Apple Oat Crumble

Name: Apple Oat Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Highlighted under: Basic Kitchen

I love making Apple Oat Crumble on cozy weekends when I crave something comforting yet wholesome. The combination of sweet, tender apples and a crunchy oat topping creates a delightful contrast that is hard to resist. As I bake, the aroma fills my kitchen and makes my family gather around, eagerly waiting for a slice. This recipe is simple enough for even novice bakers, yet delicious enough to impress. Trust me, once you try this crumble, it will become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Created by

Gemma Hollis

Last updated on 2026-02-08T03:01:36.898Z

One of my favorite memories is of baking this Apple Oat Crumble with my grandmother when I was young. We would peel apples together and she taught me the importance of using fresh fruit for the best flavor. The crumble topping, made from oats, butter, and a touch of cinnamon, adds a lovely crunch that balances the soft, baked apples perfectly.

I’ve experimented with adding different spices like nutmeg and ginger, and I’ve found that a dash of lemon juice enhances the apples' natural sweetness. This recipe is fantastic on its own, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level!

Why You'll Love This Apple Oat Crumble
Sweet and tart apples beneath a crunchy oat topping
Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
Versatile: great warm or cold, with or without ice cream

Perfecting the Apple Filling

The choice of apples plays a crucial role in this Apple Oat Crumble. Opt for a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp to create a more complex flavor profile. The tartness of the Granny Smith helps balance the sweetness of the crumble, while the Honeycrisp provides a delightful crisp texture. I recommend slicing the apples into even 1/4-inch thick pieces to ensure they cook uniformly, transforming into tender, juicy bites without becoming too mushy.

Adding lemon juice not only brightens the flavor of the apple filling but also prevents browning. If you want to elevate the taste further, consider incorporating a few tablespoons of maple syrup alongside the granulated sugar for a deeper, rich sweetness. Remember to adjust the sugar level based on the tartness of your apples, as this will affect the final balance in the dish.

Crafting the Crumble Topping

The crumble topping is what ties this dessert together, and achieving the right texture is key. When mixing the softened butter with the dry ingredients, I recommend using your fingers to create a crumbly consistency. This method allows you to better control the texture, ensuring that you achieve those perfect crunchy bits. You should aim for a consistency where the mixture holds together like damp sand, with larger chunks to provide an appealing texture when baked.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber, or use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. Additionally, feel free to toss in some chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans for added crunch and flavor. Adjust the baking time slightly if you add nuts, as they may toast more quickly.

Serving and Storing Your Crumble

Serving your Apple Oat Crumble is an opportunity to elevate the dish further. I love to add a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream on top when serving warm like this, which melts slightly and creates a delicious contrast. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can also enhance the experience for guests, making it feel like a special occasion dessert.

Storing any leftovers is straightforward. Simply cover the crumble with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, and it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, you can assemble the crumble and refrigerate before baking. Just extend the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Apple Oat Crumble.

For the Filling

4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Crumble Topping

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Apple Oat Crumble.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Apples

In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Coat evenly and set aside.

Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix in the softened butter until crumbly.

Assemble the Crumble

Spread the apple mixture in a baking dish and evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Your Apple Oat Crumble is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping. This adds extra texture and flavor.

Ingredient Roles

The apples in this dish are not just the main attraction; they also contribute necessary moisture during baking, ensuring that the crumble remains juicy. The flour helps to thicken the apple mixture slightly, giving it a nice body, while the cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor. This aromatic spice is a classic pairing with apples, which brings out their natural sweetness.

The oats are crucial in the crumbly topping, providing texture and heartiness. They absorb some moisture from the apples while baking, creating a satisfying crunch. Make sure to use rolled oats rather than instant oats, as the latter may become too soft and mushy, losing the delightful texture that makes this dish appealing.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative with this Apple Oat Crumble by incorporating seasonal fruits like pears or berries into the filling. These fruits not only enhance the flavor profile but also add a beautiful mix of colors. Chopped dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, can also be added to the filling for added sweetness and texture.

For a spiced twist, try adding nutmeg or allspice to the seasoning mix for a different flavor dimension. A splash of bourbon or rum in the apple filling can provide a warming note that complements the spices beautifully. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of sugar in the crumble; using brown sugar will yield a more caramelized topping, while coconut sugar can add a subtle molasses flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen apples for this crumble?

While fresh apples yield the best flavor, you can use frozen apples. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before mixing.

→ What kind of apples are best for baking?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples work wonderfully for baking as they hold their shape and provide a nice tartness.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the crumble a day in advance and bake it just before serving for the freshest taste.