Classic Apple Crumble Trick (Print-Friendly Version)

Learn the secret to a thick apple filling and crisp, buttery crumble topping for a perfect dessert.

# Ingredients:

→ Apple Filling

01 - 6 cups peeled, cored, and 1/4-inch sliced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Crumble Topping

07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 3/4 cup rolled oats
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until each slice is thoroughly coated.
03 - Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
04 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
05 - Add cold butter pieces to the dry topping mixture. Using a pastry blender, fork, or fingertips, cut the butter into the mixture until coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces form. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple layer ensuring full coverage.
07 - Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and apple filling bubbles at the dish edges. Apples should be tender when pierced.
08 - Allow the dish to cool briefly to set the filling, then serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce as accompaniments.

# Notes & Tips:

01 - Coating apple slices with flour before baking is essential to absorb moisture and prevent watery filling.
02 - Keep butter cold and mix toppings quickly to ensure a tender, flaky crumble texture.
03 - Cover topping loosely with foil if browning too quickly to allow apples to cook fully.
04 - Use a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture.

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