Irresistible 4-Ingredient Apple Crumble Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of apple crumble baking in the oven—it’s like a hug in dessert form. Growing up, my mom would make it whenever the weather turned chilly, and the whole house would fill with the warm scent of cinnamon and caramelized apples. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home, no matter where you are. What I love most about apple crumble is how simple it is. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few apples, you can create a treat that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a last-minute dessert for guests, this classic never disappoints. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s been a favorite for generations.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble

This apple crumble checks all the boxes for the perfect dessert—here’s why:

• Effortless to make – Just toss, mix, and bake. No fancy techniques required!
• Comfort food at its best – Warm, gooey apples with that irresistible crispy topping? Yes please.
• Works for any occasion – Fancy enough for dinner parties, simple enough for weeknight cravings.
• Customizable – Add nuts, swap spices, or try different apples. It’s hard to mess up.
• The smell! – Your kitchen will smell like a cozy autumn day, no matter the season.

Seriously, this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients for Apple Crumble

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect apple crumble—measurements matter, so grab your measuring cups!

• 4 cups apples – peeled and sliced (Granny Smith are my go-to, but more on that below)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, please!
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – divided (half for apples, half for crumble)
• 1/2 cup cold butter – cubed (I mean cold—straight from the fridge!)
• 1 tsp cinnamon – the cozy magic maker
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg – just a whisper
• 1/4 tsp salt – to balance the sweetness

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Now, let’s talk tweaks—because sometimes you gotta work with what you’ve got!

• Apples: Granny Smith hold their shape, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn work too. No mushy apples allowed!
• Sugar: Brown sugar adds caramel notes—use it for half the white sugar if you’re feeling fancy.
• Flour: Gluten-free 1:1 blend works perfectly here. Almond flour makes it denser but tasty.
• Butter: Margarine can sub in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich.

Pro tip: That cold butter? Non-negotiable for proper crumble texture—warm butter makes soggy topping, and nobody wants that!

How to Make Apple Crumble

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—turning those simple ingredients into golden, bubbling perfection! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dessert that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven.

1. Preheat that oven! Crank it to 375°F (190°C) while you prep—this gives your crumble that perfect crispy start.
2. Toss those apples: In a big bowl, mix your sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and half the sugar. Get them nicely coated—those spices should hug every slice!
3. Make the crumble magic: In another bowl, whisk together flour, the rest of the sugar, and salt. Now grab your cold butter cubes and start cutting them in with a pastry cutter or your fingers. You want pea-sized crumbs—don’t overmix or it’ll turn into paste!
4. Layer it up: Spread your spiced apples evenly in a buttered 9×9 baking dish. Sprinkle that glorious crumble topping over them—no patting down, let it stay loose and craggy!
5. Bake to perfection: Pop it in the oven for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and you see little apple juices bubbling up at the edges like tiny caramel volcanoes.

Oh, and here’s my favorite trick—let it sit for 10 minutes after baking. The apples thicken up, and you won’t burn your tongue (though I won’t judge if you sneak a bite anyway).

Tips for Perfect Apple Crumble

• Slice apples evenly—about 1/4 inch thick—so they cook uniformly (no mushy bits next to crunchy ones!).
• When making the crumble, stop mixing when it looks like coarse sand with some bigger crumbs—overworking = tough topping.
• Test doneness by poking a fork into the apples—they should be tender but still hold their shape.
• For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely though!).

Serving Suggestions for Apple Crumble

Oh, the joy of serving apple crumble—this is where the magic really happens! A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm apples is my absolute favorite. The contrast of hot and cold, crispy and creamy? Pure bliss. For fancy gatherings, I’ll drizzle caramel sauce over the top or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday desserts, or even just a Tuesday night when you need a little comfort. Honestly, it’s heavenly straight from the pan with a spoon—no embellishments needed if you’re feeling lazy (I won’t tell!).

Storing and Reheating Apple Crumble

Here’s the beautiful thing about apple crumble—it actually gets better the next day (if it lasts that long!). Store any leftovers airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 3-4 days. Want that just-baked crispiness back? Reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes—the microwave makes it soggy, and we can’t have that! For longer storage, freeze the unbaked crumble topping and apples separately for up to 3 months—just assemble and bake when cravings strike.

Apple Crumble FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers—here are the things people ask me most about making the perfect apple crumble:

• What are the best apples for crumble? Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape beautifully. For sweeter crumbles, mix in Honeycrisp or Pink Lady—just avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious.
• Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prep the apples and crumble topping separately up to 24 hours in advance—store them in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready.
• How do I make it vegan? Easy swap! Use plant-based butter and coconut oil (chilled) for the topping. The apples are naturally vegan already—nature’s gift!
• Why is my topping soggy? Likely from overmixing the butter or not keeping it cold enough. Also, make sure your baking dish isn’t overcrowded—steam needs room to escape.
• Can I add oats or nuts? Of course! Toss 1/4 cup rolled oats or chopped walnuts into the crumble for extra texture. My grandma always added pecans for Thanksgiving.

Still stumped? Drop your question in the comments—I love troubleshooting crumble emergencies!

Nutritional Information for Apple Crumble

Let’s be real—this is dessert, not health food—but here’s the scoop on what’s in each glorious serving (about 1/6 of the recipe):

• Calories: 320 (worth every one!)
• Fat: 12g (butter makes it better)
• Carbs: 52g (mostly from those lovely apples)
• Fiber: 3g (fruit = healthy, right?)

Remember, these are estimates—your actual numbers will vary based on apple size, exact measurements, and whether you “accidentally” add extra crumble topping (I see you!).

Share Your Apple Crumble Experience

Did you make this apple crumble? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below with your twists, tips, or just tell me how many helpings you ate (no judgment here). Happy baking!

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