This 5-Ingredient Apple Crumble is the ultimate cozy dessert, blending sweet, tender apples with a golden, buttery topping. In just 25 minutes of prep, you’ll create a dish that’s both rustic and indulgent, perfect for any occasion.
The contrast of the soft, cinnamon-spiced apples and the crunchy, crumbly topping is pure magic. It’s a dessert that feels homemade and comforting, yet impressively effortless to pull together.
With a total time of just one hour, this recipe delivers big on flavor and texture without demanding hours in the kitchen. The warm, caramelized apples pair beautifully with the crisp, golden crust, making every bite a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this apple crumble is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Apple Crumble
- 4 medium cooking apples (Bramley or Granny Smith, about 1 lb 6oz/730 g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- ½ cup granulated sugar, divided (¼ cup for apples, ¼ cup for crumble)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (plain flour)
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed (use unsalted for better control of sweetness)
Easy Steps to Make Your Apple Crumble
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into 2 cm chunks. Place them in an 8 x 8-inch ovenproof dish.
- Toss with lemon juice and sugar: Add the lemon juice to the apples to prevent browning. Stir in ¼ cup of sugar until evenly coated.
- Make the crumble topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and the remaining ¼ cup of sugar. Add the cold butter and use your hands (or a pastry blender) to rub it in until the mixture resembles large breadcrumbs.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your apple crumble hot, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Perfect Pairings: Toppings and Serving Ideas
This apple crumble shines when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy twist, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds, though the topping may lose some crunch.
Quick Swaps: Recipe Variations to Try
Swap the apples for pears or a mix of berries for a fruity twist. Add rolled oats or chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra texture. For a healthier version, use coconut sugar and whole wheat flour, or reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons if your apples are naturally sweet.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
Save time by using pre-sliced apples or a peeler-corer-slicer tool to prep the fruit faster. If you’re in a rush, skip the lemon juice—it’s optional! You can also prepare the crumble topping in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
5-Ingredient Apple Crumble Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium cooking apples (Bramley or Granny Smith) 1 lb 6oz/730 g
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar 4 oz/115 g, divided
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour 6 oz/170 g (plain flour)
- ½ cup butter 3 oz/85 g, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into 2 cm chunks.
- Put the apples into an 8 x 8-inch ovenproof dish. Toss in some lemon juice to stop it from going brown. Stir in ¼ cup (2 oz/58 g) of sugar.
- Place the flour and the remaining ¼ cup (2 oz/58 g) sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the cold butter and use your hands (or a pastry blender) to rub in the butter until the mixture resembles large breadcrumbs.
- Pour this evenly on top of the apples.
- Bake the crumble at 350°F (180°C) for 35-45 minutes or until nicely browned on top and the apples are bubbling.
- Enjoy hot with whipped cream or vanilla ice-cream.
