Warm Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumble

Featured in: Weekend Zesty Comfort Recipes

This dish combines tender apple slices coated with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a buttery, oat-studded crumble. Baked until golden and bubbling, it creates a cozy, textured dessert ideal for chilly nights. Serve slightly warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or custard for added indulgence. The crumble’s rustic texture, achieved by rubbing butter into flour and oats, balances the soft fruit beneath, giving a satisfying contrast in every bite.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:08:00 GMT
Golden, bubbling, warm rustic apple and cinnamon crumble, perfect with vanilla ice cream, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbling, warm rustic apple and cinnamon crumble, perfect with vanilla ice cream, ready to serve. | citrusfern.com

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

I first served this warm rustic apple and cinnamon crumble to my family on a chilly autumn night and it quickly became our go-to dessert.

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.
Top Filling:
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.
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| citrusfern.com

My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this crumble, especially when topped with vanilla ice cream on cool evenings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream for a delicious finish.

Variations

Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch or swap some apples for pears for a subtle twist.

Tips for Success

Use grippy fingertips to create a rustic topping texture. Ensure apples are evenly coated to avoid soggy bottoms.

Aromatic warm rustic apple and cinnamon crumble, baked to golden perfection with a buttery oat topping. Save to Pinterest
Aromatic warm rustic apple and cinnamon crumble, baked to golden perfection with a buttery oat topping. | citrusfern.com

This crumble is perfect for cozy nights and can be doubled for larger gatherings easily.

Recipe FAQs

What apples work best for this crumble?

Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

Can I use other nuts in the topping?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans enhances texture and adds a pleasant crunch to the crumble.

How do I achieve a rustic crumble texture?

Rub cold butter into the flour and oats with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger lumps.

What is the ideal baking temperature and time?

Baking at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes ensures the topping is golden and the fruit filling bubbles nicely.

Can I swap apples for other fruit?

Pears can be mixed in with apples for a subtle variation, offering a softer texture and delicate sweetness.

Warm Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumble

Golden baked apples topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble for a comforting treat.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Recipe by Citrus Fern Wyatt Palmer


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine British

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You 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

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease an 8x10 inch baking dish.

Step 02

Prepare Apple Mixture: Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour in a large bowl until evenly coated.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Make Crumble Topping: Combine flour, cold butter cubes, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Rub the mixture between your fingertips until it forms coarse crumbs with some larger lumps for texture.

Step 05

Top and Bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbling at the edges.

Step 06

Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always review every ingredient for possible allergens. If unsure, chat with your healthcare provider first.
  • Contains gluten (flour, oats) and dairy (butter); oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details provided to help guide you. For health decisions, speak with a professional.
  • Energy (kcal): 315
  • Fat Content: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 51 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams