 cup of orange juice. I recommend using Pink Lady or Honeycrisp apples for the perfect flavor. Remember not to let your butter get too soft and avoid overmixing the crumb topping for the best results. Give it a go – you won't be disappointed!

Benjamin Johnson

05/11/2025 09:51:02 PM

Review rewritten: Absolutely amazing 🤤 I've tried making it with apples, pears, and a combination of both. It's incredibly simple and fast to prepare, yielding consistently delicious results. I prefer to increase the lemon juice, skip the water, and add a touch more sugar and cinnamon. This recipe is fantastic!