Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that warms your heart and fills your home with sweet aromas, you’re in the right place! My Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) is a go-to recipe that brings back cherished memories. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly combines comfort and nostalgia, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its crunchy topping and tender apple filling, this dessert is sure to make everyone smile.
What I love most about this Simple Apple Crumble is how easy it is to whip up. You’ll find that it uses simple ingredients, and the process doesn’t require any fancy equipment or skills. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dessert comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good crumble! It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm apples and crunchy topping creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Simple Apple Crumble is as enjoyable as eating it! You’ll use wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:
For the Filling
- 6 apples
- ½ tsp grated nutmeg or as needed
- ½ tsp cinnamon or as needed
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp white sugar
- Juice of half a lemon
For the Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or self-raising flour)
- 1 cup porridge oat
- 125 g butter (you can use melted butter or cold softened; I prefer cold butter)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (or as needed)
- ¼ tsp Salt (I love to add a pinch to the topping to balance the sweetness)
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and adjust it to suit your taste. Here are some fun variation ideas:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add extra crunch and flavor.
- Incorporate other fruits: Try adding berries or pears for a delightful twist on the classic apple flavor.
- Spice it up: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cloves for added warmth.
- Sweeten differently: Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a unique sweetness.
How to Make Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 180C/375F. Getting your oven hot ensures that your crumble bakes evenly and develops that golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. Place them in your baking pan and sprinkle with flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and half of the lemon juice. Mixing these ingredients helps enhance the flavor of the apples while keeping them nice and juicy during baking.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and a pinch of salt. Using your fingers, rub everything together until you reach a breadcrumb-like consistency. Don’t worry if some chunks remain; they’ll create delicious crispy bits when baked!
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Sprinkle your crumble topping generously over the prepared apple filling. This layer adds texture to each spoonful while sealing in those sweet apple juices.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want that topping to turn crispy and golden while the filling bubbles tantalizingly below.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or creamy custard for an extra special treat!
There you have it—a delightful Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) that’s bound to become a staple in your home!
Pro Tips for Making Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Making a perfect apple crumble is all about the little touches that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve crumble perfection!
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Choose the right apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they balance nicely with the sweetness of the crumble topping and hold their shape during baking.
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Don’t skip the lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice not only adds brightness but also helps prevent the apples from browning, keeping your filling fresh and vibrant in color.
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Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg based on your taste preference. A hint of ginger or allspice can also add an exciting twist to the flavor profile.
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Achieve the perfect crumble texture: When mixing your topping, aim for a breadcrumb-like consistency with some larger chunks. This will create a lovely crunchy texture once baked.
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Let it rest before serving: Allowing your apple crumble to cool for a few minutes after baking lets the juices settle, making it easier to serve while enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Serve Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
Serving your simple apple crumble can be just as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ideas that will elevate this comforting dessert experience.
Garnishes
- Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing hint that beautifully contrasts with the warm apple filling.
- Toasted nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the sweetness of the dish.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing, creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm apple crumble, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
- Custard: Rich and silky custard makes for a luxurious accompaniment, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the apples and adding a comforting touch.
- Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with fluffy whipped coconut cream. Its lightness complements the apple crumble without overpowering it.
- Caramel sauce drizzled on top: A drizzle of caramel sauce can take your dessert to another level, adding richness and depth that pairs wonderfully with spiced apples.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious simple apple crumble! Whether it’s served warm or at room temperature, this dessert is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it later. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the crumble to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
- Cool the apple crumble completely before freezing.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating
- To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to 180C/375F.
- Place the crumble in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making this delicious dessert!
Can I use different types of apples for Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)?
Absolutely! You can mix and match your favorite apple varieties. Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp work wonderfully together for a balanced flavor.
How do I make my Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) topping extra crunchy?
For a crunchier topping, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the crumble mixture. This will add texture and enhance the nutty flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)?
You can add a splash of vanilla extract or even some chopped dried fruit like raisins or cranberries into the apple filling for an extra burst of flavor!
Final Thoughts
I hope this Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your dining table! It’s truly a comforting dessert that’s easy to whip up and share with loved ones. Enjoy making it, savoring each bite, and creating lovely memories around the table. Happy baking!
Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)
If you’re in search of a heartwarming dessert that fills your home with delightful aromas, look no further than this Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp). This cozy dish effortlessly combines sweet and tart flavors with a satisfying crunchy topping, making it the perfect treat for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its uncomplicated preparation and use of simple ingredients, this apple crumble is destined to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or creamy custard for an indulgent finale to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 apples
- ½ tsp grated nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup porridge oats
- 125 g butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180C/375F.
- Peel, core, and chop apples; combine them in a baking dish with flour, sugars, spices, and lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and salt until crumbly.
- Spread the topping over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the crumble (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
