Few desserts capture the essence of cozy comfort like Baked Apple Crumble. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery, crunchy topping, this dessert is perfect for fall, winter, or any time you crave a warm treat.
It’s easy to make, naturally sweet, and crowd-pleasing, whether served on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Crumble
- ✔️ Sweet, tender apples with a crunchy topping
- ✔️ Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- ✔️ Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or dessert parties
- ✔️ Gluten-free option available with oats or almond flour
- ✔️ Can be served warm or at room temperature
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Baked Apple Crumble
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips for the Best Baked Apple Crumble
🍎 Use a mix of apples — combining tart and sweet varieties creates a more complex flavor.
🍎 Don’t overmix topping — you want a crumbly texture, not a dough.
🍎 Serve warm — this enhances the aroma and flavor.
🍎 Make ahead — assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Variations to Try
- 🌰 Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for crunch.
- 🍯 Caramel Apple Crumble: Drizzle caramel sauce over apples before topping.
- 🥥 Coconut Twist: Mix shredded coconut into the crumble topping.
- 🍓 Berry Apple Crumble: Add blueberries or raspberries to the filling for a fruity twist.
Why This Recipe Works
Baked Apple Crumble balances sweet, tart, soft, and crunchy in every bite. The warm cinnamon-spiced apples pair perfectly with the buttery topping, making it a classic comfort dessert that’s simple yet irresistible.
It’s ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights in, and it’s a dessert that everyone will love.