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Classic Apple Crumble

Classic Apple Crumble

Classic Apple Crumble is a comforting and timeless dessert featuring tender, warmly spiced apples beneath a golden, buttery, and crunchy topping. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tart flavors, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for family dinners or festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apple Filling

  • 6 cups tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (or coconut oil/vegan margarine for vegan option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to enhance sweetness and prevent browning.
  2. Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, and oats if using. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized clumps.
  3. Assemble the Dish: Spread the apple mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering them completely to form an even golden crust.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crumble for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the apple crumble to cool slightly, about 10 minutes, so the filling can set. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

  • Choose tart apples like Granny Smith to hold their shape and balance sweetness.
  • Use cold butter in the topping to achieve a crispy, crunchy texture.
  • Mix the crumble topping just until combined for a light and crumbly finish.
  • Allow the crumble to rest and cool to avoid a runny filling.
  • Add nutmeg or ginger for additional warming spice.
  • To make gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and oats.
  • For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
  • Freeze assembled or baked crumble tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15 minutes to restore crunch; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crumble, classic apple dessert, baked apple crumble, gluten-free apple crumble, easy apple dessert, fall dessert, cozy dessert