Simple Apple Crumble – Cozy Dessert for Any Occasion

Craving something cozy and homemade? This simple apple crumble brings tender spiced apples under a golden, crisp topping. It’s quick, comforting, and the perfect dessert for chilly evenings with ice cream or custard.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Apple Crumble

This Simple Apple Crumble is the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like home.It’s warm, sweet, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The topping is buttery and crisp, while the apples underneath bake into a soft, gooey filling that feels like a hug in every spoonful. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare with basic pantry staples. Even better, it’s flexible—use any apple variety, adjust the sugar, or add extra spice. Whether served plain, with creamy custard, or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert fits every occasion. Perfect for family dinners, fall gatherings, or whenever you want a simple treat that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a handful of kitchen staples to make this Simple Apple Crumble recipe. Fresh apples form the sweet base, with lemon juice to keep them bright and tangy. A mix of brown and white sugar balances flavor and adds depth. Flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring warmth and help thicken the filling. For the topping, oats and flour combine with cold butter, light brown sugar, and a touch of salt to create that signature crisp, crumbly layer. You can swap Fuji or Gala apples for natural sweetness, or adjust sugars depending on taste. Mixed spice works nicely if you don’t have cinnamon and nutmeg.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C/375°F. Peel, core, and chop six apples into bite-sized chunks. Place them into a baking dish and toss with flour, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix until every piece is well coated.

Make the Crumble Topping

In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the mixture together until it looks like coarse breadcrumbs with some small lumps. These little lumps will bake into delicious crunchy bites.

Assemble and Bake

Spread the apple mixture evenly in your baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, covering them completely. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp while the apples bubble underneath. If the topping browns too fast, cover with foil halfway through. Let the crumble cool for a few minutes before serving—it will be easier to scoop and extra comforting.

Tips for the Best Apple Crumble

Check the Simple Apple Crumble halfway through baking. If the top is darkening too quickly, loosely cover with foil to let the apples cook fully without burning the crust. Sweetness can be adjusted depending on the apple variety—tart apples may need a little extra sugar, while sweeter ones like Gala may need less. For extra flavor, add a pinch of mixed spice or even ground ginger to the topping. To get that perfect crisp texture, make sure your butter is cold before mixing. Don’t overwork the topping—leave some bigger buttery clumps for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This simple apple crumble shines when served warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast, or pour over custard for a cozy finish. Whipped cream works well too if you prefer something lighter. For a holiday touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with chopped nuts. No matter how you serve it, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

Leftover apple crumble keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Simply cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. To reheat, place it back in the oven for 10–15 minutes until warm and crisp again. The crumble topping holds up nicely after freezing too. You can freeze the whole dessert once baked, or prepare the apple base and topping separately, freezing them until ready to assemble and bake. Either way, this recipe is perfect for making ahead, ensuring you always have a cozy dessert ready when needed.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of this simple apple crumble has about 483 calories, with 83g carbohydrates, 17g fat, and 3g protein. The dessert provides a good dose of fiber (5g per serving) thanks to the apples and oats, along with vitamins like C and A. While sweet and indulgent, it also contains potassium, iron, and calcium. Enjoying it with fresh fruit or yogurt can make it a more balanced option, but honestly, this recipe is about comfort—perfect for when you want a treat that feels homemade and satisfying.

Explore Similar Recipes

If you enjoy cozy fruit desserts, you’ll love the Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp for a classic buttery twist. For another nostalgic option, try the Classic Apple Crisp Recipe with Cozy Fall Flavors. If you’re baking for a fun occasion, check out Mummy Brownies for a Spooky Halloween Dessert. Or, switch seasons with a slice of Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread as a Sweet Seasonal Treat.

FAQ About Apple Crumble

Final Thoughts

This simple apple crumble is a timeless dessert you’ll return to again and again. The golden, buttery topping paired with tender, spiced apples creates a dessert that feels both nostalgic and comforting. It’s a recipe that works just as well for a relaxed family dinner as it does for a holiday gathering or cozy night in. What makes it even more special is how versatile it is—you can swap apple varieties, adjust spices, or add a drizzle of caramel to make it your own. Serve it warm with custard, ice cream, or even whipped cream for a treat that everyone will love.

And if you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, you’ll find plenty of cozy, seasonal baking ideas over on Pinterest. Save this apple crumble for later and make it part of your regular dessert rotation.

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