Easy apple crumble isn’t easy as apple pie—it’s even easier! No fussing with pie crust needed, just sprinkle a buttery crumble topping over apples, pop it in the oven, and you’re good to go. This classic apple crumble recipe is one of my family’s favorite fall desserts and I think it will be one of yours too!
Fruit Crumbles vs. Pies
Now, don’t get me wrong: I love pies. But if you’re looking for an effortless fruit dessert, it’s crumble all the way. The difference between a pie and a crumble is that pies have a filling and one or two crusts, while crumbles have no crust at all.
Another comparison you might make is apple crumble vs. apple crisp. Traditionally, a crisp recipe would have oats in the topping and a crumble wouldn’t, but these days crisp and crumble usually refer to the same thing—a baked fruit dessert with a streusel-like topping
Easy Apple Crumble Recipe
This easy apple crumble recipe is perfect to make after a day spent picking apples. The apples are layered onto the bottom of a baking dish, then topped with a mixture of flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. After baking, the topping becomes browned and crisp. I highly recommend serving your crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! (A drizzle of caramel sauce doesn’t hurt either. Just sayin’.)
Ingredients + Variations
Here’s what you’ll need to make this apple crumble recipe:
- Flour
- Rolled oats – Also known as old-fashioned oats.
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon – Or substitute apple pie spice.
- Butter – Accept no substitutes!
- Apples – I think the best apples for an apple crumble are Pink Lady or Granny Smith.
- Sugar
- Lemon juice – To add a touch of acid and keep the apples from browning.
- Cornstarch – Adds thickness and texture to the dish.
- Water
- Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract is so full of flavor!
- Vanilla ice cream – Optional, but not optional. Because this apple crumble is amazing served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Make Apple Crumble with Oats
1. Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350ºF, then peel and dice the apples.
2. Make the Crumble Topping
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until you have a crumbly mixture.
3. Make the Apple Base
Combine the apples, sugar, lemon juice, flour, and cinnamon in a large bowl and toss to combine.
4. Assemble the Apple Crumble
Pour the apples into a 9×13-inch baking dish, then scatter the crumb mixture over the top, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Bake and Serve
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the apple layer is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
FAQ
Does apple crumble keep at room temperature?
Yes, a crumble will last on the countertop for about 2 days—just wait until it cools, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. In the refrigerator, you can keep an apple crumble for up to 5 days. It’s best reheated in the oven, which re-crisps the topping.
Is apple crumble eaten hot or cold?
You can eat it either way, but I think it’s best served warm! Don’t forget to add a heaping spoonful of vanilla ice cream!
You can eat it cold, so don’t think that you can’t. The crumble topping may not be as crispy as you’d like, but it’s still pretty dang good!!
What’s the best apple to use for apple crisp?
This can vary by quite a bit. The best apples to use, in my opinion, are Honey Crisp apples or Granny Smith apples. Both are crunchy, but one is super sweet, and one is a bit more tart.
You choose what you think you’re going to like- or make two of this easy apple crumble recipes and see what you think!
More Apple Recipes for Fall
Craving more apple recipes? I’ve got some great ones for you!
Apple Crumble
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 4 cups chopped peeled apples
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla ice cream optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- In a bowl combine apples, sugar, lemon juice, flour and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Add apple mixture to a 9×13 baking dish and cover with crumb mixture
- Bake for about 45 mins until bubbly and topping is golden brown
- Serve warm and top with vanilla ice cream
