Let’s talk about a dessert that never lets you down: the simple apple crumble. You’ve got tender spiced apples bubbling under a crunchy, golden topping. It smells like a warm hug from grandma, tastes like fall, and comes together without any fancy tricks or hard-to-pronounce ingredients.

Whether you call it apple crumble or apple crisp, this dessert is a must-have for chilly evenings, holiday dinners, or that random Tuesday when you’re just in the mood for something sweet and comforting.

I’m gonna show you how to make the best simple apple crumble from scratch. It’s so easy, I promise you won’t mess it up — even if you’re more “burn-toast” than “Bake-Off.”

What Even Is Apple Crumble?

Apple crumble is a humble, homey dessert where apples are baked with a sweet, crunchy topping made from flour, oats, sugar, and butter. While it’s known as “apple crisp” in the U.S., the idea is the same: juicy apples underneath, crumbly golden topping on top, and a spoonful of vanilla ice cream on the side.

You don’t need any pastry skills. No rolling pins. No chilling dough. Just a bowl, a baking dish, and a spoon.

Freshly baked apple crisp topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a white dish with a gold spoon

Ingredients for Apple Crumble Magic

You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. This recipe uses basic pantry staples, nothing weird or fancy.

For the Apple Filling:

5 to 6 medium apples (Granny Smiths work great)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Juice of half a lemon

For the Crumble Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
125 grams (about ½ cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

That’s it. Nothing you need to Google or order online.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Simple Apple Crumble

1. Preheat the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (or 180°C if you’re outside the States). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or similar sized pan with butter or a little oil spray.

2. Slice the Apples

Peel them if you want (or don’t — the skin softens when baked), core them, and slice them into chunks or thin wedges. Toss the apple pieces into a big bowl.

3. Season the Apples

Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, white sugar, flour, and lemon juice to the apples. Mix it all together until the apples are nicely coated in that warm spice mixture. This is where the flavor starts building.

4. Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. You want some pea-sized chunks — that’s what makes the topping crispy.

5. Assemble

Dump the apples into your prepared baking dish and spread them out. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top. No need to press it down — you want those lovely crunchy ridges.

6. Bake

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling up the sides.

7. Cool Slightly, Then Serve

Let it cool for at least 10 minutes so the filling can set a little. Then serve it up warm — with ice cream, whipped cream, custard, or even just as-is. It’s perfection in a bowl.

Close-up of homemade apple crisp with golden oat topping and juicy spiced apple filling in a white dish

Helpful Tips for a Crumble That Slaps

Use tart apples: Granny Smiths hold their shape and balance the sweetness. You can mix in sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji if that’s what you’ve got.
Cold butter = crisp topping: Don’t skip this. Room temp or melted butter will give you a soggy topping.
Don’t overmix the crumble: You want chunky bits, not sand.
Make it ahead: You can prep the apple filling and topping separately, refrigerate, and assemble just before baking.
Got leftovers? Cover and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the topping crisp.

Crumble Variations (a.k.a. Fun Ways to Mix It Up)

Add berries: Throw in a handful of frozen blueberries or raspberries with the apples.
Go nutty: Toss chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Switch spices: Try a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or pumpkin spice.
Add caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce on the apples before baking. You’ll thank me later.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats. Boom — everyone’s happy.

What to Serve With Apple Crumble

Vanilla ice cream (obviously)
Warm custard (UK-style, creamy and dreamy)
Whipped cream (plain or spiced)
A drizzle of maple syrup if you’re feelin’ fancy

But honestly? A big spoon is all you really need.

Storing and Reheating

If you don’t finish the whole thing in one go (rare, but possible), you can store your crumble like this:

Fridge: Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Freeze before or after baking — just make sure it’s tightly wrapped
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to crisp it back up

Microwave works too, but the topping will be softer. Still tasty, just different.

Why This Recipe Works

No mixer, no fuss — just bowls and hands
Uses pantry staples
Super adaptable to your taste
Comforting, nostalgic, and crazy good

This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t just feed your stomach — it feeds your soul. It’s the thing you make when you want to slow down and savor something sweet, simple, and straight from the heart.

Final Thoughts: Just Make It

If you’ve been scrolling looking for the right apple dessert to try, this is it. Simple Apple Crumble is cozy, classic, and downright delicious. The crunchy topping + soft cinnamon apples = fall dessert heaven. You don’t need to be a pro baker. You just need a few apples, some oats, and the motivation to turn on your oven.

Simple Apple Crumble: The Only Cozy Dessert You Need This Fall