Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumb Bake

Featured in: Bakes & Sweet Treats

This bake features tender apples tossed with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, layered in a dish and topped with a buttery crumb mixture made with flour, oats, and brown sugar. Baked until golden and bubbly, the crumb topping offers a crunchy contrast to the soft, warmly spiced fruit. Ideal for sharing during cozy occasions, it can be served warm alone or with vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Variations include adding nuts or substituting pears for apples.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:32:00 GMT
Golden-brown Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, warm with bubbling apples and a sweet aroma. Save
Golden-brown Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, warm with bubbling apples and a sweet aroma. | circuitdish.com

A comforting dessert featuring tender apples layered with a fragrant cinnamon filling and topped with a buttery, golden crumb Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet finish to any meal

Ingredients

  • Fruit: 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) peeled, cored, and sliced, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Filling: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Crumb Topping: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) Grease a 9-inch square or similar baking dish
Step 2:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly
Step 4:
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly
Step 5:
For the crumb topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl Add the cold, diced butter Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs
Step 6:
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples
Step 7:
Bake for 35&40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender
Step 8:
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
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Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.
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Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.
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A close-up view of the sweet and rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, perfect with vanilla ice cream. Save
A close-up view of the sweet and rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, perfect with vanilla ice cream. | circuitdish.com

Freshly baked Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, topped with a crunchy, buttery crumb topping. Save
Freshly baked Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, topped with a crunchy, buttery crumb topping. | circuitdish.com

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence

Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best for this bake?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal due to their firm texture and tart sweetness, which balance well with the cinnamon and sugar.

Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping adds a pleasant crunch and complements the cinnamon flavor.

What is the purpose of lemon juice in the apple mixture?

Lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle brightness that enhances the overall flavor.

How do I ensure the crumb topping turns golden and crisp?

Use cold, diced butter and work it quickly into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Baking at 350°F for 35-40 minutes results in a perfect golden crust.

Can pears be used instead of apples?

Yes, pears can replace some or all of the apples for a milder, slightly sweeter variation of the bake.

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Rustic Apple Cinnamon Crumb Bake

Tender apples and cinnamon layers topped with a golden crumb for a warm, comforting dessert treat.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Total Duration
60 minutes
Created by Luke Morris


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 6 Serves

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Fruit

01 5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
02 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Filling

01 ½ cup granulated sugar
02 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
03 ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Crumb Topping

01 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
02 ½ cup rolled oats
03 ½ cup packed light brown sugar
04 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 ¼ teaspoon salt
06 ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.

Step 02

Prepare Apple Mixture: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl.

Step 03

Combine Filling Ingredients: Mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour in a separate bowl, then sprinkle over apples and toss to coat evenly.

Step 04

Assemble Fruit Layer: Spread the coated apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Prepare Crumb Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Add cold diced butter and work in with fingers or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 06

Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple layer.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until topping is golden and apples are tender and bubbly.

Step 08

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Gear Needed

  • 9-inch square baking dish
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler and knife

Allergy Details

Always review every item for possible allergens. Ask your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter).
  • Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

Nutrition per Serving

Details are for reference only and don't take the place of professional guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 3 g