Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (2024)

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Cozy up with our quick and classic apple crumble recipe – a winter warmer favourite. Enjoy the perfect blend of soft, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy muesli oat topping. Top it off with cream or ice cream for a comforting dessert!

Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (1)

In This Post You’ll Learn

  • Why We Love This
  • What is Apple Crumble?
  • What You’ll Need
  • How to Make Apple Crumble
  • Wandercook’s Tips
  • FAQs
  • Variations

Why We Love This

Is there anything better than freshly baked apple crumble? It’s pure, sweet comfort food!

The sweet cinnamon apple filling is so warming, and the aroma of freshly baked muesli crumble will fill your whole house with cosiness.

All you need are easy pantry staples and crisp, tart apples, but you can also adapt the recipe to use other fruits you have on hand.

Related: Persimmon Crumble Pie / Sticky Date Pudding

Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (2)

What is Apple Crumble?

Apple crumble is a sweet English dessert pudding that first became popular during World War II food rationing. It’s very similar to apple crisp or an apple cobbler.

The flavour of apple crumble is similar to apple pie but much easier to make. There’s no need to prepare or roll out shortcrust pastry, and no need to be worried about perfectly baking a double crust – instead, it has no lower crust, and only a simple crumble topping similar to streusel.

It was super popular growing up in Australia as an easy and quick dessert with both our families, and we still love making it today. There’s nothing better than filling the house with the scent of homemade apple crumble in the oven, especially when the weather is cold outside.

What You’ll Need

Jump to Full Recipe Measurements

For the apple filling:

  • Apples – Granny smith apples are a great choice for this recipe because of their crisp texture and sweet, tart flavour. Sub with pink lady apples or use whatever apples you have on hand if you need. Slice thinly or chop into chunks – it’s up to you!
  • Lemon Juice – This stops the surface of the apple slices oxidising and turning brown, helping them to retain their beautiful colour. Sub with apple cider vinegar for a little extra tart flavour, especially if you aren’t using tart apples.
  • Sugar – Regular white sugar / granulated sugar is fine. Choose brown sugar for a deeper caramelised flavour.
  • Cornstarch – Aka cornflour, this helps to thicken the apple filling. Sub with regular flour if you prefer.
  • Cinnamon – We love the beautiful flavour and aroma that ground cinnamon adds to the apple crumble. Sub with pumpkin spice to amp it up even further.

For the crumble topping:

  • Muesli – A nut or fruit infused muesli mix is a great way to add extra crunch and sweetness to your apple crumble. Sub with rolled oats or granola if you prefer.
  • All Purpose Flour – Regular plain flour is all that’s required. You can also use self-raising flour if that’s all you have, or sub with gluten free flour if you need.
  • Butter – Salted or unsalted butter both work fine. We love salted butter, but add a pinch of salt if you use unsalted butter. Sub with Buttery Nuttelex to make it dairy free.
  • Sugar – As above, use regular sugar or raw / brown sugar for a richer caramelised flavour.
Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (3)

How to Make Apple Crumble

Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (4)
Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (5)

First, gather your ingredients: See recipe card below for measurements.

  1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C / 360˚F, fan forced. Slice or chop yourapples,removing the core.Optional:Remove the skins. (We like to keep them on).
  2. Place thechopped applesin a large mixing bowl and drizzle with thelemon juice, then give them a quick stir.
  3. Sprinkle withsugar,cinnamonandcornflour / cornstarch, then stir again until the apple pieces are nicely coated. Transfer to a deep baking dish.
  4. Pour the apple into your baking dish, and spread out so the top is ready for the crumble.
  5. Pop themuesli (or rolled oats)in a medium mixing bowl with thesugar, flourandmelted butter. Stir to combine.Tip: If needed, you can add a little extra flour until you end up with a slightly moist, mostly crumbly texture where the mixture holds its shape but isn’t too sticky.
Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (6)
Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (7)
  1. Spoon the crumble over the top of your apple pieces and spread until everything is covered evenly.Tip: Gently press down the surface with a spoon until it’s nice and even, OR rough it up with a fork for extra crunch once baked.
  2. Garnish your crumble with a little extra sugar (around 1 tsp).
  3. Bake for around 30-45 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apples are soft. Serve hot with cream, custard or vanilla ice cream!
Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (8)

Wandercook’s Tips

  • Apple Skins– For the best texture and appearance, you should technically peel the skin off the apples. Otherwise, if you don’t care so much about that and prefer to save time, keep the extra nutrition in and avoid unnecessary waste – just leave the skins on!
  • Sugar– Taste the apples before adding sugar, then adjust the sugar you add in to suit.
  • Crumble Texture– Press the crumble mixture down with a spoon until it’s nice and even, or keep it rough for extra crunch once baked! You can also sprinkle a little extra sugar over the top just before you pop it in the oven. The sugar caramelises on the top in sugary crunchy perfection.
  • Baking Time– You can adjust your baking time depending on the crumble texture you’re looking for. A shorter time will lead to a softer crumble topping, just like a soft baked cookie. Baking for longer will make it firmer and crunchier.

FAQs

How do I know when my apple crumble is ready?

Carefully test the texture of the apples with a fork, skewer or knife – if it’s soft, you’re ready to go. If it’s too firm, continue baking for a few extra minutes, checking until the apples have softened.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze apple crumble before or after baking. It’s a great way to be prepared for an upcoming party or save leftovers for later.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes, you can. The best way is to cook the apples, then allow to cool and store them (covered) in the fridge overnight until you’re ready to bake. Store the crumble separately and assemble just before baking.

Variations

  • Apple Garnish– Reserve a slice or two of apple to place on top of the crumble as a decorative heart.
  • Extra Crunchy Crumble– Add seeds or nuts like walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts in with the crumble mix. We also love sunflower seeds and pepitas!
  • Seasonal Fruit– You can use this same method with other fruits depending on what’s in season. Blackberries or raspberries, peaches or apricots, pears, persimmon, rhubarb, plum or even gooseberry are all amazing alternatives to a traditional apple crumble filling.
  • Spices – Swap out the teaspoon of ground cinnamon for mixed spice to add an extra later of depth to the flavour.
Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (9)

Try these amazing recipes next:

  • Easy Persimmon Crumble Pie – The best pairing of apple and persimmon in a pie.
  • The Best Sticky Date Pudding – A family favourite, perfect for entertaining.
  • Easy Blancmange Recipe – Similar to panna cotta, with no gelatin.
  • Burmese Semolina Cake – A sweet and simple Southeast Asian dessert.
  • Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream – Only 3 ingredients, no churning required!

★ Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and a star rating below!

Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli

An easy apple crumble recipe with that classic crunch topping you know and love. The soft baked cinnamon apple filling and muesli crumble are so quick to make. Serve with cream or ice cream for a deliciously cosy dessert!

5 from 14 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save to Favourites

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: English

Servings: 1 crumble

Calories: 2924kcal

Author: Wandercooks

Cost: $5-$10

Ingredients

For the filling:

For the Crumble Top:

MetricUS Customary

Instructions

For the filling:

  • Preheat the oven to 180˚C / 360˚F, fan forced.

  • Slice or chop your apples, removing the core. Optional: Remove the skins. (We like to keep them on).

    4 green apples

  • Place the chopped apples in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the lemon juice, then give them a quick stir.

    1 tsp lemon juice

  • Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon and cornflour / cornstarch, then stir again until the apple pieces are nicely coated. Transfer to a deep baking dish.

    1 tsp raw sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp cornstarch / cornflour

  • Pour the apple into your baking dish, and spread out so the top is ready for the crumble.

For the crumble top:

  • Pop the muesli (or oats) in a medium mixing bowl with the sugar, flour and melted butter. Stir to combine. Tip: If needed, you can add a little extra flour until you end up with a slightly moist, mostly crumbly texture where the mixture holds its shape but isn’t too sticky.

