The Perfect Apple Crumble
Featured
There’s nothing quite like a warm apple crumble on a chilly day. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery, golden topping, this classic British dessert is easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Serve it straight from the oven with custard, cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2 minute read
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 6 medium cooking apples, such as Bramley
- 75g caster sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp water
For the crumble topping
- 200g plain flour
- 100g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 100g demerara sugar
- A pinch of salt
Method
Step 1: Prepare the apples
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/Gas Mark 4. Peel, core and slice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a saucepan with the caster sugar, cinnamon and water. Cook over a medium heat for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften slightly.
Step 2: Make the crumble topping
Add the flour and cold butter to a large mixing bowl. Rub them together using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the demerara sugar and a pinch of salt. Don’t worry if there are a few larger buttery lumps – these help create a lovely crunchy topping.
Step 3: Assemble the crumble
Transfer the softened apples to an ovenproof baking dish, spreading them evenly across the base. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top, making sure the apples are covered. Leave the topping loose rather than pressing it down to help it crisp up during baking.
Step 4: Bake until golden
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining cooking time.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Leave the crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with creamy custard, pouring cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Tips for the perfect apple crumble
- Choose the right apples: Bramley apples soften beautifully and provide a tangy flavour that balances the sweet topping.
- Keep the butter cold: Cold butter helps create a light, crumbly texture.
- Add a little crunch: Mix a handful of rolled oats or chopped walnuts into the topping for extra texture.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the apple filling and crumble topping separately, then assemble just before baking. Alternatively, assemble the whole crumble and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Try a twist: Add a handful of blackberries, raisins or a little orange zest to the apples for a seasonal variation.
The perfect cosy pudding
Whether you're making a comforting Sunday lunch dessert or looking for a simple way to use up a lot of apples, homemade apple crumble is a timeless favourite. Easy to prepare and full of warming flavours, it’s a delicious reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best.
