Apple Crumble Recipe: A Delicious Dessert for All Ages

Apple crumble is the kind of dessert that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it's a cozy evening at home or a big family gathering. There’s something about the combination of soft, juicy apples paired with a crunchy, buttery topping that makes this dessert irresistible. If you're looking for a deliciously comforting treat, this apple crumble recipe will become your new favorite. In this article, we’ll walk you through each step of making this classic dessert. Let’s dive into how to prepare a warm, golden-brown apple crumble that will surely impress your guests.

How Many Serves Does This Apple Crumble Recipe Yield?

This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it perfect for a small family dessert or a gathering with friends. If you're hosting a larger crowd or want leftovers for later, you can easily adjust the quantities.

Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Crumble

To make this scrumptious apple crumble, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the filling:

• 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are great options)

• 50g of sugar (preferably white or brown sugar)

• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

• A pinch of salt

For the crumble topping:

• 200g of all-purpose flour

• 100g of unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)

• 100g of sugar (brown sugar or caster sugar work best)

• A pinch of salt

• Optional: A handful of rolled oats for extra texture

How to Make Apple Crumble: Step-by-Step Guide

Apple crumble is easy to make, even for beginners. With a few simple steps, you'll have a warm, delicious dessert ready to serve in no time!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). It’s important to make sure the oven is at the right temperature before you start baking to ensure that the crumble bakes evenly and turns golden-brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Next, peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. The apple variety you choose can make a big difference in the flavor of your crumble. Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, which balances perfectly with the sweet crumble topping. If you like a sweeter filling, you can opt for Golden Delicious apples, which have a naturally sweet flavor.

Once the apples are sliced, place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss the apples to coat them evenly with the spices. Finally, drizzle the lemon juice over the apples to help enhance their flavor and prevent browning.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is the key step to making a buttery, crumbly topping. If you'd like a bit more texture, add a handful of rolled oats to the mixture for extra crunch.

Once the crumble topping is ready, set it aside. You want the mixture to stay cold, so try not to handle it too much.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crumble

Now, it’s time to put everything together. Transfer the apple mixture into a greased baking dish (about 8 inches in diameter). Spread the apples out evenly so that they bake uniformly.

Next, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, covering them completely. The more topping you use, the crunchier your apple crumble will be, so don’t be shy!

Step 5: Bake the Apple Crumble

Place the assembled apple crumble in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the crumble as it bakes. After about 30 minutes, the topping should start turning golden brown, and the apples underneath will begin to bubble.

If you notice that the topping is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve

Once the apple crumble is golden and bubbling, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the juices a chance to thicken up and makes it easier to scoop out.

Apple crumble is best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. If you want to elevate your dessert even more, you could drizzle some caramel sauce or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the topping.

Tips for Making the Best Apple Crumble

While this recipe is quite straightforward, there are a few tips that can help you take your apple crumble to the next level:

1. Use a mix of apple varieties – For a more complex flavor, you can use a combination of sweet and tart apples. This will give your crumble a nice balance of flavors.

2. Add some spice – Besides cinnamon, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg or ginger. A pinch of ground allspice can add a lovely depth to the filling.

3. Make it ahead – Apple crumble is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the filling and crumble topping separately, store them in the fridge, and assemble the dish just before baking.

4. Try different toppings – If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a handful of chopped pecans to the crumble topping for a fun twist.

5. Serve with toppings – A scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a dollop of whipped cream are great ways to serve your apple crumble and make it even more indulgent.

Why You Should Make This Apple Crumble Recipe

Apple crumble is a timeless dessert that appeals to all ages and is perfect for any season. It’s especially popular in countries with colder climates, like the UK, Canada, and the US, where the comforting nature of this dish makes it a go-to during chilly nights. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet evening with your family, apple crumble is the ideal dessert to bring warmth and joy to your home.

Furthermore, this dessert is extremely versatile. You can switch up the fruits depending on what’s in season or add a variety of toppings to make it your own. What makes it even better is that it's quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and never fails to impress.

Get Creative with Your Apple Crumble!

Once you’ve mastered the classic apple crumble, you can explore different variations to suit your taste. For example, try swapping apples for pears, berries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile. You can also add a bit of rum or vanilla extract to the filling to give it an extra burst of flavor.

Apple crumble is also a great dessert to serve with a hot beverage, like spiced tea or mulled cider, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy with friends and family on a crisp autumn day.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make a perfectly golden, delicious apple crumble, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re enjoying it as an everyday treat or saving it for a special occasion, this dessert will never disappoint. If you have any questions about the recipe or tips on how to make it even better, feel free to leave a comment below. We’d love to hear how your apple crumble turns out!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking the ultimate apple crumble today!