The clock is ticking toward autumn, and there’s something magical I adore about this season—it sends me straight to the kitchen, especially when I have my beloved Baked Apple Crumble recipe on my mind. Picture those juicy apples, each slice glistening, enveloped in a warming embrace of cinnamon and sugar. It’s a dessert that feels like a bear hug on a chilly evening, and trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want it to be a comforting staple in your home.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a one-of-a-kind treasure! First off, the flavor is out of this world. Sweet, tender apples nestled under a crunchy, buttery topping will have you reminiscing about your grandmother’s kitchen, the warmth wafting through the house and beckoning everyone to gather.
And here’s where the benefits come in. Not only is this crumble simple to whip up—perfect for a weeknight treat or when guests drop by unexpectedly—but it also fits right into your cozy evening plans. The ingredients are common pantry staples, making it an easy go-to without any last-minute grocery runs. Plus, the aroma of baking apples and cinnamon will fill your home and uplift your spirit. Who can resist?
Gather these ingredients
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4 cups apples, peeled and sliced: Use tart varieties like Granny Smith for a delightful tang that pairs perfectly with sugar. You can mix it up; a combo of sweet and tart apples makes for an exciting flavor profile.
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1 cup brown sugar: This isn’t just any sugar! The molasses in brown sugar gives a rich caramel note that dances beautifully with the apples.
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1 teaspoon cinnamon: A sprinkle of this lovely spice not only adds warmth but also evokes nostalgia. Feel free to boost it to your taste.
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1 cup rolled oats: These little gems give your crumble that satisfying crunch. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a good textural contrast?
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1 cup flour: Grab all-purpose flour here; it brings everything together with a delightful crumb. You could substitute with almond flour for a nutty twist if you fancy.
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1/2 cup butter, melted: This is where the magic aligns. Butter adds richness that lusciously binds the crumble together. If you’d like to lower the dairy content, try coconut oil for a remarkable twist.
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1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): Pecans or walnuts, anyone? Sprinkle in some chopped nuts for extra crunch and earthy flavor, but this step is completely optional!
How this recipe comes together
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—let’s get that warmth going!
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In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix it gently, letting those flavors mingle. Spread them in a greased baking dish, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
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In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, and melted butter. Stir it with a fork until that mix gets crumbly—this is crucial! If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to fold them in.
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Next, sprinkle that oat mixture over the apples like a cozy blanket on a cold night.
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Now, bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You’ll want to keep an eye on it as it bakes; the aroma will tease you to dive right in!
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Finally, serve warm, and if you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream isn’t just recommended—it’s almost mandatory!
Best way to enjoy it
Alright, let’s talk about serving this decadent delight. While it’s heavenly on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream elevates it to celestial status. The creamy contrast with the warm crumble creates a celebration of flavors and textures! Got some leftover cake or chocolate sauce? Drizzle it over the top for an extra dose of happiness.
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), here’s how to keep the goodness alive. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or nuke individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. While it’s delightful fresh out of the oven, even day-old crumble has its own charm, especially when it’s warmed up!
Pro chef tips
For a show-stopping result, consider these handy hints:
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Toast your oats: A quick toss in a dry skillet until they’re lightly golden adds depth—a little secret that goes a long way!
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Spice it up: Want more than just cinnamon? A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can bring an exciting twist your guests won’t stop raving about.
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Apple varieties: Experiment with different types of apples. A mix of tart and sweet apples can create a more complex flavor profile.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to make this recipe your own:
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Add berries: Toss in some fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries along with the apples for a burst of color and flavor.
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Change up the nuts: Try adding sliced almonds or pecans to switch up the crunch factor.
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Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly dessert.
Ingredients
4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread in a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. Stir in nuts if using.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
- Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Your questions answered
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What’s the prep time? About 20 minutes. You’ll spend some time peeling those glorious apples, but it’s worth it!
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Can I use frozen apples? Yes, though make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before baking.
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How can I make it healthier? Opt for less sugar, use whole wheat flour, and load up on nuts!
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Can I prepare it in advance? Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the baking stage and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
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What if I have food allergies? You can easily swap ingredients. Use a dairy-free butter and gluten-free flour for a safer option!
There’s no denying it—Baked Apple Crumble is the kind of dessert that not only feeds your belly but your soul. The comforting aroma, the crunchy topping, and the tender apples coming together create a harmony that I hope you’ll savor as much as I do. So, brave friends and fellow food enthusiasts, don your aprons, embrace those spices, and let your kitchen be the canvas of delicious memories. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—share your journey, your tweaks, and let’s celebrate the art of home cooking together!
Baked Apple Crumble
Description
Baked Apple Crumble is a comforting dessert made with juicy apples and a crunchy, buttery topping, perfect for chilly evenings.Ingredients
For the Crumble
Instructions
Cooking Steps
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Prepare the Apples
In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread in a greased baking dish. -
Make the Topping
In another bowl, mix oats, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. Stir in nuts if using. -
Assemble the Dish
Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples. -
Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. -
Serve
Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11g17%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 90mg4%
- Potassium 150mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 37g13%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 20g
- Protein 3g6%
- Vitamin A 300 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
