Apple crumble is a classic dessert that brings comfort and warmth, perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. This recipe combines tart Granny Smith apples with a buttery, crunchy topping, creating a balance of flavors and textures that's hard to resist.
The star of this recipe is the Granny Smith apples, known for their tartness and firmness, which hold up well during baking. We sweeten the apples with granulated sugar, while ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg add warmth and spice. A splash of lemon juice prevents browning and enhances the apple flavor.
The topping is made with all-purpose flour for structure and rolled oats for a chewy texture. Light brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses. Unsalted butter binds the dry ingredients together and provides richness, while a pinch of salt balances the flavors.
Serve your apple crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing. For something different, try it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you're serving it for breakfast or brunch, a spoonful of Greek yogurt adds a nice tangy contrast.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures your crumble won't stick to the pan and makes for easy serving later on.
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure each slice is well-coated, then spread them evenly in your prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Use your hands or a fork to combine them until the mixture is crumbly. This will be your delicious topping.
Evenly distribute the oat mixture over the apples, covering them completely. This creates a crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender apples.
Bake the crumble in your preheated oven for about 45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Let it cool slightly before serving.