Few desserts capture the essence of cozy comfort like a warm, golden Apple Crumble. Juicy, cinnamon-spiced apples meld with a buttery, crisp topping for a perfect balance of textures. In just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have this classic treat ready to bake, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. The 33-minute bake time transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that’s both rustic and indulgent. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of soft, tender fruit and crunchy, caramelized crumbs. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in every spoonful.
What makes this Apple Crumble truly special is its versatility and ease. It’s a dessert that feels homemade yet requires minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The natural sweetness of the apples shines through, enhanced by warm spices and a hint of citrus. The topping, with its golden, crumbly perfection, adds a satisfying crunch that’s impossible to resist. Fresh from the oven, it’s a dessert that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Perfect for any season, this recipe is a timeless favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for a Delicious Apple Crumble
- Spiced Apple Filling:
- 5 apples, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or substitute with lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of sea salt
- Topping:
- ½ cup almond flour (or substitute with oat flour for a nut-free option)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup whole rolled oats
- ⅓ cup crushed walnuts (optional, or use pecans for a different flavor)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or substitute with unsalted butter)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon water, if needed (to help bind the topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Apple Crumble
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a saucepan, combine the apples, apple cider vinegar, and water. Simmer over very low heat, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Uncover, add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt, and stir until the apples are tender and the juices are thick.
- Make the topping: In a food processor, pulse the almond flour, all-purpose flour, oats, walnuts, sugar, coconut oil, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly. Add 1 teaspoon of water if the mixture seems too dry.
- Assemble the crumble: Scoop the apple filling into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the topping over it.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the topping is lightly crisp and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Apple crumble is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic treat. For a lighter option, try serving it with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. It’s also delightful alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy finish to any meal.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover apple crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds for a quick warm-up. For longer storage, freeze the crumble (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Experiment with different fruits like pears, peaches, or berries for a unique twist. For a nut-free version, swap the walnuts for sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. If you’re gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with an additional ⅓ cup of almond flour. You can also add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for extra sweetness and texture.
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, use pre-sliced apples or a food processor to chop them quickly. Prepare the topping in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you’re short on time, skip the stovetop step and layer the raw apples directly in the baking dish—just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure they soften.
Essential Tools: Equipment Guidance
A food processor is a game-changer for making the crumble topping quickly and evenly. If you don’t have one, use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix the ingredients until crumbly. An 8×8-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, but a pie dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish will work too. Don’t forget a sturdy spatula for stirring the apple filling!
Apple Crumble
Ingredients
Spiced apple filling
- 5 apples, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of sea salt
Topping
- ½ cup almond flour
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup whole rolled oats
- ⅓ cup crushed walnuts
- ⅓ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon water, if needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Make the filling: Combine the apples, apple cider vinegar, and water in a saucepan and simmer over very low heat, covered, stirring occasionally (making sure the apples don’t burn on the bottom of the pan) for 15 minutes. Uncover, stir, and add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt and stir again. The apples should be tender, and the juices should be thick.
- Make the topping: In a food processor, place the flours, oats, walnuts, sugar, coconut oil, cinnamon, and salt and pulse until crumbly. Add the water if needed.
- Scoop the apple filling into the baking dish and sprinkle with the topping. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until lightly crisp on top.