Classic Apple Crumble is one of those comforting desserts that never goes out of style, with soft, stewed apples tucked under a golden, buttery topping. It’s simple to make and relies on everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.
With just apples, flour, sugar, and butter, this recipe comes together easily and bakes into a warm, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a cosy evening.
Originally published May 21, 2023. Updated April 17, 2026.
What makes a traditional crumble topping?
I asked on my social channels if a classic crumble includes oats or not. While it was overwhelmingly for oats I decided I would share both! The classic crumble topping is just 3 ingredients and is such a lovely dessert.
There are so many names for crumble depending on what the toppings include. So this is a classic crumble, when it includes oats it is often referred to as a crisp. But then sometimes it is all just referred to as a crumble or a crisp no matter the inclusion of oats!
Then there is a cobbler, which is more like a pie, but without a base, so a pie topping pressed on top of warm fruit and baked. I shall share one of those one day too.
What fruit can I use for crumble?
So with all that confusion out of the way, the next thing to think about is the fruit you use. I have used Apple today, but it is lovely with a combination of feijoas, or with plums, peaches or pears. Some even make this with berries. The method remains the same, so just swap out the equivalent quantity of fruit.
What ingredients are used for apple crumble?
(Please scroll down for the full printable recipe card, quantities and method)
- Apples, Pears, Feijoas, Plums, Peaches or Berries etc.
- Caster Sugar
- Plain White Flour
- Lemon Juice
- Cinnamon
- Butter
- Salt
Can I use other sugar than caster sugar?
Yes, you can use plain white sugar or brown sugar in this recipe (1/2 a cup of either).
What size baking dish should I use for apple crumble?
You want to use at least a 2 litre dish, at least 5 cm deep (approximately 20-23cm). The bigger you go, as I have done, the thinner it is.
How do I prepare apples for apple crumble?
I have kept this as simple as I can to show you how you can make a basic crumble. The method is so easy too.
There is no need to pre cook the apples as they soften when you bake the crumble.
First peel the apples and slice into thin slices, coat this with the sugar, flour, lemon juice and cinnamon. You can use water instead of lemon juice if you do not have it on hand. The flour makes a lovely little thickened sauce coating for the fruit.
If you do not peel the apples they will not soften as well.
How do I layer the fruit and crumble topping?
Then lay this on the base of the dish, press the fruit down flat with the back of a wooden spoon so that there are not many gaps and the crumble stays on the top, then prepare the crumble topping.
The key here is to use cold butter.
Combine the flour and sugar then using your finger tips rub the butter into the flour until it resembles moist breadcrumbs, careful not to over process it, some lumps is ok.
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How do I know when apple crumble is cooked?
Then pour this evenly over the fruit and bake for 30 minutes or until it is lovely and golden brown and you can hear the fruit below sizzling. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before serving warm.
If you’ve ever followed a recipe and it didn’t quite turn out as expected, I’ve shared a helpful guide to common baking mistakes and how to fix them here.
How should I serve apple crumble?
Serve apple crumble warm, straight from the oven after it has had time to rest slightly, with a generous spoonful of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of cream, or a helping of custard. The warmth of the crumble with the cool or creamy topping makes it a simple, comforting dessert that’s hard to beat.
Can I freeze apple crumble?
Yes absolutely, allow this to cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat to piping hot before serving.
Other apple dessert ideas to try
If you are a fan of apple desserts be sure to check out some of my favourites below:
Classic Apple Crumble Recipe
Classic Apple Crumble
Classic Apple Crumble is a simple, dependable dessert with tender apples and a golden, buttery topping, made from everyday ingredients and perfect for easy baking.
Ingredients
- 700 grams Apples, approx 6-7, peeled, cored, sliced finely
- 3 Tablespoons Caster Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Plain White Flour
- 2 Tablespoon Lemon Juice (or water)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon, ground
- 1 Cup Flour (150 grams)
- 1/2 Cup Caster Sugar, 100 grams
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 100 grams Butter, cold, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven to 190 Bake
- Peel and core the apples and slice finely and place in a medium bowl
- Add to this the first measure of caster sugar, flour, lemon juice (or water) and cinnamon and mix to fully coat the apples
- Pour this into a baking dish, approx 20-23cm round, at least 5 cm deep (min 2 litre capacity)
- Press the apples down flat in the dish
- In a medium bowl combine the flour, second measure of sugar and salt and add the cold cubed butter into the bowl
- Rub the butter into the flour with your fingers until it forms moist breadcrumbs, shaking the bowl to bring larger pieces of butter to the top and rubbing it all in.
- Pour this over the fruit and spread evenly
- Bake in the oven for at least 30 minutes or until the topping is a lovely golden brown and you can hear the fruit below sizzling.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before serving.
- Serve with ice cream, custard or cream. Can be reheated or frozen.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Can I use other sugar than caster sugar?
Yes you can use plain white sugar or brown sugar in this recipe, 1/2 a cup of either
Can I freeze Crumble?
Yes absolutely, allow this to cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat to piping hot before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield 5 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 540Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 10gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 43mgSodium 240mgCarbohydrates 94gFiber 5gSugar 48gProtein 6g
JustAMumNZ.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although justamumnz.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
I really hope you love this Classic Apple Crumble as much as we do. It’s such a simple, comforting dessert to have on hand, and one I know I’ll be making again and again. Leave a comment below when you make it, I would love to hear from you.
If you give this recipe a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you in the comments. You can also leave a ⭐ rating in the recipe card above, it really helps others find and enjoy this recipe too.
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Happy baking,
Anna x
Carol says
Loved it