There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, homemade Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oat Topping Recipe that just hits the spot every time. I love this recipe because it perfectly balances tart apples with a buttery, crunchy oat topping, all spiced up with cinnamon—that cozy combination that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whenever I want something that feels like a little celebration but is super easy to whip up, this apple crumble is my go-to.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or part of a holiday spread, you’ll find that this Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oat Topping Recipe impresses without fuss. The oats add that lovely texture, and the cinnamon brings warmth without overpowering the apples. Plus, it’s a great way to use up apples you have on hand, which makes it as practical as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Tart Granny Smith apples pair beautifully with sweet cinnamon and buttery oats for a classic, comforting taste.
- Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it a breeze—even if you don’t bake often.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Great as a quick dessert or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, and adaptable with different fruits if you want to mix things up.
- Crunchy, Buttery Topping: The oat crumble topping creates that irresistible crisp finish that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oat Topping Recipe plays an important role, from the tartness of the apples to the crispness of the oat topping. I’ve learned that choosing the right apples and using brown sugar in the topping really elevates the flavor and texture.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness and helps the filling hold its shape nicely.
- Plain flour: Adds just enough thickening to make the filling pleasantly jammy without being runny.
- White sugar: Sweetens the filling to complement the sour apples; brown sugar can be substituted if you prefer a deeper flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens flavors and keeps the apple slices from browning.
- Ground cinnamon: Injects warm spice without overwhelming the fruit’s natural taste.
- Rolled oats: For the crunchy topping—quick oats work too but rolled generally gives better texture.
- Brown sugar (loosely packed): Adds caramel notes and sweetness to the crumble.
- Baking powder: Lightens the oat topping for a perfect crumble texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to coat the oats, helping them brown and become crisp.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream (to serve): Optional but highly recommended for an indulgent finish.
Variations
I love how flexible this Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oat Topping Recipe is, and I often like to put my own spin on it. You’ll find that tweaking the sugar amounts or swapping fruits is a great way to suit your personal preferences or the season.
- Adding nuts: I once tossed in some chopped walnuts to the topping, and it added such a pleasant crunch that my family couldn’t get enough of.
- Fruit swaps: Don’t hesitate to try pears, peaches, or even mixed berries. I discovered that peaches require slightly less sugar since they’re naturally sweeter.
- Lower sugar option: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the topping down to half a cup but keep the filling sugar the same for that jammy texture.
- Gluten-free twist: Substitute the regular flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and the crumble still turns out fantastic.
How to Make Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oat Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Toss the Apples
Start by peeling your Granny Smith apples, then chop them into about 1.5 cm (or ½ inch) cubes. I find that peeling is worth the effort because it creates a smoother filling, but if you’re short on time, you can leave some peel on for texture and color. Toss your chopped apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a large bowl until everything is well coated. This mix thickens the juices during baking and gives that lovely, syrupy consistency you want.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon and Oat Topping
In another bowl, combine your rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour the melted butter over this dry mix and stir until clumpy, resembling wet sand. This is a crucial texture—if it feels too dry, add a tiny splash more melted butter. The clumps in the topping turn into that irresistible crumble once baked, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Lightly grease a 1.5-liter baking dish or equivalent, spread your apple filling evenly inside, then crumble the oat mixture over the top, breaking it up with your fingers for an even, crumbly layer. Pop it into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden and the apple juices are bubbling at the edges. I like to loosely cover it with foil after baking and let it rest for 10 minutes—this step is key because it lets the syrup thicken up, giving every spoonful that perfect gooey texture.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oat Topping Recipe
- Choosing Apples: I always use Granny Smith because their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet topping, but feel free to experiment with firmer apples like Honeycrisp for a different bite.
- Oven Temperature Matters: Baking at 180°C ensures the topping crisps up without drying out the filling; don’t crank the heat or you risk burning the crumble before the apples cook through.
- Melted Butter for Topping: Melt the butter before mixing so it coats the oats evenly, resulting in a crispier, golden topping.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the crumble sit for about 10 minutes after baking thickens the filling nicely—you’ll avoid a runny mess and get that lovely jammy texture.
How to Serve Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oat Topping Recipe
Garnishes
My favorite way to serve this crumble is warm, topped generously with creamy vanilla ice cream—the way it melts into the warm fruit is absolute magic. For an extra touch, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts adds nice texture and flavor contrast, but really, the crumble stands perfectly on its own.
