There is nothing quite like sinking your spoon into a warm, comforting dessert that truly feels like a hug from the inside. This Delicious Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is one of those treasures. Tangy Granny Smith apples baked beneath a golden, crunchy oat and cinnamon topping, paired with the creamy melt of vanilla ice cream, create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. It’s the perfect cozy treat for any occasion, and I’m so excited to share how you can make this timeless classic easily at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple, thoughtful ingredients that each have a special role. From the tart apples that bring brightness to the dish, to the oat topping that adds an inviting crunch, every component works together to build layers of flavor and texture.
- Granny Smith Apples: These tart green apples give the filling its lively balance and hold their shape beautifully when baked.
- Plain/All-Purpose Flour: Used in both the filling and topping to lend body and create that perfect crumble texture.
- White Sugar (or Brown Sugar): Sweetens the filling to create a luscious syrup and also sweetens the topping with a warm molasses note when brown sugar is used.
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash to brighten the apples and prevent them from browning.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a fragrant spice that complements the apples and oats wonderfully.
- Rolled Oats: The star of the topping; they bring a delightful chew and rustic aroma.
- Baking Powder: Helps the topping rise slightly for a lightness that contrasts perfectly with the juicy apples.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted into the topping, it creates that irresistibly crumbly, golden finish.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dish beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic accompaniment to serve this crumble warm, adding creamy coolness and luxurious richness.
How to Make Delicious Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by peeling your Granny Smith apples—the tartness of these beauties makes all the difference. Then chop them into roughly 1.5 cm cubes for even baking. Toss these pieces in a bowl with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The flour helps thicken the juices so your filling gets that jammy texture instead of running watery. Make sure to spread this mix evenly in a baking dish to create a solid fruit base that will cook beautifully under that topping.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Oat Topping
Now for the best part: the topping! Combine your rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon powder, a pinch of salt, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand with small clumps. This crumbly mixture is what will brown and crisp while baking, giving you that signature crunch that makes this apple crumble so memorable.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling, using your fingers to break it into uneven clumps if needed. This little touch creates extra crispy edges that everyone loves. Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake it for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the apples are bubbling just beneath. Let it stand for about 10 minutes to thicken the syrup for that luscious spoonful.
How to Serve Delicious Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
A simple scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm crumble, balancing the sweet and tart flavors with luscious creaminess. For a little extra charm, sprinkle some freshly chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon atop the ice cream to enhance the aroma and add a bit of texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to add a little something on the side, consider serving with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. Both add luxurious sweetness and elevate the comforting vibe of this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the apple crumble in individual ramekins, allowing everyone to enjoy their own warm, personal crumble experience. Garnish each with a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick for a touch of elegance that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple crumble is just as delightful the next day. Keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a delicious second-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, assemble the crumble up to placing the topping and then cover tightly with cling wrap. Freeze at this stage to preserve freshness. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw slightly and crumble the topping on before baking. Alternately, you can freeze the fully baked crumble, but the texture of the topping might change slightly.
Reheating
Reheat your apple crumble in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again on top. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the topping crunchy. Serve immediately with fresh ice cream for the ultimate cozy experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness and firmness, you can use any apples you love or even mix varieties for depth of flavor. Just note that sweeter apples might require a slight reduction in added sugar.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The crumble will still be delicious, with all the same comforting textures and flavors.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the filling and crumble topping separately, then combine and bake just before serving. This makes it ideal for entertaining or busy weeknight dinners.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to revive that fresh-baked crumble texture, and enjoy with a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I add other fruits to this apple crumble?
Yes! Peaches, pears, or berries make wonderful additions or substitutions. Keep in mind sweetness adjustments might be needed depending on the fruit’s natural sugar content.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and heartwarming about a Delicious Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe that invites you to slow down and savor every bite. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and tart, crunchy and creamy, familiar yet always special. I truly hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s one dessert that will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, too!
PrintDelicious Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Oat Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
A classic, comforting Apple Crumble recipe featuring tart Granny Smith apples with a cinnamon-spiced filling and a crunchy oat topping, baked to golden perfection and best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 lb / 1kg Granny Smith Apples (green apples), weight before peeling
- 1 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or water)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats / oatmeal (quick cooking okay)
- 1 cup plain/all-purpose flour
- 1 cup loosely packed brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 125g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (both fan and standard ovens work).
- Prepare apples: Peel the Granny Smith apples and cut them into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) cubes.
- Make the apple filling: Place the apple cubes in a bowl. Sprinkle with flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour over lemon juice and toss all together to coat evenly. Spread the mixture evenly in a 1.5 litre / 1.5 quart baking dish.
- Prepare crumble topping: In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until clumps form resembling wet sand. Spread this crumble mix evenly over the apple filling, using your fingers to crumble it if needed.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest before serving: Remove the crumble from the oven and loosely cover with foil to keep warm. Let it stand for 10 minutes; this helps thicken the apple syrup slightly.
- Serve: Serve the apple crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the best experience.
Notes
- Apple weight is before peeling and coring. Granny Smith apples are preferred for tartness, but you can substitute with any apples, pears, peaches (reduce sugar slightly), or berries. Do not omit sugar completely as it helps the filling become jammy rather than watery.
- The recipe is forgiving with cup measures, working with US or Imperial cups but not smaller Japanese cups. Use weight measures for best results.
- To make ahead, prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the crumble topping. Cover the topping separately and refrigerate if needed, then crumble over the apples just before baking.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce sugar in the topping to as low as 1/2 cup but keep the sugar in the filling intact to preserve syrupy consistency. Using tart green apples also helps balance sweetness.
- Nutrition data assumes 8 servings and excludes the vanilla ice cream.
