Classic Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe

I absolutely love making this Classic Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe—it’s one of those cozy desserts that always feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples with that golden, crunchy oat topping spiked with cinnamon just never gets old. It’s perfect when you want a sweet treat that’s homemade but doesn’t require a ton of fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients came together to create something so comforting and delicious. You’ll find that this Classic Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe works wonderfully for casual family dinners or special gatherings because it’s easy to make and everyone loves it. Trust me—it’s a dessert that keeps people asking for seconds!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to build layers of flavor and texture—the crisp apples make a juicy base, and that oat topping gives you a satisfying crunch with a buttery cinnamon kiss. A quick shopping tip: look for firm Granny Smith apples for that ideal tartness and texture.

• Granny Smith Apples: Firm and tart apples that hold their shape well during baking.
• Flour (plain/all-purpose): Helps thicken the filling and binds the crumble topping.
• White Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances apple tartness; can swap for brown sugar if preferred.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents apples from browning.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm spice notes that pair perfectly with apples.
• Rolled Oats: Creates a hearty, crunchy texture in the topping; quick oats work fine too.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the crumble topping.
• Baking Powder: Gives the crumble a slight lift and airiness.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted to bind the topping and add richness—use unsalted so you control the salt level.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the crumble.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: (Optional) The classic way I love to serve it; the hot crumble with cold ice cream is divine.

Variations

I love that this Classic Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe is super adaptable—you can easily swap in your favorite fruits or adjust the sweetness without messing things up. Feel free to make it your own and get creative!

• Fruit Substitutions: I’ve made it with pears and mixed berries, which gives a lovely twist—just reduce sugar slightly for sweeter fruits like peaches.
• Less Sweet Version: If you’re like me and don’t want an overly sweet dessert, cutting back the topping sugar to ½ cup works great without drying out the crumble.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour with a gluten-free blend, and use certified gluten-free oats for a safe, tasty crumble.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use maple syrup instead of sugar for a different but delicious take.

How to Make Classic Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling your Granny Smith apples—this makes for a smooth filling texture—and chop them into roughly 1.5cm (about half-inch) cubes. Toss them in a bowl with the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to keep them bright and help thicken the juices as they cook. Don’t skip tossing the apples well; every bit of flour and sugar coats them just right for that perfect jammy filling.

Step 2: Mix the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, combine your rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and melted butter. Mix everything with your fingers or a fork until it resembles wet sand with clumps. This texture is key for that beautiful crumbly topping that bakes up golden and crisp.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spread the apple mixture evenly in a buttered baking dish, then crumble the oat topping over the apples. Don’t press down hard; just let the topping sit loosely to bake crisply. Pop it into your preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and you see the apple juices bubbling underneath.

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, I like to cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This lets the apple syrup thicken just a bit, so your crumble isn’t too runny—trust me, this step makes a big difference!

How to Serve Classic Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve this crumble warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream—it melts into all those nooks and crannies and adds a creamy contrast. Occasionally, a dollop of whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce works wonders too, especially if you want to dress it up for guests.

Side Dishes

This dessert pretty much stands on its own, but if I’m serving it after dinner, I pair it with a cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee to round out the flavors and keep things cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this crumble in individual ramekins for a cute, personalized touch. Another fun idea is layering with Greek yogurt parfait-style, alternating crumble and apple filling, which makes for festive brunch or dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you often will!), I store them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating gently in the oven helps keep the topping crispier than the microwave would.

Freezing

Personally, I’ve frozen this crumble a few times by assembling it fully, then wrapping it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats beautifully. Just add a few extra minutes in the oven to refresh that crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend using the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 15 minutes, uncovered—this keeps the topping crisp while warming the filling evenly. If you’re in a rush, a quick microwave zap works, but the topping won’t stay as crunchy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Classic Apple Crumble with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s reliably delicious, straightforward, and always gets rave reviews. I hope you’ll give it a try—you’ll enjoy the warm, cozy flavors and satisfying textures just as much as my family and I do. Once you’ve made it a couple times, you’ll find your own favorite way to tweak it, making it a true staple in your dessert arsenal.

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