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- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - Pinch of salt When you make this cinnamon apple crumble, you gather simple items. Each ingredient plays a key role. The apples bring a sweet and tart flavor. The brown sugar adds richness. Cinnamon gives warmth and spice. Lemon juice brightens the apples. Vanilla extract enhances the aroma. Rolled oats and flour form the crumble topping. Cold butter ensures a flaky texture. Baking powder helps it rise. Lastly, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for this recipe. Granny Smith apples are tart and firm. They hold their shape well during baking. Honeycrisp apples are sweeter and juicy. They add a lovely flavor to the dish. You can also try Fuji or Braeburn apples. These apples work well too. Just choose apples that you enjoy eating. If you have allergies, there are easy swaps. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free oats and flour. Coconut flour or almond flour works well too. If you're dairy-free, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. This keeps the flavor rich and sweet without allergens. Choose what fits your needs best. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing and peeling four large apples. I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness. Slice the apples into thin pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Toss them gently until the apples are well-coated. This mix will give the filling a great flavor. Once mixed, transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. In another bowl, mix 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Next, add 1/3 cup of cold butter, cut into small cubes. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the butter with the dry mix. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. This texture will create a nice crisp topping when baked. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your crumble topping is ready, evenly sprinkle it over the apple filling in the baking dish. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbly apples. When done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm Cinnamon Apple Crumble! Choose apples that are crisp and tart for your crumble. Granny Smith apples work well because they hold their shape. Honeycrisp apples add a sweet touch and a nice crunch. You can mix different types for more flavor. Avoid soft apples, as they can turn mushy. The crumble should be light and crumbly. Use cold butter and mix it into the dry ingredients. Your fingers or a pastry cutter are best for this. You want the mixture to look like coarse crumbs. Don't overmix it; some lumps add texture. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour or oats. Serve your crumble warm for the best taste. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a great choice. Whipped cream adds a nice touch too. For a pop of color, sprinkle extra cinnamon on top. You can also add fresh mint leaves for a pretty look. Enjoying it with a cup of tea makes it a perfect treat. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in your crumble. Chill Your Butter: Using cold butter helps achieve a flaky and crispy topping. Make sure your butter is well-chilled before cubing it. Layering Flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple mixture for an extra depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Serving Suggestions: Serve the crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. {{image_2}} You can easily make a gluten-free version. For this, swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Most blends work well. Check that your oats are certified gluten-free too. This swap keeps the texture nice and crumbly. You still get that great taste without gluten. To make this dish vegan, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use applesauce instead of butter for a lighter touch. For the sugar, choose coconut sugar or maple syrup. This way, you maintain the sweet flavor while keeping it plant-based. Add nuts or dried fruits to boost flavor. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins bring a sweet, chewy texture. You can mix these in with the apples or sprinkle them on top. Experiment with spices too! Try adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra zing. To store your cinnamon apple crumble, let it cool completely first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy your leftover crumble, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crumble in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. If you prefer, you can also microwave it for one to two minutes. Just make sure to check the temperature. If you want to save your cinnamon apple crumble for later, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use other fruits. Pears, peaches, or berries work well. Just adjust the sugar to match the fruit's sweetness. For instance, if you use berries, add a bit more sugar. This gives a nice twist to the classic apple crumble. To make the topping crispier, use cold butter. Cut it into small pieces and mix it well with flour and oats. You can also add nuts for extra crunch. Almonds or walnuts add flavor and texture. Bake it until it's golden brown. This ensures a perfect, crispy topping every time. I love serving it warm with vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts and mixes with the warm crumble. You can also add whipped cream for extra richness. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top looks nice too! It makes every bite feel special. This blog post covered everything you need for a perfect cinnamon apple crumble. We discussed ingredients, like the best apples and common substitutions. Next, I guided you through easy steps for prep, baking, and the tips to get the ideal crumble texture. I also shared fun variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Now you're ready to impress with this delicious dessert. Make it your own and enjoy every bite!

Cinnamon Apple Crumble Delight

A delicious dessert featuring baked apples topped with a crunchy crumble.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.33 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated, then transfer the mixture to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.
  • In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  • Add the cubed cold butter to the oat mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful touch.
Keyword apple, cinnamon, crumble, dessert