There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked apple crumble wafting through your kitchen, is there? The golden, crumbly topping cradling tender, juicy apples creates a delightful dessert that warms the heart and satisfies the sweet tooth. Did you know that apple crumble, often referred to as apple crisp, has origins dating back to World War II? During the war, rationing made it challenging to prepare traditional desserts, so home cooks turned to simple, accessible ingredients to create something delicious. This recipe stands the test of time thanks to its irresistible flavor, minimal ingredients, and quick preparation time.
What makes this dessert so special is not just its delicious taste, but also how easy it is to whip up! In about 30 minutes, you can serve up a warm, comforting dish that the entire family will adore. If you love the classic warmth of a fruit dessert, you may also enjoy our rich and creamy Southern Peach Cobbler—another family favorite that’s sure to impress! So grab your apples and let’s dive into the world of simple apple crumble; trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
What is Simple Apple Crumble?
What’s in a name, you ask? Well, for “simple apple crumble,” simplicity reigns supreme! The term “crumble” sparks curiosity, doesn’t it? It has that playful, inviting sound, much like the dish itself. This delightful dessert invites you to dig right in and discover layers of flavor that feel like home. In essence, apple crumble is a happy marriage between tart apples and a crumbly topping made primarily from butter, sugar, and flour. As the classic saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and what better way to win hearts than with a warm, comforting apple crumble you made yourself? Dive into this recipe, and you might just find this dessert making its way into your heart, too!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Apple Crumble
First and foremost, this simple apple crumble features a harmonious blend of tartness from the apples and the sweet, buttery crunch of the crumble topping. Each bite delivers a delightful symphony of flavors and textures to celebrate. Making this dish at home is not only cost-effective—especially compared to many store-bought desserts—but it also allows you to customize the flavor by choosing your favorite variety of apples!
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating your own dessert from scratch. The crisp topping, baked to golden perfection, pairs excellently with vanilla ice cream—so if you also adore classic desserts like our rich chocolate lava cake, be sure to explore our blog for the recipes! So why not try your hand at this delightful apple crumble, create beautiful memories, and treat yourself to something truly special?
How to Make Simple Apple Crumble
Quick Overview
Creating a delicious apple crumble is as easy as pie—well, easier, actually! With its straightforward process and minimal cooking skills required, you can prepare this timeless dessert in about 30 minutes. You’ll be rewarded with a delightful dish that captures the essence of fall with every heavenly bite.
Key Ingredients for Simple Apple Crumble
To get started with this easy, delightful apple crumble, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened and cubed)
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a golden, crisp topping!
- Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Ensure the apples are well coated, then set them aside.
- Make the crumble mixture: In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Then, add in the softened butter. Use a fork or your fingers to combine the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the dessert: In a greased baking dish, spread the apple mixture evenly at the bottom. Top it off with the crumble mixture generously.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Let it cool: After baking, allow the apple crumble to cool for a few minutes. This step is so tough, but trust us—you won’t want to burn your tongue on that delicious match of flavors!
- Serve and savor: Scoop out portions, preferably warm, and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy each mouthful as a warm embrace!
What to Serve Simple Apple Crumble With
To elevate your apple crumble experience, consider pairing it with a few complementary dishes! A dollop of homemade whipped cream can add a nice creamy contrast to this dish, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream will bring a delightful chill that beautifully balances the warmth of the crumble. Have a cup of hot, spiced cider or a rich chai tea in hand for a cozy experience that complements the flavors of the apple crumble perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Simple Apple Crumble
- Use a mix of apples: Combining sweet and tart apples can elevate the flavor profile, giving your crumble an interesting depth.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to get adventurous! Add nutmeg, cloves, or even allspice for a unique twist that suits your palate.
- Mind your butter: Ensure your butter is softened—not melted. This will help achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: It brightens the flavors of the apples and balances their sweetness beautifully.
- Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the crumble during the last few minutes of baking; you want a golden top without it becoming too crunchy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely in a cozy family setting!), simply store your apple crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to indulge again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for about a minute. Enjoy each bite just as fresh as the first!
Now that you’ve learned all about making this delightful Simple Apple Crumble, it’s your turn to experience the joy of this comforting dessert. Gather your ingredients, share the love, and most importantly, enjoy every flaky, crumbly bite. Happy baking!

Simple Apple Crumble
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice helps balance the sweetness
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened and cubed) should be softened, not melted
- a pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Ensure the apples are well coated, then set aside.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Then, add in the softened butter and combine until it looks like coarse crumbs.
Baking
- In a greased baking dish, spread the apple mixture evenly at the bottom. Top it off with the crumble mixture generously.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Allow the apple crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving
- Scoop out portions preferably warm and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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