Warm Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumble

Featured in: Weekend Refreshing Bakes

This comforting dish features sliced apples tossed with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour, baked with a buttery crumble topping made from flour, butter, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. The crumble is golden and crisp, complementing the tender, bubbling fruit beneath. Best served warm and paired with vanilla ice cream or custard to enhance its rustic charm. Variations include adding nuts or swapping some apples for pears.

Updated on Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:48:54 GMT
Warm Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumble image featuring a bubbly, golden topping and tender baked apples. Pin it
Warm Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumble image featuring a bubbly, golden topping and tender baked apples. | citrusfable.com

Warm Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumble is the quintessential comfort dessert for chilly evenings. Its golden-baked, buttery crumble topping gives way to tender, cinnamon-infused apples bubbling beneath—a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that evokes cozy family gatherings and simple pleasures.

Warm Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumble image featuring a bubbly, golden topping and tender baked apples. Pin it
Warm Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumble image featuring a bubbly, golden topping and tender baked apples. | citrusfable.com

This classic British dessert offers both nostalgia and versatility, inviting creative twists while remaining effortless to prepare. The balance between fruit filling and crumbly topping makes every bite satisfyingly rich and sweet without being overpowering.

Ingredients

  • Fruit Filling
    • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced
    • 2 tbsp lemon juice
    • 80 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
    • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
    • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • Crumble Topping
    • 150 g (1¼ cups) plain flour
    • 100 g (½ cup) cold unsalted butter, cubed
    • 80 g (⅓ cup) light brown sugar
    • 40 g (⅓ cup) rolled oats
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
    • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a medium baking dish (approx. 20x25 cm / 8x10 in).
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until evenly coated.
3. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, butter, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Rub the mixture between your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger lumps for a rustic texture.
5. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling at the edges.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a perfectly textured crumble topping, avoid overworking the butter with the flour. The larger lumps add a desirable rustic crunch. Also, peeling and slicing the apples uniformly helps the fruit cook evenly and retain a tender bite.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a subtle twist, try swapping some apples with pears to add gentle sweetness and variation. Adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping boosts both flavor and crunch.

Serviervorschläge

This crumble is best served warm, straight from the oven. Enhance it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creamy custard, or softly whipped cream for an indulgent finish.

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Ideal for slow-simmered sauces, braised vegetables, baked dips, and cozy one-pot meals with even heat.
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This warm apple and cinnamon crumble is more than a dessert—it’s a timeless treat that brings comfort and joy with every spoonful. Ideal for autumn nights or anytime you crave a simple, wholesome sweet bite.

Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith or Braeburn apples are ideal for a balance of tartness and firmness that holds well during baking.

Can I add nuts to the crumble?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and enhance the texture of the topping.

How do I achieve a rustic texture in the topping?

Rub cold butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips until coarse crumbs form with some larger chunks remaining.

What temperature should I bake it at?

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for an even bake and a golden brown topping.

Can pears be used instead of apples?

Yes, replacing some apples with pears offers a subtle flavor twist while maintaining a tender filling.

Warm Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumble

Tender apples baked with cinnamon and a buttery crumble, ideal for warming desserts.

Prep time
20 minutes
Time to cook
40 minutes
Overall time
60 minutes
Created by Noah Roberts


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine British

Serves 6 Portions

Diet info Vegetarian

What You'll Need

Fruit Filling

01 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 2 tablespoons lemon juice
03 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Crumble Topping

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

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8x10 inch baking dish.

Step 02

Combine Fruit Filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until evenly coated.

Step 03

Arrange Filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 04

Make Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cubed butter, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Rub with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger lumps.

Step 05

Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.

Step 06

Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 07

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Tools Needed

  • 8x10 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paring knife and peeler
  • Pastry cutter or fingertips

Allergy Advice

Review ingredients for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (flour, oats) and dairy (butter). Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten—use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

Nutritional Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is an estimate and not medical advice.
  • Total Calories: 315
  • Fats: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 51 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams