The Best Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble You’ll Crave Every Fall

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm aroma of cinnamon swirling through tender baked apples, topped with a buttery oat crumble that’s just the right mix of crunchy and soft. One chilly afternoon, craving a cozy treat that wasn’t too fussy, I whipped up this Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble—and it quickly became my go-to for a simple yet unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or hosting friends who appreciate homemade goodness, this recipe hits all the right notes: sweet, spiced, and irresistibly easy to make. Let me show you how this humble crumble can turn everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble?

Comforting warmth: The fragrant blend of cinnamon and baked apples fills your kitchen with cozy vibes. Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you’ll have dessert ready in no time. Textural delight: A perfect balance of crunchy oat topping and tender fruit beneath. Versatile: Ideal for fall, but tasty any time of year. Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves a homemade treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble Ingredients

For the Fruit Filling

Apples – Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds that signature warm spice that defines the crumble’s cozy flavor.
Brown Sugar – Sweetens gently and deepens the apple’s natural flavors.
Lemon Juice – Keeps apples fresh and bright while preventing browning.
Cornstarch – Thickens the fruit juices for a luscious, not runny, filling.

For the Oat Crumble Topping

Rolled Oats – Provide hearty crunch and a wholesome texture.
All-Purpose Flour – Binds the topping for that perfect crumbly consistency.
Cold Butter – Cut into the dry ingredients to create a rich, flaky texture.
Brown Sugar – Adds caramel notes and balances the oats with sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon – Sprinkled to echo the warm spice in the filling, enhancing the overall flavor.

This Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble brings together everyday pantry staples into a comforting dish you’ll crave all season long!

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking. Lightly grease a 9-inch dish with butter or line with parchment to prevent sticking.

For the Fruit Filling:

Toss Apples: In a large bowl, gently toss sliced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated and flavorful.

For the Oat Crumble Topping:

Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl until the mixture turns uniform and crumbly before adding butter.
Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or chilled fork, cut cold butter into the oat mixture until pea-sized crumbs form, ensuring a tender, flaky topping.
Assemble & Bake: Layer the apple mixture evenly in the prepared dish, then sprinkle the oat crumble on top. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Rest & Serve: Allow the crumble to rest 10 minutes so juices thicken slightly. Serve warm in bowls, enjoying the comforting blend of spiced apples and crunchy oats.

Optional: Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the fruit filling up to 24 hours in advance by tossing the sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon, then refrigerate in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent browning. The oat crumble topping can be made and stored separately for up to 3 days; simply mix the dry ingredients and cut in the butter, then keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just layer the apples in your dish, top with the crumble, and bake following the recipe instructions for comforting, homemade goodness without the last-minute rush!

Expert Tips for Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble

Choose the Right Apples: Pick tart, firm apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness and maintain texture during baking.
Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold butter cut into small pieces to achieve a flaky oat topping that crisps beautifully.
Don’t Overmix Topping: Gently combine ingredients to keep crumbs light and crumbly, avoiding a dense or doughy texture.
Control Sweetness Carefully: Adjust brown sugar in both filling and topping to suit your taste; too much can overshadow the apple’s natural flavor.
Let It Rest: Allowing the crumble to sit after baking helps thicken the filling for that perfect cozy spoonful.
Avoid Runny Filling: Use cornstarch as directed to ensure the fruit juices thicken and the Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble isn’t soggy.

What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble?

Imagine a warm kitchen filled with the sweet scent of baked apples, perfectly complemented by cozy, comforting side dishes.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and sweet, it melts into the crumble’s warm topping, creating a delightful contrast that feels like heaven in a bowl.
Whipped Cream: A light and airy addition that balances the rich flavors of the apple crumble, adding a touch of elegance to every spoonful.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling this sticky sweetness on top brings an extra layer of indulgence, enhancing the flavors with its buttery depth that echoes fall’s rich harvest.
Maple Pecan Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, tossed with maple vinaigrette and crunchy pecans adds a crisp, nutty element that contrasts deliciously with the soft crumble.
Hot Tea: A steaming cup of chamomile or spiced chai brings warmth to your gathering, inviting everyone to relax and savor this comforting dessert together.
Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Enhance the cozy vibes with a cup of coffee infused with cinnamon. This pairing envelops your senses, making for the perfect afternoon treat.

A simple yet satisfying meal begins with this delicious dessert—let the love of homemade freshness inspire your table!

Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your crumble, adding special twists that suit your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for an equally delightful dessert.
Nutty Addition: Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

The combination of oats and nuts creates a beautifully textured topping that’s richer in flavor.

Berry Boost: Mix in a cup of fresh or frozen berries with the apples for a vibrant pop of color and taste.
Maple Sweetened: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup in both filling and topping for a warm, earthy sweetness.

The use of maple syrup not only adds sweetness but also infuses a delightful depth that harmonizes beautifully with cinnamon.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for a surprising warmth that elevates the flavor profile.
Dairy-Free: Substitute cold butter for coconut oil or dairy-free margarine to keep the dish light and dairy-free.

This dairy-free swap still delivers a luscious and buttery topping without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Tropical Twist: Incorporate diced pineapple or mango with the apples for a tropical vibe that brings a sunny taste to fall flavors.

The addition of tropical fruits adds an exciting contrast that will make your taste buds dance!

How to Store and Freeze Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble

Room Temperature: Enjoy your Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered with foil or stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Fridge: To extend its life, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s in a covered container to keep it moist and flavorful.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, about 15–20 minutes if baked, or 25–30 minutes if frozen to ensure a crispy topping.

Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best for Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness perfectly with a slight tang.

How should I store leftover Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to 5 days—just cover it tightly to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble? If so, how?
Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked crumble for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. When ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time (about 25–30 minutes) to achieve a crispy topping.

What can I do if my crumble topping turns out soggy?
This often happens if the butter isn’t cold or if the topping is overmixed. Use cold butter and gently cut it into the dry ingredients to create pea-sized crumbs. Also, make sure to use cornstarch in the filling to prevent excess liquid.

Is Apple Cinnamon Oat Crumble safe for pets or people with allergies?
While delicious, this crumble contains ingredients like cinnamon and apples that some pets shouldn’t consume—especially in large amounts. For allergies, you can swap out all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour and use a dairy-free butter alternative to make it allergy-friendly.