Pin It 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
- 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.
Pin It 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.
Pin It
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.