Apple Cinnamon Crumble with Oats – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Introduction

When crisp autumn air rolls in and apples are in season, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm apple cinnamon crumble fresh out of the oven. With its golden oat topping and soft, spiced apple filling, this dessert is both rustic and elegant. Best of all, it’s simple enough for beginners and flexible enough for creative variations.

Origin / Background

The crumble originated in Britain during World War II as a simpler alternative to traditional pies, and it has since become a seasonal favorite worldwide.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the apple filling

• 5–6 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or brown sugar for depth)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the crumble topping

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (80 g) rolled oats
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

1. Prepare the apples

• Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges or small cubes.
• Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
• Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish (about 9×9 inches).

💡 Beginner tip: Don’t skip the lemon juice—it prevents browning and balances the sweetness.

2. Make the crumble topping

• In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.

💡 Shortcut: You can also pulse everything in a food processor for 10–15 seconds.

3. Assemble and bake

• Spread the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.

💡 Check halfway: If the topping is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

4. Rest and serve

• Let the crumble rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.

Basics & Tips for Beginners

• Choose firm apples: Soft apples can turn mushy. Granny Smith gives tartness; Honeycrisp adds sweetness.
• Cold butter is key: Warm butter makes the topping greasy instead of crumbly.
• Don’t overmix: The topping should be clumpy, not dough-like.
• Test doneness: The apples should be fork-tender, not hard.

Apple Cinnamon Crumble with Oats – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

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• Author: buenos aires run way
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This apple cinnamon crumble with oats is the ultimate cozy fall dessert—crispy on top, soft inside, and perfect with vanilla ice cream.

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Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (peeled, cored, sliced)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cornstarch.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to the baking dish.
4. For the crumble topping: combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle crumble evenly over the apples.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Cool slightly and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

• Substitute pears for apples for a variation.
• Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American / European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 320
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 26 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Protein: 3 g

Pro Tips & Substitutions

• Make it nutty: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour and certified oats.
• Vegan option: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Add berries: Mix in blueberries or cranberries for extra flavor.

Serving & Presentation Ideas

• Classic: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• Cozy: Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
• Light: Pair with plain Greek yogurt for breakfast.
• Elegant: Serve in individual ramekins at dinner parties.

Comparison With Similar Recipes

• Apple Pie: Crumble is easier and quicker—no rolling dough required.
• Apple Crisp: Very similar, but crisp often includes more oats and nuts.
• Peach Crumble: A summer version with stone fruit instead of apples.

FAQ Section

1. Can I prepare this crumble ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

2. Can I freeze apple crumble?
Yes, freeze unbaked crumble (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes.

3. Do I need to peel the apples?
Not necessarily—unpeeled apples add texture and nutrients, though the skin softens when baked.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Cut the sugar in half, especially if using sweet apples like Fuji.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes to crisp up the topping.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Apple Cinnamon Crumble with Oats is the definition of comfort food—warm, fragrant, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is a seasonal treat that never disappoints.

👉 Try it this week, snap a photo of your crumble, and share it with loved ones—you’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears!