In my kitchen I created an Easy Apple Crisp Recipe bursting with sliced apples, lemon juice, and fragrant cinnamon with subtle nutmeg. A crunchy topping of oats, brown sugar, and butter gives it texture. I love this simple combination of ingredients making a fresh and inviting dessert to try.

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I gotta say this homemade apple crumble really surprised me when I first made it. I start by peeling and coring about 4 to 5 medium apples then slicing them into chunks while adding a tablespoon of lemon juice so they dont brown too fast.

I mix in half a cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg for a subtle warmth and even a tablespoon of all-purpose flour to thicken things up a bit. For the topping, I combine a cup of flour, half a cup of old-fashioned oats, another half a cup of granulated sugar, half a cup of brown sugar, and cold, cubed unsalted butter with a quarter teaspoon of salt.

I bake it all until its nicely golden on top. Its one of those recipes thats easy, quick, healthy and just delicious a must try if you like a twist on your classic apple dessert.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this apple crumble recipe for so many reasons. First, I really love how the mix of sweet apples and spicy cinnamon instantly makes my kitchen smell cozy and inviting. Its like every bite fills me with warm memories.

Second, I dig the crunchy yet buttery topping. The combination of oats and flakey butter gives it that perfect texture, even if sometimes my crumble turns out a bit too crunchy for my liking. I’d even say its the best part.

Third, I appreciate how simple it is to put together. Even if I’m in a rush or not feeling super fancy, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving so I never feel stressed making it.

And lastly, the hints of lemon juice and nutmeg add a surprising twist that keeps it interesting every time I make it. I just love having a dessert that feels both comforting and a bit special at the same time.

Ingredients

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Apples provide loads of natural fiber and fresh sweetness that makes this dessert really yummy.
Lemon juice helps keep the apples from browning and adds a bit of tangy zing.
Granulated sugar makes it sweet even though it is mostly empty carbs and not too healthy.
Cinnamon offers warm spice and slight antioxidant perks that give the dish a cozy feel.
Unsalted butter lends a rich flavor and crisp texture necessary for a perfect crunch.

Ingredient Quantities

4-5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into chunks

1 tbsp lemon juice (this helps keep the apples from browning)

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the apple mixture)

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional but adds a nice warmth)

1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the apple filling)

1 cup all-purpose flour (for the crumble topping)

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the topping)

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/4 tsp salt (to balance the sweetness in the crumble)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

2. In a large bowl, toss the apple chunks with lemon juice, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of flour until everything is evenly coated.

3. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.

4. In another bowl, mix the 1 cup all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.

5. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mix and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it looks like coarse crumbs.

6. Evenly sprinkle your crumb topping over the apple mixture in the dish.

7. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbly.

8. Once done, take the dish out and let it cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to serve.

9. Spoon portions into bowls while it’s still warm for the best flavor.

10. Enjoy your homemade apple crumble and remember you can add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream if you want an extra treat.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. Baking dish (lightly greased with butter or non-stick spray)
3. One large mixing bowl (for tossing apple chunks)
4. One medium mixing bowl (for mixing the crumble topping)
5. Measuring cups and spoons (for all the ingredients)
6. Pastry cutter or fork (to work the cold butter into the dry mix)
7. Spatula (for stirring and spreading the topping evenly)
8. Serving spoon (for dishing out the warm apple crumble)

FAQ

Q: What types of apples work best for this apple crumble?

A: I find tart apples like Granny Smith work great because they hold their shape and add a nice tang, but any firm apple will do.

Q: Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh ones?

A: Yes, you can, but defrost them first and pat them dry so the filling doesn't end up too mushy.

Q: Should the apple crumble be served warm or chilled?

A: I prefer mine warm right out the oven, especially with a scoop of ice cream, though either way is pretty tasty.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Absolutely, you can prep it ahead of time and then just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.

Q: What can I use if I don't have oats for the topping?

A: You could try substituting with some extra flour or even a mix of chopped nuts, but oats really add a nice texture.

Apple Crumble Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Lemon juice: If you dont have lemon juice, try using a bit of lime juice or a really diluted splash of apple cider vinegar to help keep the apples from browning
Apple mixture flour: Instead of 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, you can use 1 tbsp cornstarch which will still help thicken the filling
Old-fashioned oats: If you cant find these, regular rolled oats work just fine in the crumble topping
Granulated sugar (topping): You may substitute this with coconut sugar or turbinado sugar for a slightly different sweet flavor
Unsalted butter: In a pinch, use margarine or coconut oil but keep in mind it can slightly change the taste

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you use really cold butter when you mix up the crumble topping cause that’ll keep it from turning into a soggy paste.
2. Try mixin different kinds of apples if you can find them. Using a tart variety along with a sweeter one really amps up the flavor.
3. Don’t skip the lemon juice on the apple slices, it not only stops browning but also adds a subtle tang that balances the sugars.
4. Before you pop it in the oven, you might wanna sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for that extra warm kick, especially if you love spice.