Apple Crumble

If you’re craving an effortless apple dessert during some cozy fall weather, an apple crumble is as easy as pie (in fact, easier). We’ll show you how to make apple crumble from start to finish.

The base uses a mound of fresh apples that cook down in a brown sugar-cinnamon sauce, and the topping is a walnut-studded, buttery crumble. Finish each serving with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have the perfect fall dessert ready in just one hour.

Apple Crumble Ingredients

• Apples: Purchase about six medium apples from the store (I always like to buy an extra one just in case), and peel them before slicing.
• Brown sugar: You’ll need 1/4 cup brown sugar for the apple filling and 2 cups for the crumble topping. We don’t recommend swapping in granulated sugar for the brown sugar. Brown sugar’s deep molasses, caramel flavor works perfectly with the cinnamon and apples.
• Cinnamon: As an avid baker, I love keeping a few different types of cinnamon in my pantry. Their nuanced flavors and ranges of potency work well in different types of baked goods. I love Ceylon cinnamon in this recipe, but the common store-bought cassia works perfectly well.
• Butter: Remove your butter from the fridge about 30 minutes before starting this apple crumble recipe. It’ll be perfectly soft by the time you’re ready to get started.
• Eggs: You’ll need only two large eggs to create the crumble topping.
• All-purpose flour: Be sure to have 2 cups all-purpose flour on hand to make the topping. Too little will create a gummy texture.
• Walnuts: Whenever I cook or bake with walnuts, I like to take a moment to toast them beforehand. Learning how to toast nuts is easy, and toasting removes the raw edge and brings out the natural nutty flavor.
• Vanilla ice cream: Grab one of the best vanilla ice cream brands from the store so serving this apple crumble recipe feels even more special.

Directions

Step 1: Assemble the apple base

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the sliced apples in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup brown sugar evenly on top.

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Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly on top.

Step 2: Make the topping

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In a bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and remaining brown sugar together.

Editor’s Tip: Cream the butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is airy and fluffy and the color has lightened a bit. This can take around five minutes.

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Beat in the eggs.

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Then stir in the all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup walnuts.

Step 3: Smooth on the topping

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Spread the topping over the apples.

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Sprinkle the remaining walnuts evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake the crumble

Bake the apple crumble until the apples are tender, 45 to 55 minutes. Serve the crumble warm from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each serving if desired.

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Recipe Variations

• Make individual servings: This is such a fun option when you’re hosting a dinner party that’s a bit more formal. Divide the filling evenly among greased ramekins, filling each halfway, then divide the topping evenly among the ramekins. Bake according to the recipe’s directions and serve.
• Change up the nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can totally omit them or swap in another nut like pecans.
• Get creative with baking spices: When cinnamon and apples are at play in a dessert recipe, I love to sneak in other fall spices too. Cardamom, ginger, nutmeg and allspice are my go-to options. Or, just use an all-encompassing apple pie spice.
• Finish with a sauce: The only way to make a serving of apple crumble and vanilla ice cream even more decadent is by drizzling a salted caramel sauce on top. Yum!

How to Store Apple Crumble

Before storing your apple crumble, let it cool to room temperature. If you have a lot of leftovers, keep the apple crumble in its pan and wrap it in storage wrap. If there’s only a little bit, save room in your fridge and transfer the apple crumble to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.

Apple Crumble Tips

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What kind of apples should you use for apple crumble?

The best apples for apple pie are the same ones you should be using in this apple crumble recipe. Look for ones that have a firm texture and a tart or sweet taste, like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Braeburn and Cameo.

Can you bake this apple crumble in a different pan?

Yes, instead of a 13×9-inch pan, you can bake this apple crumble recipe in a 12-inch skillet, two 9-inch round pans or two 8-inch square pans. Want to bake individual portions in ramekins? See our tip in the variations section!