I’ve always believed that the best desserts are the ones that feel like a warm hug from an old friend. Apple crumble? Oh, that’s the definition of comfort food. The smell alone—cinnamon-kissed apples bubbling under a golden, buttery topping—takes me straight back to childhood. And while I’ve tried my fair share of apple crumbles, Jamie Oliver’s Apple Crumble recipe remains one of my all-time favorites. But, of course, I had to add my own little spin to it.
The inspiration? A chilly autumn afternoon, a kitchen disaster, and a sudden craving for something sweet. Picture this: I had just returned from a farmer’s market, arms overflowing with crisp apples, a sprinkle of rain on my coat, and a cozy sweater begging for a baking session. I’d planned on making a fancy apple tart, but halfway through, I realized I was out of pastry dough. Classic me. Instead of panicking (okay, maybe a tiny moment of panic), I thought, “What would Jamie Oliver do?” And the answer was clear—ditch the complicated tart and whip up the best Apple Crumble recipe I could.
That one impulsive decision turned out to be pure magic. It was everything I wanted—simple, rustic, and outrageously delicious. Plus, it came together in just 20 minutes, which, let’s be honest, is a dream when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. And the best part? The crumble topping is so perfectly crisp that every spoonful feels like a celebration of texture. Now, this recipe is a staple in my house, especially when I need a no-fuss dessert that feels fancy but is secretly the easiest thing ever.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. It’s ridiculously easy to make
No pie crust, no fancy techniques—just apples, a few pantry staples, and 20 minutes of your time. If you can mix and sprinkle, you can make this apple crumble.
2. The perfect balance of flavors
Sweet, tangy apples meet a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping. It’s like autumn in a bowl, with every bite bringing the ideal mix of tart and sweet.
3. The topping is pure crunchy perfection
This isn’t one of those crumbles that turns soggy. The oats add just the right amount of crunch, making this the best Apple Crumble recipe you’ll ever try.
4. It’s incredibly versatile
Want a healthier version? Swap the sugar for maple syrup. Making it for a vegan friend? Use coconut oil instead of butter. Need to use up whatever fruit is in your fridge? Go for it!
5. It makes your house smell amazing
If cozy had a scent, it would be this—cinnamon, baked apples, and buttery crumble filling every corner of your home.
6. It’s great for meal prep
Bake a batch, and you’ve got dessert for days. It stores beautifully and reheats like a dream, so you can enjoy it warm anytime.
7. It pairs well with just about anything
Vanilla ice cream? Heavenly. A drizzle of caramel? Yes, please. Even a dollop of Greek yogurt turns it into a fancy breakfast.
Ingredients for the Jamie Oliver Apple Crumble Recipe
For the filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Juice of half a lemon
For the crumble topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats (for that perfect Apple Crumble with Oats texture)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for Vegan Apple Crumble)
Equipment Needed:
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Peeler
- Wooden spoon
Cooking Instructions for the Jamie Oliver Apple Crumble Recipe
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. - Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice. Make sure every slice is well coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish. - Prepare the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until you get a crumbly, sand-like texture. - Assemble & Bake
Evenly spread the crumble mixture over the apples. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. - Cool & Serve
Let it cool for 5 minutes before diving in. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoy it straight from the dish (no judgment here).
Notes
1. Choose the right apples
Granny Smith apples hold their shape and add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness. Mixing different varieties gives the best flavor.
2. Don’t skimp on the crumble
The crumble is the star here. If you love an extra crunchy topping, double the recipe and pile it on thick.
3. Make it a Healthy Apple Crumble
Swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, and reduce the butter slightly.
4. Go vegan with ease
Use coconut oil instead of butter, and your Vegan Apple Crumble will be just as delicious (some say even better).
5. Serve it your way
Warm with vanilla ice cream? Yes. Cold for breakfast with yogurt? Absolutely. Straight from the dish with a spoon at midnight? No shame.
6. Store & reheat like a pro
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to get that crispiness back.
Macronutrients Count Per Serving
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 25g
Pro Tips for the Recipe
1. Pick the Right Apples
A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives the best balance of tartness and sweetness. If you prefer a softer filling, Fuji or Gala apples work well too.
2. Don’t Overmix the Crumble
The secret to a perfect crumble topping is to mix just until you get a sandy, crumbly texture. Overmixing can make it dense instead of light and crisp.
3. Pre-toast the Oats
For extra crunch and flavor, lightly toast the oats in a dry pan for a few minutes before mixing them into the topping.
4. Add a Flavor Boost
A pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract can add depth to the flavor profile without overpowering the apples.
5. Bake Until Golden
Keep an eye on the crumble as it bakes. Once it’s golden brown and you see the juices bubbling, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
6. Let it Rest
Allow the crumble to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and intensifies the flavors.
Crunchy Questions & Tasty Answers
1. What can I serve with this apple crumble?
Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but you can also serve it with whipped cream, custard, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a great pairing.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the apple filling and crumble topping separately, then store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
3. How do I make this recipe healthier?
Swap out the sugar for maple syrup or honey, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, and reduce the butter slightly. It will still be delicious!
4. Can I use different fruits?
Yes! Pears, berries, or even peaches work well. Just adjust the sugar accordingly based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.
5. How do I keep the crumble topping from getting soggy?
Make sure your apples aren’t too juicy. Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to the filling helps thicken the juices and keeps the topping crispy.
6. Can I make this crumble gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
