There’s nothing quite as comforting as the warm aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples baking in the oven. This Apple Cinnamon Crumble is a timeless dessert that brings together tender, juicy apples topped with a buttery, golden crumble. It’s simple to make, packed with cozy flavors, and perfect for any occasion—from a holiday gathering to a quiet evening treat with a cup of tea.
The Best Apple Cinnamon Crumble Recipe
Apple crumbles are beloved for their rustic charm and irresistible combination of textures. The tender, slightly tart apples contrast beautifully with the sweet, crispy topping. In this recipe, the cinnamon-infused apples are perfectly balanced with a buttery crumble that melts in your mouth. And the best part? It only takes a handful of pantry staples to make!
This crumble is a great alternative to traditional apple pie—just as delicious but without the fuss of making pastry dough. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Crumble
To make this comforting dessert, you’ll need fresh apples, a few spices, and some basic baking ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Apples – Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape well when baked and provide the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, which complements the apples beautifully.
- Cinnamon – The star spice of the dish, giving the crumble its signature warm, cozy flavor.
- Nutmeg (optional) – Adds a subtle depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Lemon Juice – Helps balance the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.
- All-Purpose Flour – Used in both the apple mixture (to thicken juices) and the crumble topping.
- Oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats give the topping a hearty, crunchy texture.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is cut into the dry ingredients to create a rich, crumbly topping.
- Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (optional) – Adds a hint of warmth and enhances the flavor of the apples.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crumble
Making this Apple Cinnamon Crumble is a simple process that anyone can master. Follow these steps to create a delicious dessert that fills your home with the comforting scent of apples and cinnamon.
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
Peel, core, and slice 6 medium-sized apples into thin wedges. Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl.
Add 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg (optional) to the apples. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, prepare the crumble topping. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Cut 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter into small cubes. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4:
Pour the spiced apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apples, making sure it covers them completely.
Step 5:
Bake the crumble in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 6:
Let the Apple Cinnamon Crumble cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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