Baked Apple Crumble
Warm, buttery baked apple crumble that pairs sweet fruit with a crisp, cinnamon‑spiced topping. This easy fall dessert is ready in under 30 minutes and serves 6. Perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings.
Equipment
- Baking dish (8 × 8 in)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Apples
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all‑purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease the baking dish with butter or non‑stick spray so the crumble stays cleanly removed after baking.
- Tip: Warm the dish in the oven for a minute—this helps the apples release moisture evenly.
Step 2: Toss Apples
- In a bowl, combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently fold until the fruit is coated. Transfer to the prepared dish, spreading evenly.
- Tip: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a bright contrast to the sweet crumble.
Step 3: Mix the Crumble
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add butter; use fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in vanilla.
- Tip: Keep the butter cold; it creates pockets of crispness when baked.
Step 4: Assemble
- Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering completely.
Step 5: Bake
- Place in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil.
- Tip: For a crispier edge, finish the last 5 minutes under the broiler—watch carefully.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the crumble cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with vanilla ice cream or a splash of bourbon for extra depth.
Notes
Pro Tips: Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor; Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch; Use a mix of apple varieties for layered sweetness; Store leftover crumble in an airtight container for up to 3 days; Reheat slices in a skillet for a crispy, warm treat.