Baked Apple Crumble — Easy Dessert for Cozy Nights

I fell in love with Baked Apple Crumble on a rainy autumn afternoon when my grandmother handed me a steaming dish still bubbling from the oven. The warm cinnamon scent filled the kitchen and everyone drew in close, eager for the first spoonful. That simple, homey dessert has followed me ever since — a reliable comfort when I want something sweet, nostalgic, and unfussy. Apple crumbles have roots in British and American home baking traditions, where simple fruit-and-crumb desserts became popular during wartime and beyond because they use minimal ingredients while maximizing flavor. This recipe carries that same spirit: cozy, approachable, and perfect to share.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is for busy parents, beginner bakers, and anyone who loves a warm, comforting dessert with minimal fuss.

Overview of core ingredients:

• This dish combines 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to create a sweet-tart baked apple filling topped with a crunchy oat crumble.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools

• Mixing bowls — for combining filling and topping.
• Vegetable peeler and knife — to peel and slice apples evenly.
• Cutting board — safe surface to prep fruit.
• Measuring cups and spoons — ensure accurate ingredient ratios.
• Pastry cutter or fork — to cut butter into the topping.
• 8×8-inch (or similar) baking dish — to bake the crumble.
• Spatula or spoon — to transfer and serve.
• Oven — to bake the crumble to golden perfection.

Ingredients (with short benefits)

• 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced — provides natural sweetness, texture, and fiber.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice — brightens flavor and prevents apples from browning.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar — adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon — warms and complements the apples with aromatic spice.
• 1 cup rolled oats — creates a hearty, crunchy topping full of texture.
• 1/2 cup flour — binds the topping and gives structure.
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed — adds richness and helps form crisp, golden crumbs.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar — balances tartness and enhances caramelization.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt — amplifies flavor and balances the sweetness.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the lemon juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon. Toss gently to coat.
3. Transfer the apple mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
4. In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar (if you prefer a sweeter topping; otherwise use the 1/4 cup granulated sugar listed), granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish, covering the fruit.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
7. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?

• A: Yes. Assemble the crumble (but do not bake), wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if still cold.

Q: What can I use instead of rolled oats?

• A: You can substitute chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for some or all of the oats for extra crunch and a nutty flavor. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour substitute.

Q: Can I use different types of apples?

• A: Absolutely. A mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) gives the best flavor and texture. Use firmer apples so they hold shape during baking.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option for the topping?

• A: Yes — replace the butter with cold coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and cut it into the topping the same way.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a mix of apple varieties so you get a balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Keep the butter very cold when cutting it into the dry ingredients — this yields a flakier, crunchier topping.
• If the top browns too quickly during baking, tent loosely with foil for the remaining time so the apples can finish cooking without burning the crumble.
• Let the crumble rest 10 minutes after baking so the fruit finishes setting; it will be easier to serve and more flavorful.

Enjoy this warm Baked Apple Crumble with family or friends — it’s meant to be shared.
Always add

tag after Directions.

Conclusion

For more inspiration and variations on this classic, see these trusted recipes: The BEST Apple Crumble (Quick & Easy) | Mom On Timeout, Apple Crumble – RecipeTin Eats, and Apple Crumble Recipe (Our BEST Ever) | The Kitchn.