    1 cup muesli, 3/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup raw sugar, 1 ⅓ cup plain flour / all purpose flour

  • Spoon the crumble over the top of your apple pieces and spread until everything is covered evenly. Tip: Gently press down the surface with a spoon until it’s nice and even, OR rough it up with a fork for extra crunch once baked.

  • Garnish your crumble with a little extra sugar (around 1 tsp).

  • Bake for around 30-45 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apples are soft. Serve hot with cream, custard or vanilla ice cream!

Video

Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (11)

Recipe Notes

  • Apples – Granny smith apples are a great choice for this recipe because of their crisp texture and sweet, tart flavour. Sub with pink lady apples or use whatever apples you have on hand if you need. Slice thinly or chop into chunks – it’s up to you! For the best texture and appearance, you should technically peel the skin off the apples. Otherwise, if you don’t care so much about that and prefer to save time, keep the extra nutrition in and avoid unnecessary waste – just leave the skins on!
  • Lemon Juice – This stops the surface of the apple slices oxidising and turning brown, helping them to retain their beautiful colour. Sub with apple cider vinegar for a little extra tart flavour, especially if you aren’t using tart apples.
  • Sugar – Regular white sugar / granulated sugar is fine. Choose brown sugar for a deeper caramelised flavour.
  • Cornstarch – Aka cornflour, this helps to thicken the apple filling. Sub with regular flour if you prefer.
  • Cinnamon – We love the beautiful flavour and aroma that ground cinnamon adds to the apple crumble. Sub with pumpkin spice to amp it up even further.
  • Muesli – A nut or fruit infused muesli mix is a great way to add extra crunch and sweetness to your apple crumble. Sub with oats or granola if you prefer.
  • All Purpose Flour – Regular plain flour is all that’s required. You can also use self-raising flour if that’s all you have, or sub with gluten free flour if you need.
  • Butter – Salted or unsalted butter both work fine, so use whichever you prefer. Sub with Buttery Nuttelex to make it dairy free.
  • Sugar – As above, use regular sugar or raw / brown sugar for a richer caramelised flavour.
  • Sugar – Taste your apples before adding sugar, then adjust the sugar you add in to suit.
  • Crumble Texture – Press the crumble mixture down with a spoon til it’s nice and even, or keep it rough for extra crunch once baked! You can also sprinkle a little extra sugar over the top just before you pop it in the oven. The sugar caramelises on the top in sugary crunchy perfection.
  • Baking Time – You can adjust your baking time depending on the crumble texture you’re looking for. A shorter time will lead to a softer crumble topping, just like a soft baked cookie. Baking for longer will make it firmer and crunchier.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli

Amount per Serving

Calories

2924

% Daily Value*

Fat

145

g

223

%

Saturated Fat

89

g

556

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

7

g

Monounsaturated Fat

38

g

Cholesterol

366

mg

122

%

Sodium

1305

mg

57

%

Potassium

1455

mg

42

%

Carbohydrates

401

g

134

%

Fiber

29

g

121

%

Sugar

206

g

229

%

Protein

29

g

58

%

Vitamin A

5118

IU

102

%

Vitamin C

36

mg

44

%

Calcium

142

mg

14

%

Iron

17

mg

94

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Hey hey – Did you make this recipe?We’d love it if you could give a star rating below ★★★★★ and show us your creations on Instagram! Snap a pic and tag @wandercooks / #Wandercooks

Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (12)

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About Wandercooks

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Easy Apple Crumble Recipe with Muesli (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to crunchy crumble? ›

However, we also love adding porridge oats for extra chewiness, as in these recipes for very-berry oat crumble and American-style apple crisp. Chopped and toasted nuts such as pecans, almonds or hazelnuts also make a lovely addition to a traditional crumble, for taste as well as an extra-crunchy texture.

Why is my apple crumble topping not crunchy? ›

The main reason your crumble topping isn't crunchy is probably because you haven't used Demerara sugar. Although, it could also be that you've got your topping ingredient quantities wrong: either too much or not enough flour and butter alongside the sugar.

