Classic Apple Crumble Recipe
Introduction
Classic Apple Crumble is a comforting dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, crumbly topping. It’s simple to make and perfect for any season, especially when apples are at their freshest.

Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 1/2 lb Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 to 7 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, packed brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly clumps. Use your hands if needed to create perfectly sized crumbs.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and chopped apples with granulated sugar (or brown sugar), lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour), salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples to fully cover the fruit.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips if desired.
- Step 6: Allow the crumble to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set for cleaner servings. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping before baking.
- Try mixing different apple varieties for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with gluten-free flour blends.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling for a warm spice twist.
Storage
Store leftover apple crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. Avoid reheating the entire dish multiple times to maintain the topping’s texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other firm apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji. Combining tart and sweet apples offers the best flavor balance.
Can I prepare the crumble topping ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the crumble topping and store it in the fridge for a day or freeze it for longer. Add it over the apples just before baking.
PrintClassic Apple Crumble Recipe
Classic Apple Crumble is a comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples baked under a buttery, crumbly topping. This easy-to-make recipe combines a sweet and tangy apple filling with a crisp, golden brown crust, perfect for cozy gatherings or a satisfying treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling
- 2 1/2 lb Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 to 7 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8 or 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside while you prepare the filling and topping.
- Make Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly clumps. Use your hands toward the end for perfectly sized crumbs.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar (or brown sugar), lemon juice, cornstarch (or flour), salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together so the apples are well coated. Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor.
- Assemble: Spread the apple filling into an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples to fully cover the fruit.
- Bake: Place the assembled apple crisp in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Place a baking sheet underneath in case any juices bubble over.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple crisp to cool for about 15 minutes before serving to help the filling set slightly, so each serving holds together nicely. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon juice brightens the apple filling and balances the sweetness.
- You can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar in the filling for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour for both the topping and filling.
- Ensure apples are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Resting the apple crumble before serving helps the filling thicken and prevents sogginess.
Keywords: apple crumble, classic apple dessert, baked apple crumble, fall dessert, easy apple recipe, cinnamon apple crumble

