Apple Crumble

This apple crumble recipe is so simple and loaded with flavor. The crumble topping is flavored with cinnamon and ginger. And the sweet tender apples pair so well with the crunchy topping.

Apple Crumble Recipe

It's the time of year to start thinking about apple crumble, apple cobbler, apple crisp, and apple slab pie. They are all so very similar yet vastly different.

Apple pie, of course, comes nestled in a pie crust. Apple cobbler is topped with a biscuit or cake-like topping. Apple crisp is almost identical to apple crumble with the addition of oats.

The best thing about these types of recipes is you can vary the seasonings to get different tastes. For today's apple crumble, I've used cinnamon and ginger in the filling and the topping. It adds a warm spiciness you never know you needed.

Why this recipe works

• The apple filling is loaded with cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla for extra flavor.
• The crumble topping is like a cookie topping. It bakes up crisp and crunchy which is perfect alongside the tender apple filling.

Best Apple Crumble Ingredients

The ingredients for apple crumble are very simple. It requires a few pantry staples that are used in both the apple filling and the crumble topping.

• Apples: I used Granny Smith apples but you can use any variety you prefer. A mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady is always a great choice as well.
• Sugar: Both white sugar and brown sugar are used. The filling gets white sugar while the crumble gets brown sugar.
• Cinnamon: Because you can't have apple desserts without cinnamon.
• Ginger: Ginger offers a warm spiciness that complements the cinnamon.
• Lemon juice: Just a little is added to keep the apples from oxidizing.
• Vanilla: Use high-quality pure vanilla for the best results.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is needed to make the crumble.
• Salt: A little dash of salt helps balance the sweetness.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter so you don't end up with a salty crumble.

To bake this apple crumble you'll need:

• 2-quart casserole: I baked this crumble in a stoneware casserole dish.
• Mixing bowl: These Pyrex glass bowls are my favorite. I use them regularly.
• Pastry cutter: I like to use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour.
• Apple slicer: While an apple slicer isn't necessary, it does make it easier and quicker to slice the apples.

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How to make Apple Crumble

This apple crumble recipe is incredibly easy and quick to put together.

The filling – The apple filling is tossed together in a bowl, then placed in a casserole dish.

The crumble – The crumble is mixed in another bowl, then crumbled over the apples.

Step 1: Make the filling

First, preheat the oven then butter the bottom and sides of a 2-quart casserole dish. I prefer dishes that are long and shallow over short and deep. Everything bakes more evenly this in a shallow casserole.

Core and slice the apples so they are ¼-inch thick. It's completely up to you if you wish to peel them. I don't when I'm short on time and the results are still phenomenal.

Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, ginger, lemon juice, and vanilla. Spread the coated apples evenly into the bottom of the casserole dish.

Step 2: Make the topping

In a clean bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt together until well combined.

Use a pastry cutter or the tines of a fork and cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles wet sand.

Use your fingertips to break up the topping and crumble it over the top of the apples.

Step 3: Bake the crumble

Bake the crumble for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp and the filling is bubbling.

Let the crumble cool slightly then serve warm with ice cream.

How long can you freeze apple crumble?

Apple crumble can be frozen baked or unbaked. Make it ahead, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw the frozen crumble overnight in the refrigerator then bake according to the recipe instructions. Or reheat in a 350°F for 20-30 minutes.

Can I freeze homemade crumble mix?

You can make the crumble topping ahead of time and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Break the topping up and gently sprinkle it into a freezer bag so prevent large clumps from freezing together.

If the topping has frozen into large clumps, carefully pound it with a rolling pin to break it up. Sprinkle the frozen topping over the apples and bake according to the recipe instructions.

If you like apples, you’ll love these easy apple recipes:

• Apple Cake
• Baked Apples
• Apple Cranberry Pie
• Baked Apple Fritters
• Apple Cinnamon Scones
• Apple Streusel Bars

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