Rustic Apple Crumble: Delicious Crumble Recipes (Print Version)

Discover how to make a rustic apple crumble. This easy, comforting dessert is one of our favorite delicious crumble recipes for any occasion.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: British
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ For the Apple Filling

01 - 6 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups)
02 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
03 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
05 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

→ For the Crumble Topping

06 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
08 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
10 - 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
11 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon

→ Optional Flavor Boosters

12 - 1/4 tsp ground ginger (for a spiced version)
13 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for added crunch in topping)

→ Serving Suggestions

14 - Vanilla bean ice cream
15 - Fresh whipped cream
16 - Custard

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, peel, core, and slice those apples. I usually go for about 1/2-inch thick slices, not too thin or they'll turn to mush, and not too thick or they won't cook through. Toss them in a large bowl with a couple tablespoons of granulated sugar, a generous teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice. Mix it all up until every apple slice is coated. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, honestly, like autumn is just around the corner. I always forget to preheat the oven first, so do that now: 375°F (190°C)!
02 - In another bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, remaining granulated sugar, oats, and another teaspoon of cinnamon. Now for the fun part: cut in the cold, cubed butter. You can use a pastry blender, two knives, or honestly, your fingertips. I usually just use my fingers because it's quicker and I like the feel. You're looking for a coarse, crumbly mixture with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This is where the magic happens for delicious crumble recipes, getting that perfect texture is key. Don't overmix, or you'll end up with a tough topping!
03 - Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish or a similar size. Spread your apple mixture evenly across the bottom. Then, sprinkle that glorious crumble topping all over the apples. Make sure it's fairly even, but don't press it down too much! We want air pockets for maximum crispiness. I always get a bit of crumble on the counter here, but hey, that's just part of the process, right? It smells sweet and buttery already, making my kitchen feel like a cozy bakery.
04 - Pop that dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 35-45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling up around the edges. Oh, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine! This is where I sometimes get impatient and open the oven door too early, which I've learned makes the baking uneven. Don't be like me, let it do its thing. The wait is worth it for one of the best delicious crumble recipes.
05 - Once it's out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately. I know, it's hard! Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the filling to set up a bit, preventing it from being too runny. Plus, it's scorching hot straight out of the oven! I usually make myself a cup of tea during this waiting period, trying to distract myself from the incredible aroma wafting through the house.
06 - Now, for the best part! Spoon generous portions into bowls. Honestly, it's heavenly on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream takes it to another level. The warm apples, the crisp, sweet topping, the melting ice cream… it’s pure bliss. Every time I make this, I'm reminded why delicious crumble recipes are a staple in my kitchen. It always turns out looking rustic and tasting even better.

# Notes:

01 - My secret for a crispier crumble is using cold butter, honestly.
02 - You can prep the apples ahead and store them covered in the fridge for a day.
03 - Tried peaches once instead of apples; it was good, but stick with apples for that classic vibe.
04 - A dollop of vanilla bean ice cream is non-negotiable for me!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 8x8 inch baking dish
02 - large mixing bowls
03 - pastry blender (optional)
04 - vegetable peeler
05 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 Calories
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 3g