Side Dishes
While this dish shines as a dessert, you could also pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a dollop of crème fraîche to make it feel a bit more indulgent. If serving after dinner, try something light like a green salad to balance the meal with fresh, crisp flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve individual apple crumbles in little ramekins or mason jars—everyone gets their own perfectly crisp topping and bubbling apples underneath. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cinnamon powder on top takes it from simple to special in seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftover apple crumble tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and I find reheating in the oven revives the crisp topping much better than a microwave.
Freezing
If I want to prep in advance, I assemble the crumble without baking and freeze it. When I’m ready, I bake it straight from frozen, just adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time. This saves so much time on busy days or when unexpected guests drop by.
Reheating
To bring back the original texture and warmth, I reheat leftovers in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10-15 minutes. It crisps the oat topping right up and heats the fruit filling evenly—nothing beats that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are my favorite for their tartness and firmness, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples as well. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may result in a sweeter filling, so consider adjusting the sugar levels slightly if you use sweeter varieties.
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Can I make the crumble topping crunchy without oats?
Yes! If you don’t have oats, you can substitute with chopped nuts like pecans or almonds mixed with the flour and sugar. However, the texture will be a bit different—it won’t have that chewy crunch that oats provide but will still be deliciously crisp and buttery.
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Is it possible to make this apple crumble vegan?
Definitely. You can swap the unsalted butter for a vegan butter or coconut oil, and use brown sugar or a plant-based sweetener. The crumble topping will still come out beautifully crisp and flavorful.
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How can I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy topping, make sure your melted butter evenly coats the oats while mixing to encourage crispness. Also, baking at the right temperature and letting the crumble rest before serving help the topping stay crisp without soaking up too much moisture from the fruit.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep everything up to adding the crumble topping and then refrigerate or freeze the unbaked apples. Add the crumble topping right before baking for best results. It’s a great way to save time while still enjoying freshly baked dessert.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oat Topping Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen — it’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how approachable it is, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, and how it fills the house with those irresistible aromas of baking apples and cinnamon. You really can’t go wrong with this recipe, and I hope you make it your own and enjoy it with the people you care about.
Print
Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oat Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
A classic Apple Crumble recipe featuring tart Granny Smith apples baked under a buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat topping. This comforting dessert is easy to prepare and perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 lb / 1kg Granny Smith Apples (green apples), weight before peeling
- 1 tbsp plain / all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar (substitute brown sugar if preferred)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or water)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats / oatmeal (quick cooking is acceptable)
- 1 cup plain / all-purpose flour
- 1 cup loosely packed brown sugar (substitute white sugar if preferred)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 125g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (fan and standard setting both suitable) to prepare for baking the crumble.
- Prepare Apples: Peel the Granny Smith apples, then cut them into 1.5cm (approximately 1/2 inch) cubes for an ideal texture in the filling.
- Make Apple Filling: Place the chopped apples in a large bowl. Sprinkle over the plain flour, white sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour the lemon juice over the mixture and toss everything together to coat evenly. Spread the mixture out evenly in a 1.5 litre (1.5 quart) baking dish.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, plain flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon powder, melted unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the mixture forms clumps resembling wet sand. This texture helps create the classic crumbly topping. If needed, crumble with your fingers to break up larger clumps.
- Assemble Crumble: Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage for an even bake.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest the Crumble: Remove the dish from the oven, loosely cover with foil to keep warm, and let it stand for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the apple syrup to thicken slightly, enhancing the filling’s texture.
- Serve: Serve the apple crumble warm, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- Weights are before peeling and coring the apples. Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tart flavor, but you can substitute with other apples, pears, or even peaches and berries. Adjust sugar accordingly if using sweeter fruit.
- The recipe’s cup measurements are tolerant of differences between US and Imperial cups, but not suitable for Japanese cups which are smaller. It is best to follow the weight measurements provided.
- For make-ahead preparation, assemble the recipe up to just before adding the crumble topping. Cover the topping separately with cling wrap (refrigerate if warm), then add it just before baking.
- If you prefer less sweet desserts, reduce the sugar in the topping to as low as 1/2 cup, but keep the sugar in the filling unchanged to maintain syrup texture. Using green apples also helps reduce overall sweetness.
- Nutrition information is based on 8 servings and excludes the vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe without ice cream
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
