Classic Apple Crumble: How to Make a Great Comforting Dessert

The Classic Apple Crumble is a timeless dessert that evokes warmth and comfort, especially on cozy evenings.

Made with tart Granny Smith apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a buttery oat topping that bakes to golden perfection, this dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It’s even better when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a favorite in households around the world.

The origin of crumbles dates back to Britain during World War II, when rationing made it difficult to bake traditional pies. With limited ingredients, the crumble was born as a simple, yet delicious alternative to more elaborate desserts like apple pie. The combination of fruit and a crumbly topping provided all the satisfaction of a baked dessert with fewer ingredients. Over time, the crumble has evolved, and apple crumble remains one of the most beloved variations.

The beauty of apple crumble lies in its simplicity—apples are tossed in sugar and spices, then topped with a mixture of oats, flour, butter, and sugar that crisps up as it bakes. The result is a contrast of textures: soft, tender apples and a crunchy, buttery topping.

A fun anecdote is that crumbles became a popular dessert in homes during the 1940s and have remained a staple ever since, particularly during the fall season when apples are in abundance. The tartness of Granny Smith apples works beautifully in this dish, balancing the sweetness of the crumble topping and the richness of the butter.

Classic Apple Crumble: How to Make a Great Comforting Dessert

A traditional apple crumble made with tart Granny Smith apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a buttery oat topping that bakes to golden perfection.

Perfect for any cozy evening, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Author: Betty Mae Anderson Courses: Lunch Recipe Keys: Kids Mixing Vegetarian Meals

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 350  °F Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350 Best Season: Fall

Ingredients

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Apple Filling:

• 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

   Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.

Prepare Apple Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice.

   Mix until the apples are evenly coated.

2. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Make Crumble Topping:

1. In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.

Bake the Crumble:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

Rest and Serve:

1. Let the crumble rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Note

Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe due to their tartness, which balances well with the sweetness of the topping. However, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter variation.

Add-Ins: You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for added crunch.

Make-Ahead: The crumble can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

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