Simple Apple Crumble Recipe with Oats

This apple crumble recipe with oats has been a family favourite for as long as I can remember. A simple crumble recipe passed down from my mum, this recipe is sweet, delicious, and easy to make. 

If you’re not a big apple crumble fan I promise this recipe will convert you! 

It’s sweet from the apples that stew away in a layer of brown sugar and cinnamon. Then crisp and buttery on the top from the delightful crumble topping that is filled with oats. 

Served warm with condensed milk ice cream, this is my family’s favourite dessert.

This apple crumble recipe is so easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients, most of which are probably already in your pantry. 

I love making recipes that only require a few simple ingredients like my crustless quiche, chocolate chip cookies, and shortbread. Learning how to make simple but delicious food for your family will help you save so much money on groceries. 

I like to use up sad apples from the fridge or, when I’m feeling lazy, a can of apple pie filling.

Did you know that you can make this crumble topping by itself and freeze it for busy nights or just to keep it on hand?

Why you will love this Simple Apple Crumble Recipe

• Sweet, crisp and delightful to eat warm with ice cream
• Tried and true family recipe
• Cheap and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients

Apple Crumble Ingredients

Apples – I think Granny Smith apples work best for apple crumble. They taste really sweet, and stew nicely but any apples work great for this simple recipe. The apples don’t need to keep their shape as much as an apple pie. 
Brown Sugar – To add sweetness to the apples while they cook. The apple slices will stew as they cook in the oven. If you prefer, swap this out for Demerara sugar or maple syrup. 
Cinnamon – Adds a delightful flavour to the apples as they stew with the brown sugar.
Flour – All-purpose flour, and of course, unbleached!
Baking Powder – Adds a little rise to the crumb.
Butter – I always bake with salted butter, but you can use unsalted if you like. 
White Sugar – Standard white sugar is used in this crumble mixture to give it its crunch.
Rolled Oats – I suggest rolled oats for this recipe as quick oats will be too fine to add texture to the crumble topping.

Fruit Crumble Variations 

• Rhubarb crumble
• Berry crumble
• Peach crumble
• Cherry crumble

Tips to Make the Best Apple Crumble

• Sprinkle on more brown sugar and cinnamon to add a deeper flavour and sweetness to the stewed apples. I never measure and add lots of cinnamon to mine!
• You can swap out the cinnamon for allspice or nutmeg if you prefer. 
• Add in pear or berries if you have them. This crumble recipe works well for any fruit but apples are my family’s favourite. 
• Double the crumble recipe to make a bigger batch. We often double the topping but not the apples to enjoy more crumble.
• This apple crumble will store well in the fridge, after it’s been cooked. You could easily make this a day before serving to guests if you need to. 
• If you don’t like oats or don’t have any on hand, simply substitute them with the same amount of flour. 

How to Make Apple Crumble

Step One – Preheat the oven to fan bake, 190C (390F). 

Step Two – Peel the apples then chop them into four segments and remove the core. Slice them into thin pieces. Place the apples into a 20x20cm (8×8″) oven-proof dish. Layering them on top of each other. 

Step Three – Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples. Add filtered water to the apples you want the water to be just below the top layer of apples. 

You can find step-by-step images and tips on making the crumble in my crumble-topping post.

Step Four – Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like breadcrumbs.

Step Five – Add the sugar and mix to combine. 

Step Six – Add the rolled oats and mix the crumble topping to combine all the ingredients together.  

Step Seven – Sprinkle the crumble mixture on top of the apples. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and the apples are soft.

Step Eight – Serve warm with your favourite ice cream, cream or yoghurt.

Apple Crumble Recipe FAQ 

Can I Prepare Apple Crumble The Night Before?

I often bake an apple crumble the night before I have guests around. That way it’s ready to be warmed up and served quickly. Bake the apple crumble then let it cool down completely. You can wrap the dish in cling wrap and place it in the fridge to be heated the following day. 

Is This Apple Crumble Recipe Healthy? 

This recipe isn’t healthy, but it tastes good. If you want a healthier version of this recipe, use wholemeal flour instead of all-purpose flour and coconut sugar instead of white sugar. The ratios are 1:1. You could also swap out the brown sugar with maple syrup or Demerara sugar.

What Are The Best Apples For Apple Crumble?

Granny Smith, Royal Gala or Honey Crisp are the best apples to use as they don’t turn into mush after baking. They are sweet and go well with the cinnamon and brown sugar.

Can You Make This Apple Crumble Without Oats?

Yes! If you don’t like oats or don’t have any on hand don’t stress. Simply substitute them with the same amount of flour. You could also crush up some nuts or desiccated coconut to add in if you want some texture to the crumble topping. 

Can I Swap the Flour to be Gluten-Free? 

Absolutely. I was gluten-free for quite a few years, but that didn’t stop me from making my favourite dessert. This recipe is suitable to make with a plain gluten-free flour mix. I wouldn’t suggest using just coconut or almond flour for this recipe as they absorb a lot of liquid and may not work.

How Long Will This Apple Crumble Last In The Fridge? 

Store the crumble in an airtight container for up to 7 days if it lasts that long!

Can You Keep the Crumble Topping Mix In The Fridge?

You can make this apple crumble topping 1-2 days before baking. Make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you need to use it.

Can You Freeze Apple Crumble? 

I wouldn’t suggest freezing a cooked apple crumble as the apples and topping will go soggy when thawed out. Try freezing the crumble topping mixture by itself in an airtight container. Use this within 2 months of freezing to avoid freezer burn or ice clumps. Don’t forget to label your packaging!

If you made and enjoyed this recipe, I would appreciate you giving it 5 stars! 

Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

Looking For More Yummy Recipes? Try These!

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Old Fashioned Anzac Biscuits
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
• White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
• Homemade Condensed Milk