Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping wafting through your kitchen. Juicy, tender apples are baked to perfection under a buttery, crisp topping made of oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon — creating the ultimate balance of soft and crunchy textures.

This classic dessert is a staple of homestyle baking. It’s easy to make, requires minimal effort, and is loved by everyone — from kids to grandparents. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving something cozy for a quiet night in, this apple crumble is always a crowd-pleaser.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of homemade comfort. The combination of warm cinnamon-spiced apples and golden oat crumble takes me straight back to childhood memories of cozy autumn evenings. It’s rustic, humble, and irresistibly delicious — the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl.

It’s also incredibly forgiving and flexible. You can use any variety of apples, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and even prepare it ahead of time. The smell alone while it bakes is enough reason to fall in love with it!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Simple yet elegant: Perfect for beginners but impressive enough for guests.
• Comforting flavor combo: Cinnamon, apples, and oats create that perfect fall flavor.
• Customizable: Works with pears, peaches, or mixed fruits too.
• Make-ahead friendly: Bake it fresh or reheat it anytime — still tastes amazing.
• Pairs perfectly with ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: British / American
• Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 5–6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred), peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ⅓ cup (65 g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)

For the Cinnamon Oat Crumble Topping

• ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (70 g) rolled oats
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Mix apples with sugar, lemon, and spices.
3. Prepare oat crumble topping.
4. Layer apples in a baking dish and sprinkle the crumble on top.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with ice cream or cream.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and flour.
4. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Oat Crumble Topping

1. In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add cold butter cubes.
3. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand.

Step 3: Assemble the Crumble

1. Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over the apple filling, covering it completely.
2. Do not press it down too firmly — you want the topping to stay crumbly and crisp.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling underneath.
2. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve your Apple Crumble warm — that’s when it’s at its best!
Pair it with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for the classic combo.
• Fresh whipped cream for a light, creamy balance.
• Warm custard or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.

It’s perfect as a comforting dessert after dinner or as a sweet weekend treat.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
• Mix different apple varieties for deeper flavor.
• Don’t overbake — once the top is golden and crisp, it’s ready.
• For extra crunch, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping.
• Serve warm, not hot — this allows the flavors to settle beautifully.

Variations

1. Apple-Pear Crumble: Mix half apples and half pears for a sweet-fruity twist.
2. Caramel Apple Crumble: Add 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce to the filling before baking.
3. Berry Crumble: Add blueberries or raspberries for a burst of color and tang.
4. Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix.
5. Vegan Version: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Before Baking):
  • Assemble crumble but don’t bake.
  • Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes.
• Freezing (After Baking):
  • Cool completely and freeze in portions.
  • Reheat in oven at 160°C (320°F) until warm and crisp.

Special Equipment Needed

• 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish or similar
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Oven-safe dish
• Spatula

FAQ

Q1: Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Rolled oats are best for texture, but quick oats work in a pinch. Avoid instant oatmeal — it becomes mushy.

Q2: Can I use other fruits?
A: Yes! Try pears, peaches, or a mixed berry blend for variation.

Q3: Why is my crumble soggy?
A: Too much liquid from the fruit or overbaking can soften the topping. Add 1–2 teaspoons of flour to the fruit mixture to absorb moisture.

Q4: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely! Assemble it ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q5: Can I make it without oats?
A: Yes, replace oats with extra flour and a handful of crushed nuts for texture.

Conclusion

Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping is a timeless, soul-warming dessert that embodies everything cozy and comforting. The tender spiced apples beneath a buttery, crunchy topping make it impossible to resist.

It’s easy enough for everyday baking but elegant enough for guests — a dessert that never fails to bring smiles and second servings. Whether paired with ice cream or enjoyed straight from the dish, this crumble proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort.