Apple and oatmeal crumble is a perfect dish for a cozy autumn or winter day. The ingredients are easy to find, and the recipe is a simple one. It will take you less than an hour to rustle up a delicious dish.
I am sure that you have had moments where you’ve wanted a decadent dessert, but you do not want to spend too much of your time making it. These times include after making a large meal on Sundays or a weeknight treat after working all day. My go-to for a quick and easy dessert is this apple and oatmeal crumble.
When is the best season to make apple crumbles?
Of course, I am most likely to make this recipe in the fall or winter months. The first reason for this is because apples are beginning to be harvested during September. This gives you all the autumn months to get the best pickings of some of your favorite apples. However, if I am honest, apples are crisp and delicious year-round. Autumn is the time when they are particularly at their best. Therefore, I make apple dishes throughout the winter as well. For me, I do not make this type of dessert into the spring and summer months because at that time, I am more in the mood for something lighter and more refreshing. This apple and oatmeal crumble is warm and full of spices to give you a cozy feeling during those colder months.
What type of apples are best for apple crumbles?
The best type of apples to use for your apple crumble are Granny Smith apples. Granny Smith apples are a great choice of apples because they are tart and firm. The tart flavor of this apple means that it is less likely that your apple filling will be too sweet. The firmness of this apple will help the apple slices maintain its structure while baking.
How should an apple crumble be made?
For this recipe, I like to start with the crumble. The crumble includes oatmeal, flour, sugar, butter, and spices. Then, I prepare the apple filling. The apple filling is composed of apples, sugar, butter, spices, and some lemon juice. Cut the apples about a 1/4 inch thick. The apples should hold their shape while they bake. Fill an 8×8 square baking dish with the apple filling and spread the crumble topping evenly across the apple filling and bake. It is just that simple.
It is important to use a baking dish that is 8×8 inches. This size is perfect for the number of apples used in this recipe. I would suggest sizing down to a smaller baking dish if you do not have an 8×8 dish. The apples slices should overlap in the dish. You do not want only one layer of apples.
How should an apple and oatmeal crumble be served?
Here is how I like to serve my apple crumble. This is great for small gatherings or for you as an individual. Grab a small ramekin and fill it with the apple and oatmeal crumble. Top it off with cold and creamy vanilla bean ice cream. This hot and cold combination gives perfect comforting feelings. If your freezer is not stocked with vanilla ice at the time, you can top your crumble of with whipped cream or caramel sauce. If you do not have those items either, this crumble is delicious on its own.
This apple crumble tastes so inviting, warm, and sweet. It is best served warm; however, it is still incredibly good once it has cooled. The apples have softened but they still hold their structure once baked. This texture compliments well with the crunchy bites of oats and soft syrupy filling. Sometimes I like to enjoy leftovers of this dessert for breakfast. After all, it is apples and oatmeal, right?
Please view and try out the recipe below. You will enjoy this on any autumn or winter day.
Ingredients
Crumble Topping
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
½ cup instant oats
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Pinch of salt (1/8 teaspoon)
Apple Filling
5 medium sized granny smith apples
1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
Pinch of salt (1/8 teaspoon)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Spread a thin layer of butter evenly inside the bottom and side of an 8×8 baking dish.
Melt six tablespoons of butter and allow to slightly cool. In a separate bowl, mix the dry crumble ingredients. Include the flour, brown sugar, oats, spices, and salt. Incorporate the melted butter until the mixture forms a crumble-like texture.
Peel the apples and cut them about a 1/4 inch in thickness.
Place cored, peeled, and sliced apples in a large bowl. Toss the apples with lemon juice, water, brown and granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt until the apples are evenly coated.
Pour the apples into the prepared baking dish and spread the crumble topping evenly across the apple mixture.
Bake in the oven for approximately 45 minutes. The crumble topping should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbling..
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Storage
Cover your cooled apple crumble container tightly with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a fitted lid for the container. The apple crumble will keep in the refrigerator for about 5 days.
You can also freeze your apple crumble for about 2 months by wrapping your crumble and container with your choice of freezer wrap. Make sure that the apple crumble is wrapped tightly and free from air.
The apple crumble can be reheated in the microwave or the oven. Take your apple crumble out of the freezer to thaw completely before warming it again in the microwave. The apple crumble can also bake in the oven without thawing it. This should take about 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees.