Apple Oat Crumble

Name: Apple Oat Crumble
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups of peeled and sliced apples (about 4-5 medium apples); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Ideas

I love making this Apple Oat Crumble when the weather turns crisp and the apples are in season. The combination of sweet, tart apples with a crunchy, buttery oat topping brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. It's a simple yet satisfying dessert that fills the house with an irresistible aroma. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare, and the delightful contrast between the soft apples and the crunchy topping makes every bite a joy. It's perfect for sharing or keeping all to myself!

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-02-08T08:29:36.670Z

Every time I make this Apple Oat Crumble, I remember my grandmother's kitchen filled with the scent of baking apples and spices. Her secret was always to mix in a bit of lemon juice, which adds a beautiful brightness to the apples. I’ve adapted her recipe slightly to include rolled oats for added texture and nutrition. It’s a comforting dessert that I often serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I've learned that the key to achieving the perfect crumble topping lies in cold butter and ensuring the oats are lightly toasted. The result is a golden, crispy layer that perfectly complements the tender, sweet filling. Trust me, the contrast of warm filling and crunchy topping is simply unbeatable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Warm and comforting, perfect for chilly nights
Crunchy oat topping that pairs beautifully with tender apples
Easily customizable with various spices and sweeteners

Choosing the Right Apples

Selecting the right apples is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in your Apple Oat Crumble. Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic choices, providing a nice contrast in flavor. If you prefer a sweeter filling, Fuji or Gala apples work well too. Aim to combine different types for a more complex flavor profile. Also, ensure the apples are fresh and firm to the touch, which will yield a better texture after baking.

When preparing your apples, try to slice them evenly. Uniform pieces allow for consistent cooking, ensuring that every bite has the same deliciously soft texture. Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick. You can also toss the slices with lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent browning and enhance the filling's brightness.

Perfecting the Topping

The oat topping is what makes this dessert stand out. When mixing the ingredients, the key is to keep your butter cold to help achieve that delightful crumbly texture. If your butter is too warm, the topping may clump together and may not bake up as crunchy. Cut the butter into small cubes before adding it to the dry ingredients, and use a pastry cutter or fork to distribute it effectively until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

If you enjoy experimenting, consider adding nuts to your topping for an additional crunch. Chopped pecans or walnuts work beautifully and can complement the flavors of the apples. For those who prefer a healthier twist, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, which will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make a delightful Apple Oat Crumble.

For the Filling

4 cups of peeled and sliced apples (about 4-5 medium apples)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Topping

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt

These simple ingredients come together for a delicious treat.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Apple Oat Crumble.

Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well until the apples are coated.

Make the Topping

In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a fork or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble and Bake

Spread the apple mixture in a greased baking dish, then evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over it. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling.

Enjoy this delicious dessert warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding raisins or walnuts to the filling before baking. Serve it with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to make your Apple Oat Crumble ahead of time, you can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to bake, simply combine them in a greased baking dish and pop it in the oven. This method saves time and allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the final result immensely.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes to regain that freshly baked texture. Cover with foil if needed to prevent the topping from burning.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Oat Crumble is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level. The warmth of the crumble contrasted with the cold creaminess creates a delightful experience. Drizzling some caramel sauce over the top can add an irresistible sweet touch that complements the tartness of the apples beautifully.

For a playful twist, serve your crumble in individual ramekins. This not only looks charming but also makes for easy serving, especially when hosting. You can customize each serving with different toppings or even add a sprinkle of additional nuts or spices according to your guest’s preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or a mixture of berries work beautifully in this crumble.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store the crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this crumble ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping separately, then assemble and bake when you're ready to serve.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free oats and flour.