Hey y'all! Looking for a dessert that's as comforting as a warm hug? This Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining juicy apples, aromatic cinnamon, and a golden, buttery topping that's both crispy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether it's a family dinner, festive holiday, or just a cozy weekend treat, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel
- Perfectly spiced apples paired with a buttery, crunchy streusel topping for the ultimate dessert combo.
- Quick and easy to prepare—just 15 minutes of prep time!
- Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile enough for entertaining or enjoying as a weeknight treat.
- A fantastic make-ahead dessert that tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (about 2 ½ lbs, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Butter Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Directions: How to Make Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the apples are evenly coated, then spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Butter Streusel Topping
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. For more tips on making perfect streusel, check out this King Arthur Baking guide.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the butter streusel topping over the apple filling. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the crumble cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to thicken. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes for the Best Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel
- Choose a tart apple like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats and flour (Celiac Disease Foundation).
- Allowing the crumble to cool slightly helps the streusel stay crisp.
Variations on Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel
- Pear and Apple Crumble: Swap half the apples for ripe pears for a juicy twist.
- Cranberry Apple Crumble: Add ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries for a tart, colorful addition.
- Nutty Streusel: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
Required Equipment for Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler and knife
Storage Instructions for Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel
Store leftover crumble tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. The streusel topping may soften slightly but will remain flavorful and delicious.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel
- Top with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for classic comfort.
- Pair with a mug of hot apple cider or chai tea.
- Enjoy alongside a sharp cheddar cheese slice for a savory-sweet contrast.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel
- Use a mixture of apple varieties for more complexity—try Granny Smith and Honeycrisp together.
- Chill the streusel topping before baking for extra crunch.
- For even more aroma, add a pinch of cardamom to the apple filling (Serious Eats).
FAQ: Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel
- Can I make this crumble ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the crumble and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake just before serving for the best texture. - Can I freeze Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Butter Streusel?
Absolutely. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time. - What are the best apples to use?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix work best due to their firm texture and balanced sweetness.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup rolled oats
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish.
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2In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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3In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, salt, and remaining cinnamon. Add cold butter and mix with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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4Sprinkle the butter streusel evenly over the apples.
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5Bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
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6Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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