Pin A comforting dessert featuring tender apples layered with a fragrant cinnamon filling and topped with a buttery, golden crumb. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet finish to any meal.
This rustic apple and cinnamon crumb bake has been a favorite in my family for years, bringing warmth and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- Fruit: 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Filling: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Crumb Topping: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square or similar baking dish.
- Prepare apples:
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice.
- Mix filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly.
- Assemble:
- Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Make crumb topping:
- Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the cold, diced butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add topping:
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pin This dessert always brings smiles when shared with family after dinner on chilly evenings.
Optional Variations
You can add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch or substitute pears for apples for a subtle flavor change.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat gently before serving.
Pin 
This apple and cinnamon bake is the perfect comforting dessert to enjoy any time of year.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of apples work best for this dish?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and balance the sweetness effectively.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the topping?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add a pleasant crunch and buttery flavor when mixed into the crumb topping.
- → Is there a way to make the topping extra crispy?
Using cold butter and working it quickly into the dry ingredients helps create a crisp, golden topping after baking.
- → How long should I let it cool before serving?
Allow at least 10 minutes to cool so the filling sets slightly, making portions easier to serve.
- → Can pears be used instead of apples?
Pears can replace some or all of the apples for a subtle twist, adding a softer texture and delicate sweetness.
- → What sides or accompaniments pair well with this dessert?
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the warm, spiced fruit and buttery crumb topping beautifully.