Apple Crumble

Apple crumble is sliced apples tossed with cinnamon and sugar, baked under a topping of rolled oats, flour, brown sugar and melted butter. The topping is stirred together in a bowl, with no cutting in of cold butter, and it bakes into a golden, crunchy layer over tender fruit. The recipe makes 6 servings and goes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

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The method is simple: coat the apples, mix the topping, scatter it over the fruit and bake. The choice of apple and the cooling time at the end matter most.

What Goes into the Dish

The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. Here is the role of each ingredient.

• Apples (3 cups, peeled and sliced, about 4 medium): Granny Smith and Honeycrisp give a good balance of tart and sweet and hold up well in the oven.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): keeps the apples from browning and brightens their flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup), cinnamon (1 teaspoon) and salt (1/4 teaspoon): the seasoning for the apples. The salt balances the sweetness.
• Rolled oats (1 cup): make the topping hearty and crunchy.
• All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): binds the topping so it crumbles properly.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): adds a caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): gives the topping its rich, buttery flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): rounds out the flavor of the topping.

Putting It Together

Toss the apples with the lemon juice first, then add the granulated sugar, cinnamon and salt and mix until the slices are evenly coated. Move them to a greased 9-inch pie dish or baking dish. Any oven-safe baking dish works if you do not have a pie dish.

In another bowl, stir the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter and vanilla together until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle it evenly over the apples and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Let the crumble cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors come together and makes it easier to serve, and a cooling rack keeps the texture from going soggy.

Ways to Change It

• Nuts or raisins: mix a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans or raisins into the oat topping.
• Spices: add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apples.
• Berries: mix in a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries with the apples.
• Chocolate: scatter chocolate chips over the apple layer before adding the topping.
• Peaches or nectarines: replace some of the apples with slices.
• Other apples: Fuji and Braeburn also work, each with its own flavor.
• Gluten-free: use almond flour or coconut flour in place of the all-purpose flour. These absorb moisture differently, so adjust the amount.
• Less sugar: erythritol, monk fruit or a blend of erythritol and stevia can replace the granulated sugar.

What to Serve With Apple Crumble

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cheese plate with brie or cheddar gives a savory contrast to the sweet apples. For drinks, black coffee, chamomile or peppermint tea, or sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime all suit it.

Making Ahead and Storing

Prepare the apple filling and the crumble topping separately and keep both in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, assemble the dish and put it in the oven.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition per Serving

Each serving has approximately 250 calories, 11 grams of fat (7 grams saturated), 35 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 20 grams of sugar, 3 grams of protein and 150 milligrams of sodium. These are estimates.

FAQ

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are the usual choices, but Fuji or Braeburn also work and each gives a different flavor.

How can you make the crumble lower in sugar?

Replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute such as erythritol or monk fruit.

What can you serve with it?

Warm vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A sugar-free ice cream or whipped cream keeps the sugar down.

Can I prepare the crumble ahead of time?

Yes. Keep the apple filling and the topping in the refrigerator in separate containers, then assemble and bake when you are ready.

How do you store leftover apple crumble?

Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us