Classic Apple Crumble Recipe with a Buttery Topping

If you're craving a cozy, homemade dessert, this apple crumble recipe is exactly what you need! This dish is a timeless favorite, featuring caramelized apples topped with a crisp, golden oat crumble. Plus, it's easy to make with pantry staples, making it perfect for last-minute cravings. 

Many people love homemade apple pie, but if you’re looking for a simpler alternative, this easy apple pie twist is perfect. It has all the cozy flavors of a caramel apple pie with a deliciously crunchy apple pie crumble topping. Best of all, you don’t need to worry about rolling out dough like you would in a traditional apple pie recipe!

How to Make Apple Crumble

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• • • 2 Green apples (Granny Smith—one of the best apples for apple pie)
    • 2 Red apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp—adds natural sweetness)
    • 4 tablespoons coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
    • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
    • 1/2 cup brown sugar 
    • Juice of half a lemon 

For the Crumble Topping:

• • • 1/2 cup oat flour 
    • 1/2 cup oat flakes 
    • 3 tablespoons honey 
    • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but highly recommended for crunch)
    • 1/4 cup chopped almonds 
    • 3 tablespoons coconut oil (or melted butter for a crispier topping)

Instructions

1. 1. Peel and dice the apples into bite-sized cubes.
   2. In a large pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and sauté the apples for about 2-3 minutes.
   3. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let the apples cook for another 5 minutes until they become slightly softened and coated in a sticky caramel-like sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
   4. In a mixing bowl, combine oat flour, oat flakes, chopped walnuts and almonds, honey, and coconut oil (or butter), then use a fork or your hands to mix until you get a crumbly texture.
   5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread the sautéed apple mixture evenly.

6. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, ensuring an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

7. Let the apple crumble cool for a few minutes before serving.

8. Pair it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips & Twists for the Best Apple Crumble

• If you love a crispy topping, bake for an additional 5 minutes to get that golden, crunchy finish.
• Add a layer of cinnamon roll dough at the bottom of the baking dish for a fun twist and extra buttery richness.
• Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the apples before adding the crumble topping for a decadent touch.
• If you're looking to make it dairy-free, coconut oil works perfectly in place of butter.
• For an added burst of flavor, mix a handful of dried cranberries or raisins into the apple mixture.

Make Your Own Apple Crumble Today!

This apple crumble pie is a kind of dessert that makes you want to exist in pure fall bliss. No complicated techniques, and no weird substitutions—just classic, simple, golden, crunchy-topped apple goodness.

And listen, you can take things up a notch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream? Obviously. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce? Always encouraged. Eating it straight from the dish with a spoon because patience is overrated? 100% acceptable. So, now that you know how to make an apple pie crumble, it’s time to grab your ingredients and get baking!

Kitchen Tools You Need for This Recipe

For the best results, use high-quality kitchen tools from Zulay Kitchen like:

• Apple Slicer – Quickly cores and slices apples in one swift motion.
• Baking Dish – The perfect size for even baking.
• Silicone Spatula Set – Helps mix and spread ingredients effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crumble

How is an apple crumble different from an apple pie?

A traditional apple pie recipe has a buttery, flaky crust, while an apple crumble recipe features a crisp oat topping. Both are delicious, but an easy apple pie is often more involved because it requires dough preparation.

Can I make this apple crumble recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the oat flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free apple pie crumble. Want a vegan apple pie version? Stick with coconut oil instead of butter, and you’re all set!

Can I add a bottom crust to make this more like an apple pie?

Yes! Simply press a pie crust into the baking dish before adding the apple filling for a hybrid apple crumble pie.

Does Apple Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?

Since this apple crumble pie doesn’t have a traditional crust like a homemade apple pie, it can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. However, if you plan to keep it longer, it's best to refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to five days.