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This Easy Apple Crumble is the dessert you make when you want something warm and comforting without pulling out a rolling pin or pretending you enjoy making pastry from scratch. Tender cinnamon apples bubble away underneath a buttery oat topping that turns golden and crisp in the oven, and if you love cosy cinnamon sweets, don’t forget to check out this easy cinnamon roll treat too. It is simple, cozy, and quietly impressive.
If you have been looking for an apple crumble recipe that delivers real flavor with minimal effort, this one checks all the boxes. It is easy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests, and always better served warm with a scoop of ice cream melting into the top.
Why This Easy Apple Crumble Works
The secret to this easy apple crumble is balance. The apples soften just enough to become tender and juicy while still holding their shape. A small amount of flour thickens the filling as it bakes, so you get a spoonable, syrupy texture instead of a watery mess at the bottom of the dish.
The oat topping does the rest of the work. Butter, sugar, and oats bake into a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the soft apples underneath. It is not overly sweet, not dry, and not crumbly in that sad, dusty way. This is why many readers call it their best apple crumble recipe.
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.
- Apples: The star of the show. A mix of sweet and tart apples works best, giving the filling depth and balance. If you only have one type on hand, do not stress. This recipe is forgiving.
- Cinnamon and Sugar: Cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the apples, while the combination of white and brown sugar gives sweetness and helps create that classic baked-dessert flavor.
- Oats and Flour: These form the structure of the crumble topping. The oats add texture and bite, while the flour keeps everything together as it bakes.
- Butter: Melted butter binds the topping and helps it bake into a crisp, golden layer that tastes rich without being heavy.
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.
Optional Add-Ins and Easy Substitutions
This easy apple crumble with oats is flexible, which is part of why it works so well.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch
- Swap some of the apples for pears for a slightly softer filling
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth
- Use gluten-free flour and oats if needed
It is hard to mess this one up.
Tips To Making Apple Crumble
- Slice the apples evenly so they bake at the same rate and soften nicely without turning mushy.
- Keep the crumble loose. Do not press it down, as a lighter topping bakes up crisp and golden instead of dense.
- Watch the browning. If the top is getting dark too quickly, loosely cover with foil and continue baking until the apples are tender.
- Let it rest briefly after baking so the filling thickens and is easier to serve.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes! You can freeze apple crumble either before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it for up to 3 months. If unbaked, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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.
Apple crumble keeps well covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven until the topping is crisp again, or microwave individual portions for a quick treat.
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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.
So this weekend I made two of your recipes for the first time and I must say my family loved everything. This Apple Crisp recipe is amazing!!!! Definitely a keeper.
Hi this looks great. I can’t eat flour (very gluten jntolerant) but can eat organic porridge oats no problem, how could i change the topping do you think
Thanks
D
Katrina, can I freeze this ahead of time before baking it? Would I thaw it before baking? Thank you.
So, this is the 2nd recipe I’ve made today from this website. This morning I made the most insanely fluffy and delicious pancakes – an easy 5 stars!! Tonight, this apple crumble/crisp. Another easy 5 stars. It is everything Karina promises it will be! Karina you are going to make a great cook out of me yet! Thank you for making today and very delicious day! My husband thanks you too 🙂
What temperature did you set the oven to? Also, how long did you bake it? I plan to make it today for the first time.
This is the second time we have made this recipe and have enjoyed it immensely each time. I added sliced almonds into the topping for an extra crunch. We have tried a few of her recipes and have found them to be easy, tasty and very enjoyable
Thank you for your feedback Janet!
Thanks, Karina! The smell alone is to die for — the kids flocked to the kitchen all evening. Changed the recipe a bit by substituting wheat flour with the oat one and cutting down the amount of sugar. Turned out absolutely delicious! Easy, fast, inexpensive and super-good – – this one is definitely a keeper!
Made this for Thanksgiving and it was wonderful! It was easy and it took me 1 1/2 hours start to finish which was perfect. Thank you!
Can you do this recipe in a pressure cooker?
I have not tried it but that sounds great! Let me know how it turns out! XO
Can use canned apple pie filling to be lazy. I guess it would take about 4 cans. Please answer.
I really want to make this. Thanks
Yes, that sounds great! I am not sure how many cans but that sounds like a great idea! Let me know how it turns out! XO