There are a few things in life that instantly transport you to a warm, happy place: the scent of cinnamon swirling in the air, the sound of bubbling fruit caramelizing in the oven, and that first glorious bite of a perfectly golden apple crumble. I wasn’t always an apple crumble enthusiast—sure, I liked it well enough, but I didn’t truly fall in love with it until I stumbled across Gordon Ramsay’s take on this classic dessert. And let me tell you, once I tried his version, there was no going back.
It all started on a crisp autumn afternoon when I found myself with an excess of apples (thanks to an overly ambitious trip to the farmer’s market). I was in the mood for something sweet, something comforting, but not overly fussy. That’s when I remembered seeing Gordon Ramsay whip up an apple crumble on one of his shows, making it look effortlessly chic yet entirely doable. I had to give it a shot.

Now, I’ll admit—I was skeptical at first. Could an easy apple crumble recipe really be life-changing? Spoiler alert: Yes, yes, it can. The magic lies in the balance of flavors: tart apples, rich brown sugar, a hint of lemon zest, and that crunchy, buttery apple crumble topping that practically melts in your mouth.
After making it once, I knew I had to perfect it. I played around with different apple varieties, adjusted the sweetness, and even experimented with a few “healthy apple crumble” alternatives (because, you know, balance). And after multiple rounds of testing (and some very willing taste testers), I finally landed on the perfect version—one that combines Gordon Ramsay’s genius with my own little tweaks. So, if you’re looking for the best apple crisp recipe that’s quick, easy, and downright irresistible, you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Dish

- It’s Ridiculously Easy to Make
No fancy techniques or complicated steps here. This is the ultimate easy apple crisp recipe that requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. If you can chop apples and mix butter into flour, you can make this. - It’s Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s something about warm, cinnamon-spiced apples paired with a golden, crumbly topping that feels like a big, cozy hug. It’s the kind of apple dessert recipe that makes any day better. - Perfectly Balanced Flavors
This isn’t just a pile of sweetened apples under a buttery crust. The tartness from the apples, the subtle zing from the lemon zest, and the rich caramelized notes from the brown sugar create a flavor profile that’s pure perfection. - Works for Every Occasion
Whether you need a last-minute dessert for a dinner party or just want to treat yourself on a random Tuesday night, this easy apple crumble recipe has got you covered. - It’s Easily Customizable
Love nuts? Throw in some chopped pecans or walnuts. Prefer a little extra spice? A pinch of nutmeg or ginger will do wonders. Want a healthier version? Swap out some sugar for honey or maple syrup. - Pairs Beautifully with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream
Let’s be honest, no apple crumble is complete without a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm, syrupy apples. It’s an apple dessert dream come true. - It Makes Your Kitchen Smell Like Heaven
The second this crumble starts baking, your entire home will be filled with the most intoxicating aroma of spiced apples and buttery crumble topping. Warning: your neighbors might suddenly become very friendly.
Ingredients for Gordon Ramsay’s Apple Crumble Recipe

For the Filling:
- 5 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup rolled oats (optional for extra crunch)
Cooking Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish
- Knife and cutting board
- Pastry cutter (or hands!)

Cooking Instructions for Gordon Ramsay’s Apple Crumble Recipe
- Preheat the Oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Apples: In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Transfer them to a buttered baking dish.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add in the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to mix until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Serve Warm: Let it cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Apple Variety Matters
Granny Smith apples work best for a tart contrast, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples also make a delicious apple crumble pie. - Make It a Healthy Apple Crumble
Swap white flour for almond flour and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a healthier twist. - Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest
It brightens up the filling and balances out the sweetness beautifully. - Add a Nutty Crunch
Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the apple crumble topping for extra texture. - Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispiness. - Freeze for Later
Assemble the crumble and freeze it unbaked. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.

Macronutrients Count Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 25g
Pro Tips for the Recipe
- Chill the Butter for Maximum Crunch
Using cold butter ensures the crumble topping stays crisp and crumbly rather than turning into a soft dough. - Pre-cook the Apples for Extra Softness
If you prefer a softer filling, sauté the apples for 5 minutes with a bit of butter and cinnamon before baking. - Use a Mix of Apples for Depth of Flavor
A combination of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, gives the best balance of flavors. - Add a Crunchy Twist
Mix in some crushed nuts, like almonds or pecans, into the topping for extra texture. - Reheat for That Fresh-Baked Taste
Leftover crumble can be warmed up in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore its crispiness. - Make It Dairy-Free
Swap out butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly version.

Apple Crumble Q&A: Your Burning Questions Answered!
- What can I serve with apple crumble?
A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream are classic choices. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a dusting of powdered sugar. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the crumble, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven as usual. - How do I make my crumble topping extra crispy?
Adding a handful of rolled oats or crushed nuts to the topping can give it an even crunchier texture. - Can I freeze apple crumble?
Yes! Assemble the crumble and freeze it unbaked. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 30-35 minutes. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend.