Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Apple filling
Crumble topping
To serve
Method
Apple filling
Prepare apples
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel (optional), core and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick wedges. Place slices in a large mixing bowl.
Flavor and thicken
Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the apples. Toss until evenly coated and the cornstarch is distributed. Let sit 5 minutes to macerate.
Assemble filling
Transfer the apple mixture to a 9-inch (23 cm) round or similar-sized baking dish, spreading into an even layer. Dot the apples with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into small pieces to help create a glossy sauce while baking.
Crumble topping
Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Whisk briefly to distribute ingredients evenly.
Cut in butter
Add 6 tablespoons cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans if using.
Top the apples
Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the prepared apple filling, covering the apples but leaving some gaps so steam can escape and juices can bubble up.
Bake
Place the assembled dish in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and apple juices are bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
Rest
Remove from oven and let rest 10–15 minutes so the filling thickens slightly and is easier to serve.
To serve
Scoop warm apple crumble into bowls or plates and serve with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream alongside or on top. Optionally drizzle a little warm caramel sauce or sprinkle extra chopped nuts.