Apple Crumble

Fall's best desserts are rich and comforting favorites like this apple crumble. While others, such as Apple Bread and Apple Cake, are beloved for their own reasons, an apple crumble combines the best of several dishes for an unforgettable dessert.

Rich and bubbling, apple crumble takes the cinnamon-kissed flavor of fried apples and covers them with a buttery, brown sugar streusel topping that bakes up crisp. Ginger is used in two forms in our version of apple crumble: Dried ground ginger seasons the crisp topping, while minced fresh ginger is mixed in with the apples, giving the dessert a deliciously spicy bite. You can serve as is, silky and sweet right from the baking dish. Or you can zhuzh it up with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon ice cream, or a caramel sauce.

As a bonus, this is an incredibly easy dessert to make. The most time-consuming step is likely to be peeling, coring, and slicing the apples. Besides that, you mix the ingredients for the streusel until it's crumbly, then you mix the seasonings with the apple slices. Layer them in a baking dish, and bake. It's really that easy.

Here's more about how this wonderful fall dessert is made. Get the full recipe below these tips and our introduction.

Apple Crumble Ingredients

Any experienced baker has most of these ingredients in their home right now—and even less experienced bakers likely do, too. But either way, this list is super simple. You may not even need a trip to the grocery store.

For the topping:

• Butter: Instead of adding cream or milk to the streusel topping, you'll use butter to hydrate the streusel. If you use salted butter, omit the added salt in the streusel.
• All-purpose flour: This is the bulk of the streusel.
• Light brown sugar: The hint of caramel flavor from light brown sugar is the perfect pair for apples and cinnamon.
• Cinnamon and ginger: Use dried, ground versions—or substitute with apple pie spice.
• Kosher salt: Just a hint of salt balances the sweetness of the topping.

For the crumble filling:

• Apples: We like Granny Smith apples, but see our notes below on other apple types you could use.
• Light brown sugar: Here again we like the hint of caramel or molasses provided by light brown sugar over granulated white sugar.
• Cornstarch: This helps thicken up the natural sauce that will be made when the apples bake.
• Cinnamon: A warming spice.
• Fresh ginger: You can use ground ginger if you want, but fresh ginger here adds an invigorating bite to the apple filling.
• Kosher salt: A small amount will elevate the sweetness of the filling.
  

How To Make Apple Crumble

Did we mention how easy this dessert is? You mix the two components—the topping and the filling—separately, then you layer them and bake until bubbling and warm. Really, it's that simple. Here's a brief overview before you get started. Keep scrolling for the full recipe.

• Step 1. Prepare the baking dish by coating it with butter. Cooking spray also works.
• Step 2. Make the streusel topping by combining the ingredients and mixing with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture forms crumbles.
• Step 3. Mix the apple and filling ingredients. Toss to coat well.
• Step 4. Add the apples to the prepared baking dish, then add the streusel.
• Step 5. Bake until warm and bubbling. Let it cool slightly, and serve alone or with your preferred topping.

Tips and Variations

A dessert this easy is made for mixing things up. Try one of these ideas next:

• If the streusel topping is powdery and dry, keep mixing to break up the butter and make crumbs.
• You don't have to peel the apples if you don't want to. (Time saver!) The peels will cook and turn tender.
• You can make this into individual servings by dividing the apples and streusel topping into ramekins. Bake until bubbling and warm.
• Serve a scoop of apple crumble with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream—or this incredible sea salt ice cream.
• Add another layer of indulgence with a drizzle of Salted Caramel Sauce.
• Keep the topping airy and light but extra special with Cinnamon Whipped Cream.
  

What Is the Difference Between an Apple Crisp and Apple Crumble?

Traditionally, fruit crumbles have a streusel-like topping made of flour, sugar, and butter. That differentiates them from fruit crisps, which have toppings that contain rolled oats and sometimes nuts. This recipe sticks with the traditional definition, with a crunchy-tender topping.

More Fall Favorites

If you're thankful the temperatures are finally cooling off and fall is in full swing, you'll want to try one of these favorite foods to celebrate:

• Chicken And Stuffing Casserole
• Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Chili for a Crowd
• Easy Vegetable Soup
• Caramel Apple Dip