Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumb

Featured in: Desserts & Baking

This comforting dish features tender sliced apples tossed with lemon juice and a fragrant cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar filling. A crumbly topping made from flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter adds a golden crunchy contrast once baked. Perfectly baked until bubbly and tender, it offers a warm, inviting texture and rich flavors ideal for sharing during cozy gatherings. Optional additions include chopped nuts or pear substitutions for added variety. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a delightful finish.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:32:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, a warm dessert ready with a buttery crumb topping. Pin It
Golden, bubbly Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, a warm dessert ready with a buttery crumb topping. | urbanspatula.com

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.

I enjoy making this crumble during the fall when apples are in season; it always fills the house with a warm, inviting aroma.

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.
Toss 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.
Prepare Baking Dish:
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Make Crumb Topping:
For the 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.
Top Apples:
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
Bake:
Bake for 35 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.
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This recipe has been a family favorite for years, often enjoyed during holiday dinners and Sunday gatherings.

Required Tools

9-inch square or similar baking dish, Large mixing bowls, Pastry cutter or fork, Measuring cups and spoons, Peeler and knife

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten use certified gluten-free oats if needed. Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories 320, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 3 g per serving

Close-up of baked Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, showing juicy apples under a golden crispy crust. Pin It
Close-up of baked Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, showing juicy apples under a golden crispy crust. | urbanspatula.com

This rustic apple and cinnamon crumb bake is sure to become a staple dessert thanks to its simple preparation and delightful flavors.

Questions & Answers

What type of apples work best?

Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness and texture after baking.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping provides extra crunch and a nutty flavor.

How do I get a crisp topping?

Use cold, diced butter mixed into dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form and bake until golden brown for a crisp crumb.

Is there a substitute for apples?

Pears can replace some or all of the apples for a subtle variation with a softer texture and delicate flavor.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking to save time. Bake just before serving to keep crumb topping crisp.

Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumb

Tender apples with cinnamon filling and buttery crumb topping make for a cozy, comforting dessert.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Created by Carter Phillips


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 6 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You’ll Need

Fruit

01 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Filling

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
03 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Crumb Topping

01 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup rolled oats
03 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square or equivalent baking dish.

Step 02

Prepare Apples: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl until evenly coated.

Step 03

Mix Filling: In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour. Sprinkle over apples and toss to coat thoroughly.

Step 04

Assemble Apples: Transfer the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Prepare Crumb Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add cold diced butter and work it into the dry ingredients using fingers or a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form.

Step 06

Add Topping: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apple layer.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and apples are bubbly and tender.

Step 08

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tools You’ll Need

  • 9-inch square baking dish
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler and knife

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy. Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.

Nutrition Info (for each serving)

These nutrition details are for reference and don’t replace medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 3 g