How do you make a crumble not soggy? ›

Use the Right Amount of Butter

Too much butter and your topping will become a greasy blob or disappointingly soggy. Some recipes will ask you to cut in cold butter along with your dry ingredients, resulting in pea-size pieces that are sprinkled across the hot fruit filling.

How do you make Martha Stewart apple crumble? ›

In a large bowl, toss together apples, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; transfer to prepared dish. In a bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in 1 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt until large pieces form. Scatter over filling.

Should butter be cold for crumble? ›

A well-made crumb should be firm yet tender, and chewy, with big chunks—like granola. The best way to achieve this is to use cold cubed butter. Using room-temperature or melted butter will cause the topping to spread out and flatten when it bakes, rather than standing pert and perky.

What does baking powder do in a crumble? ›

First, adding a teaspoon of baking powder to the flour mixture makes the crumble topping more tender. Second, using cold butter and working it into the flour mixture makes for a pastry-like topping reminiscent of pie crust. Pro tip: Crumble topping freezes incredibly well and can be kept on hand for crumble anytime.

What happens if you put too much butter in crumble? ›

Melted butter would not work for this recipe. What happens if you put too much butter in crumb topping? If you use more butter than the recipe calls for, the crumb topping will be melted and greasy. If you don't use enough butter it will be dry and floury.

What does cornstarch do in a crumble? ›

Then, make sure to bake the crumble long enough so that the fruit filling comes to a profuse simmer at the edges of the pan. This shows that the cornstarch has been activated enough to thicken the juices, turning them supple and silky.

What is the top of apple crumble made of? ›

Place the flour, demerara sugar and butter into a mixing bowl and rub with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the oats. Scatter onto the apples and then sprinkle the extra sugar on top.

What's the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp? ›

Like an apple crisp, an apple crumble is a baked fruit dessert with a layer of topping. But unlike the crisp, the crumble topping rarely includes oats or nuts. Instead, a crumble's topping is more like streusel, made with flour, sugar and butter.

What is crumble mix made of? ›

Put 175g plain flour and 110g golden caster sugar in a bowl with a good pinch of salt. Slice in 110g cold butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture looks like moist breadcrumbs. Shake the bowl and any big bits will come to the surface – rub them in.

Why is my crumble topping like dough? ›

Why does my crumble topping look like dough? This is usually down to the butter being too warm when mixed together. Also, if the ambient temperature is warm, then the butter will soften after the crumble mix is made and cause it to turn into a dough-like consistency.

How do you make Aunt Bessie apple crumble mix? ›

Cooking Guidelines
  1. Place fruit / filling into an ovenproof dish (if using fresh fruit, also add the water and sugar).
  2. Sprinkle the crumble mix over the fruit / filling and rake with a fork to even out any lumps and level the top.
  3. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 30-40 mins until the crumble is golden brown.

What's the difference between apple streusel and crumble? ›

If you are wondering what the difference is between crumb topping and streusel, not much is the answer. Both are crumb toppings containing the same ingredients but streusel often has more sugar, cinnamon, nuts and or oats included.

What is the difference between a crumble and a crisp and a cobbler? ›

Cobbler: A fruit dessert made with a top crust of pie dough or biscuit dough but no bottom crust. Crisp/crumble: In Alberta, the terms are mostly interchangeable. Both refer to fruit desserts similar to cobbler but made with a brown sugar streusel topping sometimes containing old-fashioned rolled oats.

What is the top of crumble made from? ›

Classic crumble

Sometimes simplicity is best and a basic crumble topping of sugar, flour and butter is all you need for the perfect pudding. In Raymond Blanc's popular apple & blackberry crumble, the topping is pre-baked so it retains a light, crumbly texture and doesn't stick together.

What's the difference between a crumble and a cherry crisp? ›

Crisps are essentially crumbles with the addition of oats and optional nuts, which causes the topping to “crisp” in the oven. Due to the higher ratio of oats to flour, crisps are often enjoyed for breakfast and are just as tasty eaten cold from the fridge as they are warmed up in the oven.

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