Harvest Apple Crumble Recipe

When my daughter was younger she requested a Dutch Apple Pie instead of traditional birthday cake. I didn’t have enough butter or lard for a flaky pie crust. We compromised on this Harvest Apple Crumble Recipe instead.

She loved it, and you will too! An apple crumble is easy to put together and uses a crumble topping rather than a crust. It’s less work than a pie, but equally (or even more) delicious.

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Harvest Apple Crumble Recipe

A fruit crumble has all the flavor of a traditional pie, except there’s no flaky crust. There is a bit of flaky goodness on  top for those die-hard crust lovers. It’s like a cross between flaky and crumb topping. I love the gooey part of the crust that meets the filling. So I’m a HUGE fan of a crumble. Regardless, you’ll love this easy dessert recipe. 

What’s the Difference Between Apple Crumble and Apple Crisp?

Both crumbles and crisps use an apple filling and topping rather than a crust. Often these terms are used interchangeably. However, the main difference is an apple crumble uses similar ingredients to a pie crust. An apple crisp’s topping is often made out of oats and spices such as cinnamon.

There are many variations, though, and different regions have their own definitions and ingredients.

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Apple Crumble Ingredients

Berries work great in this recipe too.

So, here’s my recipe. Try it for yourself and tell me what you think!

• apples
• sugar (granulated or brown sugar is fine)
• lemon juice
• cinnamon

Topping

• butter
• cane sugar
• white whole wheat flour

How to Make Apple Crumble

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine the apples, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Spread the filling mixture evenly in a 9×9 baking dish.

Place the topping ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Use softened but not melted butter. Use a pastry blender or stiff fork to cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles small pebbles.

Sprinkle the topping over the apple mixture. Bake 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

Allow the apple crumble to cool slightly and then serve alone or with vanilla ice cream.

What Type of Apples are Best for Crumble?

I like to use at least two different types of apples for this dessert. All apples are not created the same. Sweet apples such as Gala, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp make a delicious crumble. Granny Smith apples give a tarter flavor.

Each type of apple imparts a different sweetness and texture making this a scrumptious treat. You can also substitute other types of fruit such as berries (equivalent to 5 cups) for the apples.

What to Serve with Apple Crumble

I like to serve apple crumble after a simpler meal like Easy Beef and Lentil Chili. Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Caramel sauce can be drizzled on top, too.

How to Store Apple Crumble

I don’t think you’re going to have leftovers of apple crumble, but if you do – store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. The crumble topping might get a little softer with refrigeration so I like to rewarm a serving in my air fryer.

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love

• Celery, Apple and Walnut Salad
• Healthy Banana Muffins with Applesauce & Oats + Add-Ins Ideas
• Crave-Worthy Cinnamon Apple Crepe Recipe
• Apple Churro Cupcakes