This quick and easy apple crumble recipe shows you how to make a comforting apple dessert in four simple steps. Sweet and tart apples bubble in a thick, cinnamon-spiced filling, topped with a crisp, buttery, vanilla-scented crumble. It’s simple to prepare and perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or custard.
With just a few pantry staples and less than 10 minutes of hands-on prep, this apple crumble is an ideal dessert for weeknights, casual dinners, or whenever you crave a homely, satisfying treat.
Why you’ll love this Quick and Easy Apple Crumble
- Hands-on prep takes less than 10 minutes.
- Uses a small number of common ingredients you likely already have.
- No special equipment is required—just a bowl, a baking dish and basic utensils.
- The finished crumble is warm, comforting and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you love apples and cinnamon, try other variations after this one—tastes like home and adapts easily to different desserts.
Ingredients for Easy Apple Crumble
For the crumble topping
- Flour: 135 g (1 cup)
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
- Softened butter: ½ cup (113 g)
- Salt: ½ tsp (3 g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (5 ml)
For the apple filling
- Apples (peeled, cored and diced): 6–7 medium apples
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp (3 g)
- Salt: ½ tsp (3 g)
- Corn flour (cornstarch): 2 tbsp (19 g)
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp (15 ml), or to taste depending on apple tartness
How to make homemade apple crumble
The recipe comes together in four easy stages: prepare the filling, make the crumble topping, assemble the tray, and bake.
1. Prepare the apple filling
In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored and diced apples with lemon juice, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon and corn flour. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated and the corn flour is distributed. The corn flour will thicken the juices as the crumble bakes. Set the filling aside while you make the topping.
2. Prepare the crumble topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and salt. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract. Use your fingers, a fork or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, wet sand with a variety of small and larger crumbs. The texture should be crumbly and airy rather than smooth—this creates a crisp, textured topping after baking.
3. Assemble the apple crumble tray
Pour the apple filling (including any juices) into a baking dish and spread it evenly. Crumble the topping over the apples, scattering it so the fruit peeks through in places—this helps the juices bubble and ensures even browning.
4. Bake the apple crumble
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the crumble for 40–45 minutes or until the apple juices are bubbling around the edges and the topping is medium golden and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for five minutes to allow the filling to set slightly.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of custard cream for an extra-special finish.
Custard cream for serving (optional)
Ingredients for custard cream
- Milk: 250 ml
- Cream: 250 ml
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Egg yolks: 4
- Sugar: 25 g (about 2½ tbsp)
- Corn flour (cornstarch): 1 tsp (3 g)
- Combine milk and cream in a saucepan and heat just until steamy—do not let it boil.
- Whisk egg yolks with sugar and corn flour until pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly temper the egg mixture by adding the warm milk a ladleful at a time, whisking constantly.
- Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook gently over low heat, whisking continuously, until the custard thickens (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and cool slightly before serving.
Note: If the eggs begin to scramble, remove the pan from the heat, transfer the custard to a bowl to cool, then strain it through a fine sieve to remove any lumps.
Recipe summary
- Prep time: about 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40–45 minutes
- Total time: about 55 minutes
- Serves: approximately 6 people
- Course: Dessert • Cuisine: American/British
This classic apple crumble is flexible—swap in different apples for varying levels of sweetness and texture, or add a handful of chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch. Enjoy a slice warm for the best flavor and comfort.