Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumb

Featured in: Sweet Treats & Baking

This dish brings together tender sliced apples tossed with lemon juice and a cinnamon-spiced filling, layered beneath a buttery, golden crumb topping made with oats and brown sugar. Baked until bubbling and golden, it offers a warm, comforting finish to any meal. Optional nuts add extra crunch, and it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch. Simple preparation and familiar ingredients make this a delightful treat for cozy gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:25:00 GMT
Golden-brown Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, a warm dessert ready to be served. Pin It
Golden-brown Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, a warm dessert ready to be served. | metroladle.com

A comforting dessert featuring tender apples layered with a fragrant cinnamon filling and topped with a buttery, golden crumb. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet finish to any meal.

This apple and cinnamon crumb bake is a favorite in my household during the cooler months, bringing warmth and sweetness to our table.

Ingredients

  • Fruit: 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Filling: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Crumb Topping: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square or similar baking dish.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4:
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Step 5:
For the crumb topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the cold, diced butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 6:
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
Step 7:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
Step 8:
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.
Check price on Amazon
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Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.
Check price on Amazon
Bubbling Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake with a cinnamon-spiced apple filling beneath. Pin It
Bubbling Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake with a cinnamon-spiced apple filling beneath. | metroladle.com

Enjoyed by the whole family as a cozy dessert, especially when served with vanilla ice cream on chilly evenings.

Notes

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Required Tools

9-inch square or similar baking dish, large mixing bowls, pastry cutter or fork, measuring cups and spoons, peeler and knife.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten—use certified gluten-free oats if needed. Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.

Enjoy a spoonful of the warm Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, served with vanilla ice cream. Pin It
Enjoy a spoonful of the warm Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, served with vanilla ice cream. | metroladle.com
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This rustic apple and cinnamon crumb bake is simple yet impressive, perfect for making memories around the table.

Recipe FAQs

What types of apples work best?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well while baking and provide a balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb mixture enhances texture and adds a pleasant crunch.

Is it necessary to chill the butter for the crumb topping?

Cold butter helps create a crumbly texture by preventing it from blending fully with the flour and oats, resulting in a crisp topping.

How do I prevent the apple filling from becoming too watery?

Coating the sliced apples with flour and sugar-cinnamon mixture absorbs excess moisture during baking, keeping the filling thick.

Can I substitute pears for apples?

Pears can replace some or all of the apples, offering a milder sweetness and slightly different texture without compromising the dish.

Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumb

Tender apples with cinnamon filling and a golden buttery crumb topping for a cozy dessert.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Duration
40 minutes
Total Duration
60 minutes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 6 Portions

Diet Details Meat-Free

What You Need

Fruit

01 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Filling

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
03 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Crumb Topping

01 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup rolled oats
03 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square or equivalent baking dish.

Step 02

Toss Apples with Lemon Juice: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with lemon juice and toss to coat.

Step 03

Mix Filling Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and all-purpose flour. Sprinkle evenly over the apples and toss to incorporate.

Step 04

Transfer Apple Mixture: Spread the coated apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Prepare Crumb Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add cold diced butter and work it in with fingers or a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form.

Step 06

Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.

Step 08

Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving warm. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tools Needed

  • 9-inch square or similar baking dish
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler and knife

Allergy Advice

Review each item for allergens. If you're unsure, speak with a medical expert.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy from butter.
  • Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if required.

Nutritional Info (per portion)

Treat these details as a guide—they're not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 3 g