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- 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - ¾ cup packed brown sugar - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - A pinch of salt Granny Smith apples shine in this dish. Their tartness balances the sweet crumble. The freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and keeps the apples from browning. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg give warm, cozy notes. Brown sugar offers rich sweetness and depth. Rolled oats create a hearty topping, while all-purpose flour adds structure. Unsalted butter makes everything rich and creamy. Pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors, and a pinch of salt ties everything together. If you can't find Granny Smith apples, use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste. Lemon juice can be swapped with lime juice for a different twist. For a nut-free option, replace the oats with crushed graham crackers. You can use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan alternative. If you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps your crumble bake evenly. A hot oven is key for getting that perfect golden topping and soft apples. In a large bowl, add 4 cups of thinly sliced Granny Smith apples. Pour in 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will keep the apples fresh and bright. Next, add ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything gently until the apples are well coated. This mix brings out the apples' sweet and spicy flavor. Once mixed, spread this apple mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, and ¼ cup of brown sugar. Next, take ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and add it to the dry mix. Using your fingers or a fork, mix until the texture looks crumbly. Aim for some larger bits for a nice crunch. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to add depth to the flavor. Now, sprinkle this crumble mixture evenly over the apple filling. This creates a delicious topping. Place your baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the apples to soften and the topping to turn golden brown. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld, making every bite delightful. To get the best crumble, use cold butter. This helps create that nice, crunchy texture. Mix the butter with your dry ingredients until it looks like sand. Some bigger chunks add a nice bite. Don't overmix; keep it light and airy. You can add more flavors to your crumble. Try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch. A handful of raisins or dried cranberries gives a sweet touch. For extra spice, add a pinch of cardamom or ginger. These can really boost the taste. Serve your crumble warm for the best flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top melts into the warm apples. You can also use whipped cream or yogurt for a lighter touch. For a twist, drizzle some caramel sauce over it. Enjoy it with family or friends for a cozy dessert! Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: Always opt for fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your crumble. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add additional spices like ginger or cloves for a unique twist on the traditional cinnamon flavor. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge to save time on baking day. Serve Warm: This crumble is best served warm, so consider popping it in the oven for a few minutes before serving if it has cooled down. {{image_4}} You can easily make a gluten-free version. Simply swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works well in baking. This change keeps the crumble tasty without the gluten. You can still enjoy the same great flavors and textures. To make this crumble vegan, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of brown sugar for a sweet touch. These swaps keep your dessert plant-based and delicious while still being easy to prepare. This recipe shines with apples, but you can mix it up! Try pears, berries, or peaches for a fun twist. Each fruit brings its own flavor and texture. Adjust the spices to match the fruit you choose. For example, add a bit of ginger with peaches for a warm taste. This dessert adapts well to what’s in season, making it a year-round treat! To keep your cinnamon apple crumble fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before covering. Place the container in the fridge. This way, it stays good for about three days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it. When you want to eat your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crumble in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you like it crispy, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. To freeze your cinnamon apple crumble, let it cool fully first. Cut it into portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make Cinnamon Apple Crumble ahead of time. Prepare the apple mix and crumble topping. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, layer them in a baking dish. Bake as directed, and enjoy a warm dessert. Granny Smith apples work best for this recipe. They are tart and hold their shape while baking. You can also mix them with other apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji. This mix adds more flavor and sweetness to your dish. Adjusting sweetness is easy! Use less brown sugar if you want less sweet. You can also add more apples to balance the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a bit more sugar or honey. Tasting the mixture helps find your perfect sweet spot. In this blog post, I covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for making a delicious cinnamon apple crumble. You learned about substitutes and even variations for different diets, like gluten-free and vegan. Remember, storing and reheating your crumble is easy. With the right apples and adjustments, you can make it just how you like. I hope you feel ready to bake your perfect apple crumble and enjoy every bite!

Cinnamon Apple Crumble Delight

A warm and comforting dessert featuring spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat crumble.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with the lemon juice, ½ cup of brown sugar, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently until all the apple slices are well coated with the mixture.
  • Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading the apples evenly to create a level layer.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar. Add the softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a fork, mix everything together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger pea-sized bits for added texture.
  • Once you have the crumbly texture, stir in the pure vanilla extract, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Take the oat mixture and evenly sprinkle it over the apple filling, covering the top completely for a luscious crumble layer.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples have softened and the crumble topping is beautifully golden brown and crisp to the touch.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

Notes

For an elegant serving, dish out the warm crumble into individual bowls, generously top with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, and finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful aroma and taste.
Keyword apple, cinnamon, crumble, dessert