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Easy Apple Crumble is everything you love about a classic dessert. Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a buttery, golden oatmeal topping. It’s sweet, cozy, and incredibly simple to make.
Perfect for any occasion, this foolproof dessert delivers all the flavor of apple pie with none of the fuss. Serve it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream. It’s the kind of treat you’ll crave again and again.
Why This Easy Apple Crumble Works
What makes this Easy Apple Crumble stand out from the rest? It all comes down to balance. Many versions of an apple crumble or apple crisp either end up too dry inside or turn into a soggy mess with a watery filling and a limp topping.
This recipe gets it just right. The apples bake into a thick, naturally sweet syrup that keeps the filling juicy but never runny. On top, you get a crisp, golden oat crumble that tastes just like a buttery oatmeal cookie.
It’s that perfect mix of textures, soft cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy topping, that makes this the best apple crumble recipe to keep coming back to. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and let it melt into all that warm, syrupy goodness. Heaven.
What Goes Into This Recipe?
The magic of this Easy Apple Crumble starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for rich flavor and perfect texture.
- Cinnamon: Just the right amount of spice to warm up every bite and give this apple crumble recipe that cozy homemade flavor.
- Apples: Fresh, crisp apples are the star of the show. Peel and slice them thinly so they soften into a warm, syrupy filling as they bake.
- Brown Sugar: Used in both the filling and the crumb, brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Oats: Quick-cooking or rolled oats create that classic, golden crumble topping. They bake up buttery and crisp for the best contrast to the soft fruit beneath.
- Butter: Melted unsalted butter brings it all together, giving the oat topping its irresistible, cookie-like crunch.
Note: Please see Recipe Card at the bottom for full list of ingredients and measurements.
How To Make Apple Crumble
- Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples, then place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the sugars, flour, cinnamon, and water, then toss to coat evenly.
- Make the Crumble: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, both sugars, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Pour in the butter and stir until the mixture crumbly.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the apples. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly, then scoop into bowls while still warm. Top with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream for the ultimate easy apple crumble experience.
This Easy Apple Crumble makes the perfect ending to any meal. Serve it after a savory main like our BBQ Baked Pork Chops, Mama’s Best Lasagna, or even a weekend brunch favorite like Best French Toast. Its warm, comforting flavors work with just about anything.
If you enjoyed this, you might also love our fruity twists like Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp (Crumble) or Easy Mango Blueberry Crumble (Crisp)—both just as simple and satisfying.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish in your baking pan, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. It’s a great make-ahead dessert that lets you enjoy all the flavor with less last-minute prep.
I usually go for red apples like Fuji, Gala, or Red Delicious for their natural sweetness and softnes. If you prefer a tart crumble, Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work beautifully. Canned apples can work in a pinch, but fresh gives you more control over flavor and texture.
It all comes down to the butter and oats. Melted butter is mixed right into the dry ingredients, coating every bit. As it bakes, the oats toast up and the topping turns golden and crisp—just like an oatmeal cookie fresh from the oven.
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Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Ingredients
APPLE FILLING:
- 8 apples medium, or 10 small apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
CRUMB:
- 1 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats or rolled oats for a chewier crumb
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the sliced apples into a 9×13-inch baking dish.Add the sugars, flour and cinnamon over the apple slices. Pour in the water and mix everything through until apples are evenly coated.
- In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugars, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and melted butter. Mix well using a metal spoon or your fingertips, until the butter has soaked through the dry ingredients (about one minute of mixing or less). Sprinkle evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake in preheated oven for 40 – 45 minutes, or until the crumb is golden and crisp and the apples are cooked to your liking.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have made this three times now! Obsessed with this recipe for fall!! It also re-heats really well and stays crispy on top when you microwave a bowl of it! I did half oats and half granola for extra crunch and it was perfect every time! Thank you for sharing this one!
Hi Jess, I’m thrilled to hear that you love the recipe and have made it three times! The idea of using half oats and half granola for extra crunch is brilliant. I’m glad to know it reheats well and maintains that crispy top even after microwaving. Thank you for trying the recipe and for your kind words!
Hello!
I baked it last night, and it was super fantastic! We’ve shared with our friends. Unfortunately my daughter could not enjoy – she is gluten intolerant. Can I use a gluten free flour?
Thank you,
Krystyna
Great recipe, everyone I gave some just loved it 😋
Great recipe, everyone I gave some just loved.
This was so delicious! I’ve never made apple crisp and this was ideal to use some extra apples I had. Will definitely be making this again!
lovely apple crumble, great for dessert or just a snack p.s especially great with vanilla ice cream
This was amazing!!!!
We devoured it! The quick oats really made a difference. I can’t wait to try more of your recipes, you make it so easy to understand and use”normal” ingredients I can find at any store. Thank you for sharing your recipes!!
I have been making Apple Crisp for decades. But this one is the BEST.
THANKS SO MUCH. I made it for Canadian Thanksgiving. It’s a winner!
Wish I could upload a picture! This came out amazing! Used red delicious, quick oats, and followed recipe exactly. Served w chocolate/vanilla and whipped cream!! It was a hit and disappear quickly! First time baking a dish with apples as well, quite easy!
The best dessert I have ever made I use the recipe all the time thank you 😊
So yummy! this was simple and easy to make and so delicious! I used an extra wide pie plate to maximize the crumbly surface area and it was divine! Thank you!