Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)

If you’re looking for a dessert that warms your heart and fills your home with the sweet scent of baked apples, then you’ve come to the right place! This Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) is one of my absolute favorites. It’s a delightful blend of tender apples and a crispy topping that just begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Perfect for cozy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is as comforting as a warm hug.

What makes this crumble so special is its simplicity. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just wholesome goodness that everyone will love. Whether it’s an impromptu dessert after dinner or a treat to celebrate a special occasion, this apple crumble will never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have this delicious dessert in the oven in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves the warm, sweet flavors of apple crumble.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or fruits for a unique twist.
• Comfort Food Classic: There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baked apples wafting through your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp), you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create this delicious dessert!

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 apples
• ½ tsp grated nutmeg (or as needed)
• ½ tsp cinnamon (or as needed)
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp white sugar
• Juice of half a lemon

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can substitute with self-raising flour)
• 1 cup porridge oats
• 125 g butter (cold softened or melted; I prefer cold butter)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (or as needed)
• ¼ tsp salt (a pinch balances the sweetness perfectly)

Variations

This Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Berries: Toss in some blueberries or raspberries with the apples for a delightful twist.
• Use Different Fruits: Substitute half of the apples with pears or peaches for a fruity surprise.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.

How to Make Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180C/375F. Preparing your baking dish at this stage ensures that everything goes smoothly once you’re ready to bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. Transfer them into your prepared baking pan. Add flour, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and half the lemon juice. Mixing these ingredients together helps infuse every piece of apple with flavor, ensuring each bite is delicious!

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and a pinch of salt. Using your fingers, rub everything together until it resembles breadcrumbs—don’t worry if there are some larger chunks; they add texture!

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Sprinkle your crumble topping generously over the apple filling in your baking dish. This layer creates that lovely crunchy texture we all adore.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Pop your dish into the oven and let it bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and crispy while the apple filling bubbles away underneath.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let it stand for just a few minutes before serving. It pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or custard—because who can resist that combo? Enjoy every warm bite!

With this Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp), you’ve got yourself not just a recipe but also a little slice of comfort that’s perfect anytime!

Pro Tips for Making Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)

Creating the perfect apple crumble is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination adds depth to the flavor profile of your crumble.

• Add Some Texture: For an extra crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the topping. This will enhance the texture and add a nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.

• Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices! Adding a pinch of ginger or allspice can create a unique flavor twist that makes your crumble stand out.

• Don’t Skimp on Butter: Using cold butter helps achieve that crumbly topping we all love. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative for a subtle hint of coconut flavor.

• Let it Rest: After baking, allow your apple crumble to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the filling to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve while still warm.

How to Serve Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)

Serving your simple apple crumble can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some fun ideas to make your dessert presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream not only adds a luscious touch but also keeps this dessert dairy-free while enhancing its sweetness.

• Chopped Fresh Mint: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves provides a refreshing contrast and brightens up the dish visually.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing with warm apple crumble; vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the hot fruit, creating a creamy contrast that’s hard to resist.

• Custard: A warm pour of custard over your apple crisp adds richness and enhances the comforting nature of this dessert. Opt for non-dairy custard if you prefer!

• Creamy Yogurt: For a healthier option, serving with dairy-free yogurt gives a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the apples without being overly indulgent.

• Coffee or Tea: A comforting cup of coffee or herbal tea rounds out the meal perfectly, especially after enjoying this cozy dessert.

Enjoy your homemade Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) with these serving suggestions and make it an unforgettable treat for any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Simple Apple Crumble is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it later. Here’s how you can keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the apple crumble to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the crumble cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Preheat your oven to 180C/375F.
• Place the crumble in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent burning.
• Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dessert!

Can I use other fruits in my Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can mix apples with fruits like pears, berries, or even peaches for a delightful twist on the traditional crumble.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp)?

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and topping. You can also use naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp to balance flavors without adding extra sugar.

Can I make this Simple Apple Crumble (Apple Crisp) gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

What kind of apples are best for apple crumble?

For a great flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work beautifully together!

Can I add nuts to my apple crumble topping?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to your topping. Just mix them in with your dry ingredients before combining them with butter.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Simple Apple Crumble becomes a comforting staple in your kitchen! It’s warm, delicious, and brings back those cozy memories of home-baked goodness. Enjoy making it as much as savoring each bite—it’s truly special! Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and toppings that you love. Happy baking!