Warm Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumble

Featured in: Weekend Rustic Kitchen Favorites

This dessert combines tender apple slices coated in cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar with a buttery, crumbly topping made from flour, oats, and brown sugar. Baked to a golden finish, it offers a warm, rustic texture perfect for cool nights. Serve slightly cooled with vanilla ice cream or custard for added richness. Variations include adding chopped nuts or swapping some apples with pears for subtle flavor changes.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 11:45:00 GMT
Warm, rustic apple and cinnamon crumble, glistening after baking, ready to be enjoyed warm. Save
Warm, rustic apple and cinnamon crumble, glistening after baking, ready to be enjoyed warm. | birchwhisk.com

A comforting, golden-baked dessert featuring tender apples and a buttery cinnamon-infused crumble topping—perfect for cozy evenings.

This rustic apple crumble has been a family favorite during chilly autumn nights when the oven's warmth fills the kitchen.

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

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a medium baking dish (approx. 20x25 cm / 8x10 in).
Prepare filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until evenly coated.
Arrange filling:
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Make topping:
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.
Assemble:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
Bake:
Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling at the edges.
Cool and serve:
Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Pin it
| birchwhisk.com

My family eagerly gathers around the table when this crumble comes out of the oven, the cinnamon aroma filling the room.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream for a delightful treat.

Variations

Try swapping some apples for pears or adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for a subtle twist.

Storage Tips

Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

This warm apple and cinnamon crumble displays bubbling, tender apples under a golden, crunchy topping. Pin it
This warm apple and cinnamon crumble displays bubbling, tender apples under a golden, crunchy topping. | birchwhisk.com

This apple crumble is the perfect ending to a cozy meal, combining warm spices and buttery crunch in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apples work best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn hold their shape well and complement the sweet, spiced topping.

How can I achieve a crunchy crumble topping?

Use cold butter cut into flour and oats, rubbing until crumbly with some lumps to keep a rustic texture after baking.

Can I add nuts to the crumble?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping provides extra crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

It’s lovely served warm with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream to balance the spices and sweetness.

Is it possible to substitute pears for some apples?

Absolutely. Mixing pears with apples adds a subtle variation in flavor and increases juiciness.

Warm Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumble

Comforting golden-baked apples topped with buttery cinnamon crumble for cozy evenings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: British

Yield: 6 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare oven and dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease an 8x10 inch (20x25 cm) baking dish.

Step 02

Mix fruit filling: In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until evenly coated.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Prepare crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cubed butter, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. Rub mixture between fingertips until coarse crumbs with some larger lumps form.

Step 05

Top fruit with crumble: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple layer.

Step 06

Bake dessert: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the fruit bubbles at the edges.

Step 07

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

Tools You'll Need

  • 8x10 inch (20x25 cm) baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paring knife and peeler
  • Pastry cutter or fingertips

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (flour, oats) and dairy (butter). Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 315
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 3 g