Classic Apple Crumble: A Taste of Home

Craving a comforting dessert? This easy apple crumble recipe, with its spiced apple filling & buttery crumble topping, is a British classic. Perfect for any occasion! Get the recipe now. ... Smart Kitchen Basics
Okay, right then! Let's get this apple crumble recipe sorted. Like Mary Berry picking the perfect Victoria sponge, we need to be selective here!
Classic Apple Crumble: A Taste of Home
Fancy a bit of comfort food? this apple crumble recipe is it. a warm hug in a bowl. honestly, it's like your nan's baking, but maybe even better.
(don't tell her i said that!).
A Bit of History and Why You'll Love It
Apple crumble is a proper british classic. it’s been around for ages, a staple in homes. it's basically cooked apples covered in a buttery, oaty topping.
Perfect for a chilly evening. this version is super easy, so don't worry, you don't need to be a michelin-star chef.
It'll give you about 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits: Warm Apples and Happy Tummies
This apple crumble recipe isn't just tasty, it's good for you-ish! apples are packed with fiber. fiber keeps your gut happy.
It's also the perfect excuse to have custard. because, well, custard is life. it’s honestly special because it's so simple, yet so satisfying.
Ingredients – What you’ll need for your Apple Crumble recipe
Right, what's in this magic potion of an easy apple crumble recipe ? first up, the filling. you'll need about 1 kg of cooking apples.
Bramley apples are the classic, but granny smiths work too. 50g of granulated sugar will do the trick. plus, a teaspoon of cinnamon and a quarter of nutmeg.
A splash of lemon juice keeps things from browning.
For the crumble, grab 175g of plain flour. 100g of cold, cubed butter is essential. cold butter is key. also, 75g of light brown sugar and 50g of rolled oats for texture.
Don’t forget a pinch of salt!.
Okay, right then! let's get this apple crumble recipe sorted. like mary berry picking the perfect victoria sponge, we need to be selective here! let's delve into the essential ingredients and equipment needed to create the most delightful apple crumble.
Classic Apple Crumble: A Taste of Home Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: The Make-or-Break Stuff
Honestly, the quality of your ingredients really makes a difference. But don't stress too much! Even with supermarket basics, you can make a stellar homemade apple crumble .
Main Ingredients: Apple-Solutely Amazing
- Cooking Apples: 1 kg (2.2 lbs, about 6 medium). Bramleys are best, but Granny Smiths work too. They give that lovely tartness. If you can get a mix, even better!
- Granulated Sugar: 50g (1/4 cup) for the filling. Use it sparingly, remember the apple's natural sweetness!
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp . It's the cozy spice we all love. Don't skimp on this!
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (optional). Adds a little extra warmth.
- Water: 2 tbsp . Just a splash to get things going.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp . Keeps the apples from browning. Nobody likes brown apples, you know?
- All-Purpose Flour: 175g (1 1/2 cups). Forms the base of our crumble topping.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: 100g (1/2 cup or 1 stick), cubed. Crucially cold!
- Light Brown Sugar: 75g (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp), packed. Gives that lovely caramel-y flavour.
- Rolled Oats: 50g (1/2 cup, optional). Adds a nice texture.
- Pinch of Salt : Just a little pinch.
When picking apples, look for firm ones. They should be free of bruises. A good Bramley apple should be slightly tart, giving your crumble that perfect balance.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
Cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic combo. but a little ginger can be a fun addition! or even a tiny bit of cardamom.
Vanilla extract is also a solid choice to boost the flavours. remember: it’s all about taste. if you are missing nutmeg, a tiny pinch of allspice could substitute for the same warmth!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- 9-inch (23cm) Oven-Safe Baking Dish . This is what you'll bake the easy apple crumble recipe in.
- Large Mixing Bowl . For the crumble topping.
- Small Mixing Bowl . For mixing the apples.
- Vegetable Peeler . Peel those apples!
- Sharp Knife . Slice 'em up.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons . Accuracy is key, mostly.
- Pastry Blender or Your Fingers . For rubbing the butter into the flour. Hands work just fine!
Don't have a pastry blender? no worries! your fingertips will do the trick. just be quick so the butter doesn't melt.
And honestly, an apple crisp recipe is basically the same, just maybe with a bit more oaty topping.
Honestly, this traditional apple crumble recipe is such a winner. Give it a go! You won't regret it.

Classic Apple Crumble: A Hug in a Dish
Okay, right then! let's get this apple crumble recipe sorted. this isn't just any dessert; it's proper comfort food. think warm spices, soft apples, and a seriously good crumble topping.
Honestly, who can resist? like mary berry picking the perfect victoria sponge, we need to be selective here!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Sorted!
First things first, let’s get organised. peel, core, and slice about 6 medium cooking apples . i like bramleys for that lovely tartness.
Then, measure out your 175g flour, 100g cold butter, 75g brown sugar, and 50g oats (if you're using them!). oh my gosh, don't forget the spices! cinnamon and a tiny pinch of nutmeg.
A bit of lemon juice stops the apples going brown – clever, eh?
Time-Saving Tip: Prep the apples ahead. Just keep them in lemon water.
Baking Time: The Step-by-Step
- Toss sliced apples with 50g granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional), 2 tbsp water, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Cook on medium heat for 5- 7 minutes . You want them slightly soft, not mushy.
- Tip into a baking dish.
- Rub 100g cold, cubed butter into 175g flour till it looks like breadcrumbs. Mix in 75g brown sugar, 50g oats, and a pinch of salt.
- Sprinkle the crumble over the apples.
- Bake at 190° C ( 375° F) for 35- 40 minutes . The topping should be golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving. Hot apple crumble is like molten lava, trust me!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Crumble
Want to elevate your homemade apple crumble ? use really cold butter. it makes a difference. also, don’t overmix the crumble topping – you want it crumbly, not like pastry.
Speaking of which, one time i added too much butter, and it was just… oily. lesson learned! for the best apple crumble recipe with custard serve it hot, with plenty of hot creamy custard!
Make-Ahead Magic: The crumble topping can be made a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge.
This easy apple crumble recipe is a winner every time. serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or custard, and you've got a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Honestly, it's like a taste of home. enjoy!
Recipe Notes: The Devil is in the Details
Okay, right then! let's get this apple crumble recipe sorted. like mary berry picking the perfect victoria sponge, we need to be selective here! this bit is about making your homemade apple crumble amazing .
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Perfection
Honestly, the way you serve your easy apple crumble recipe matters. think about it! a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting slowly over a warm crumble? oh my gosh! or a generous dollop of creamy custard? it's a total game-changer.
Some folks love a bit of whipped cream too. me? i'm a custard gal all the way. for presentation, try serving it in individual ramekins.
It just looks fancy, you know? and a sprig of mint never hurt nobody.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Crumble Scrumptious
What if you don't finish the whole best apple crumble recipe in one go? (i mean, it's possible, right?). refrigeration is your friend.
Cover it tightly and it'll last for up to 3 days. the traditional apple crumble can also be frozen. let it cool completely, then wrap it well or put it in a freezer-safe container.
It'll keep for about 2-3 months. reheating is a breeze. just pop it back in the oven at 175° c ( 350° f) until it's warmed through and the topping is crisp again.
Variations: Spice it Up!
Want to put your spin on your apple crumble with oats ? you can! for a vegan option, use coconut oil instead of butter in the topping.
The flavour will change though. if you're going gluten-free , use a gluten-free flour blend. simple as that. seasonal ingredient swaps? in autumn, try adding blackberries or pears to the bramley apple crumble .
In the summer, raspberries would be amazing!
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Goodness
Look, it's dessert. it's not exactly a salad. but! apples are a good source of fibre, which is always a plus.
Plus, a little bit of apple crumble with custard is good for the soul, innit? in terms of nutritional content, this apple crisp recipe contains approximately 350-400 calories, 4g of protein, 15-20g of fat, 50-55g of carbohydrates, 4g of fiber, 25-30g of sugar and 50-75mg of sodium per serving.
So there you have it! everything you need to know to make the perfect apple crumble recipe . don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Now, go get baking and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples to use for this apple crumble recipe?
For the best apple crumble, go for apples that hold their shape and offer a balance of sweet and tart. Bramley apples are a classic choice in the UK, known for their tartness. In the US, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work brilliantly. A mix of both tart and sweet apple varieties gives the most complex flavour – like having your cake and eating it!
My apple crumble topping turned out too dry! What did I do wrong?
A dry crumble topping usually means there wasn't enough fat (butter) or liquid in the mixture. Make sure your butter is cold and cubed, and work it into the flour quickly to avoid melting. If the mixture still seems dry, add a tablespoon or two of ice water until it just comes together. Think of it like making shortcrust pastry – cold is key!
Can I prepare this apple crumble recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the apple filling and crumble topping separately a day or two in advance. Store the filling in the refrigerator and the crumble topping in a sealed container in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply assemble the crumble and pop it in the oven. It’s a perfect way to save time if you’re expecting guests, like having a cheeky Nando’s pre-prepared (well, almost!).
How do I store leftover apple crumble, and how long will it last?
Leftover apple crumble can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. To reheat, bake it in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the topping might not be as crisp. It’s basically a breakfast food group at this point, right?
What are some variations I can try with this apple crumble recipe?
The possibilities are endless! Try adding a handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the crumble topping for extra texture and flavor. You could also replace some of the apples with other fruits like berries or pears. For a warming, spiced twist, add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the apple filling. Feel free to experiment - cooking is all about having a laugh and seeing what works.
Can I make this apple crumble recipe gluten-free or vegan?
Yes, absolutely! To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crumble topping. For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil. Just keep in mind that using coconut oil will impart a slight coconut flavor. There are loads of great alternatives out there - you'll hardly notice the difference.