This Easy Apple Crumble is the perfect dessert to delight your senses. With its warm, cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a golden, buttery crumble topping, it’s a cozy treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish brings warmth and comfort. Best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warm spices creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply as a comforting treat any day of the week.
- Easily Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples or add nuts for extra crunch.
- Family-Friendly: Simple enough for kids to help with, making it a fun family activity in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious easy apple crumble, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand ensures smooth preparation and baking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish helps achieve even cooking without burning the crumble topping.
- Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls for mixing ingredients keeps your workspace organized and efficient.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time you make this easy apple crumble.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick chunks (about 550-600 grams cut)
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar, or brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon (8 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, can also use cinnamon
- 1/2-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, use full teaspoon for extra spice flavor
For the Crumble Topping
- 3/4 cup (97 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (160 grams) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 Tablespoons (84 grams) unsalted butter, slightly melted
How to Make Easy Apple Crumble
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the oven rack in the center to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, and ground cinnamon.
- Toss well until all apple slices are coated evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Add slightly melted unsalted butter to the dry ingredients.
- Use your hands or a fork to combine until crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling in your baking dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
Enjoy your homemade Easy Apple Crumble warm from the oven!
How to Serve Easy Apple Crumble
Serving your Easy Apple Crumble can elevate this delightful dessert experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this cozy treat.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm apple crumble, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Adding caramel sauce brings an extra layer of sweetness and richness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon apples.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a soft texture that balances the crunch of the crumble topping.
Served in Individual Portions
- For a fun presentation, serve the crumble in small ramekins, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas on the side can add a refreshing note that enhances the flavors of the apple crumble.
How to Perfect Easy Apple Crumble
To achieve the best results with your Easy Apple Crumble, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose the right apples: Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
- Use cold butter: Ensure your butter is slightly chilled for a crispier crumble topping.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: The lemon juice helps prevent browning and enhances the overall flavor.
- Layer flavors: Mix in nuts or oats into your crumble for added texture and taste.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your crumble to ensure it reaches a golden brown without burning.
- Let it rest: Allowing your crumble to cool slightly before serving lets the juices set for better serving consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Apple Crumble
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Apple Crumble can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Vanilla Yogurt: A creamy, tangy addition that complements the sweetness of the crumble.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet dessert.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage can enhance the cozy experience while enjoying apple crumble.
- Fresh Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness that balances out the richness of dessert.
- Pecan Pie Bars: Another sweet option, these bars add variety while still keeping things in line with fall flavors.
- Chocolate Fondue: An indulgent treat where you can dip fruits or cake pieces, adding more fun to your dessert table.
- Roasted Nuts: Crunchy roasted nuts offer a savory bite that contrasts nicely with sweet desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making an easy apple crumble, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can ruin your dessert.
- Using the wrong apples: Not all apples are ideal for baking. Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Skipping the lemon juice: Lemon juice not only adds flavor but also prevents browning of the apples. Don’t skip it if you want fresh-looking fruit.
- Overmixing the crumble topping: Mixing too much can make the topping tough instead of crumbly. Mix just until combined for a light, airy texture.
- Not preheating the oven: A preheated oven ensures even cooking and browning. Always preheat to 350°F before placing your apple crumble inside.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your crumble while it bakes. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the crumble to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Easy Apple Crumble
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Consider wrapping in plastic wrap first for extra protection against freezer burn.
Reheating Easy Apple Crumble
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot, but be careful not to overheat as it may get soggy.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this easy apple crumble.
Can I use other fruits in this Easy Apple Crumble?
Yes! You can mix apples with berries or pears for added flavor and variety.
How do I make my Easy Apple Crumble vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
What can I serve with Easy Apple Crumble?
This dish pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How do I know when my Easy Apple Crumble is done?
The crumble should be golden brown and the apples bubbly. Check by inserting a fork to see if the apples are tender.
Final Thoughts
This easy apple crumble is perfect for cozy family gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Its warm flavors and comforting textures make it a delightful treat. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or different spices based on your taste preferences!
Easy Apple Crumble
Indulge in the comfort of our Easy Apple Crumble, a warm and inviting dessert that combines sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery crumble topping. This delightful dish is not only quick to prepare—taking just 15 minutes—but also versatile enough to impress guests at gatherings or provide a cozy treat for family nights. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at desserts for the first time, this easy apple crumble will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for both filling and topping)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Spices: apple pie spice and ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, apple pie spice, and cinnamon. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Spread the crumble topping over the apple mixture. Bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approximately 140g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
