Best Baked Apple Crumble

There’s something magical about a warm Baked Apple Crumble straight from the oven. This classic dessert is the ultimate comfort food, filling your kitchen with an aroma that feels like a hug. Imagine tender, spiced apples bubbling away under a golden, buttery, crisp topping. It’s a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant, perfect for any occasion. The beauty of this Baked Apple Crumble is its incredible simplicity. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a timeless treat that never goes out of style.

This guide will walk you through creating the perfect, foolproof version. Get ready to become the hero of your next family dinner or casual get-together.

The Ultimate 5-Step Method for Perfect Baked Apple Crumble

Many people think a great dessert requires complex techniques. The truth is, simplicity is key. The secret to an amazing Baked Apple Crumble lies in the texture contrast. You want soft, juicy fruit and a crunchy, crumbly topping.

Choosing the right apple variety is the first crucial step. Some apples hold their shape beautifully, while others turn into mush. For the best structural integrity and flavor, understanding apple varieties is a game-changer. For more ideas, check out our guide on Salted Honey Pie. A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provides the perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Don’t rush the baking process. That golden-brown color on top is your signal that the sugars have caramelized perfectly. This creates those deep, toffee-like notes that elevate the entire dish. Patience truly is a virtue here.

Ingredients

• 6-7 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish or pie plate with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. In the same bowl (less cleanup!), make the crumble topping. Whisk together 1 cup of flour, oats, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and the pinch of salt.
4. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, your fingers, or two forks, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want some pea-sized bits of butter remaining for maximum flakiness.
5. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture. Do not press it down. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For the best reheating results, use an oven or toaster oven. Microwaving can make the topping soggy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm individual portions for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also freeze an unbaked or baked crumble. Wrap it tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.

7 Incredible Benefits of This Baked Apple Crumble

This dessert is more than just a tasty treat. It offers several surprising advantages that make it a standout choice.

• Effortless Elegance: It looks and tastes impressive with minimal chef effort required. It’s the perfect “wow” factor dessert.
• Versatile for All Diets: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free or vegan with simple ingredient swaps.
• Comfort in a Bowl: The warm spices and soft texture provide genuine psychological comfort. The scent of baking is a proven mood-lifter.
• Nutrient Boost: Apples are a fantastic source of fiber and vitamin C. Research from Harvard highlights the health benefits of incorporating apples into your diet.
• Cost-Effective Dessert: It uses simple, affordable pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: You can assemble the entire dish hours ahead and just pop it in the oven when needed.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Children love the sweet, crunchy topping and can even help with the simple mixing steps.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes have pitfalls. Avoid these common errors for a flawless Baked Apple Crumble every single time. For more ideas, check out our guide on Creamy Baked Asiago Chicken Recipe.

• Using the Wrong Apples: Soft apples like Red Delicious will turn to applesauce. Stick with firm, tart varieties.
• Soft Butter: Using softened or melted butter will create a greasy, dense topping. Cold butter is non-negotiable for that perfect crumbly texture.
• Over-Mixing the Topping: Stop mixing when you have a coarse, crumbly mixture. Overworking it will create a tough, cookie-like layer.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into the crumble immediately will result in a soupy mess. Letting it rest allows the juices to thicken.
• Underbaking: A pale topping means the sugar hasn’t caramelized. Wait for that deep golden-brown color for maximum flavor.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, feel free to get creative. This recipe is a wonderful canvas for other flavors.

Try adding a handful of fresh or frozen berries to the apple mixture. Raspberries or blackberries add a lovely tartness. For a decadent twist, sprinkle dark chocolate chips over the apples before adding the crumble topping.

You can also incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crumble mixture for extra crunch and flavor. A dash of cardamom or ginger alongside the cinnamon can also create a more complex spice profile. For more ideas, check out our guide on Classic Pumpkin Spice Cookies.

Final Thoughts

Mastering this classic Baked Apple Crumble is a culinary skill you’ll use for a lifetime. It’s a dessert that promises and delivers pure comfort and joy. The process is as rewarding as the final product, filling your home with an unforgettable aroma.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own with different spices, fruits, or nuts. For more inspiration on classic baking techniques and recipes, explore the extensive library at King Arthur Baking. Now, preheat that oven and get ready for a standing ovation. For more ideas, check out our guide on Blueberry Muffin Recipe. Your perfect Baked Apple Crumble awaits!

Lauren

Baked Apple Crumble

A warm, comforting dessert featuring tender spiced apples and a buttery, crisp oat topping. This Baked Apple Crumble is the ultimate cozy classic that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 pinch salt

Equipment

• large bowl
• 9-inch baking dish or pie plate
• pastry cutter or fork
• oven
• mixing spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish or pie plate with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until evenly coated and transfer to baking dish.
3. In the same bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, oats, brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to make the topping.
4. Add cold, cubed butter. Use fingers or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
5. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over apples. Do not press down. Bake for 40–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Let the crumble rest at least 15 minutes before serving to allow juices to set.

Notes

For a variation, try mixing in berries, chopped nuts, or extra spices like cardamom or ginger. Resting after baking helps the filling set, and reheating in the oven keeps the topping crisp.