When it comes to nostalgic fall desserts, nothing beats a classic, easy apple crumble. Warm, buttery, and perfectly spiced, it’s the ultimate pairing of tender apples and a golden, crisp topping. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and—chef’s kiss—pure comfort in every bite.
After years of tinkering with my crumble game, I’ve landed on what might just be the perfect version. It’s simple, rustic, and packed with cozy flavor. Once you make it, no other apple crumble will compare.
🍏 Easy Apple Crumble Ingredients
Apples. Granny Smiths are my forever favorite—their tart bite balances the sweetness beautifully.
Lemon. A quick squeeze keeps the apples bright and fresh.
Spices. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla—aka the essence of fall.
Maple syrup. Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples.
Brown sugar. For warmth and chewiness.
White sugar. Adds just the right crispness to the crumble topping.
Oats. Rolled oats bring that hearty, rustic crunch.
Pecans. Optional, but highly recommended for extra texture.
Salt. Don’t skip it—it makes every flavor sing.
Butter. Brown it if you can—it transforms the whole dessert.
🥣 Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Apple Crumble
- Brown the Butter.
Melt butter until it turns golden and fragrant, with tiny brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Let it cool completely before adding it to your crumble mix. This step makes all the difference—it adds a deep, nutty flavor that’s impossible to fake. - Prep the Apples.
Peel and cut them into thick wedges. They hold their shape beautifully and bake up soft without turning mushy. Toss with lemon juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices. - Mix the Crumble Topping.
Combine oats, flour, both sugars, salt, and your chilled browned butter. Mix until crumbly and clumpy—this is your golden ticket to texture perfection. - Assemble and Bake.
Spread the apples in your favorite baking dish and scatter the crumble evenly over the top. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
🍨 The Perfect Serving Moment
Serve it warm (ideally straight from the oven) with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The hot-and-cold combo never gets old—and might just ruin you for every other apple dessert.
