Caramel Apple Crumble

Okay, hear me out: apple pie is great, but sometimes you just don’t have the time (or emotional energy) to deal with rolling dough, crimping edges, and praying it doesn’t leak. That’s where this Caramel Apple Crumble swoops in—heroically simple, unapologetically buttery, and loaded with gooey caramel sauce.

It’s got everything you want from a pie… minus the pie. 🙃

Think: soft, cinnamon-simmered apples topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble and finished with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce that makes you go, “Wait, why do I even bother with crust?” Spoiler: you don’t need to.

Why You Need This Crumble in Your Life

This one hits all the notes:

• Warm, cinnamon-kissed apples that taste like fall (even in July)
• Crispy oat topping that’s basically edible gold
• No fussy pastry dough—just mix, dump, bake
• Caramel sauce. Do I need to say more?
• Pairs with ice cream like they were destined to meet on your fork

It’s basically apple pie’s laid-back, slightly indulgent cousin. We love her.

What You’ll Need (Simple, Cozy Stuff)

For the apple filling:

• 5–6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or whatever you’ve got—just not mealy ones)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, but delish)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the crumble topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

For the caramel (cheat version):

• 1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce (or make your own if you’re feeling fancy)

How to Make It (No Rolling Pin Required)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 baking dish (or any dish, honestly).
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples. About 1/4-inch thick. Toss with flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Spread evenly into the dish.
3. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it looks like crumbly wet sand. (Pro move: use frozen grated butter for perfect crumble.)
4. Sprinkle that golden topping evenly over the apples. No bare spots. That’s illegal.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until apples are soft and bubbling and topping is crisp and golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with caramel sauce while still warm. Don’t be stingy.

Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or just eat it straight with a spoon like the legend you are.

Calories (Because We’re Adults and We Pretend to Care)

Per serving (1 of 8):
~320–360 calories, depending on how much caramel you pour (don’t measure it, just vibe).

Is it healthy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Mistakes to Avoid (So You Don’t Cry Over Soggy Crumble)

• Using the wrong apples. Mealy apples = mushy mess. Go for crisp ones like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady.
• Not cutting in the butter properly. You want chunks of butter to melt and crisp the top. Not melted in advance.
• Too much flour in the apples. A little thickens it; too much = pasty filling.
• Forgetting the caramel. Honestly… why even bother if you skip this part?

Fun Variations

Want to make it your own? Here’s how:

• Add dried cranberries or raisins to the filling
• Swap apples for pears or go half-and-half
• Add a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract to the filling for flavor
• Make it mini crumbles in ramekins for dinner party vibes
• Add ginger for a spicier take
• Make it vegan by swapping butter for plant-based butter

FAQ

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yep. Assemble the whole thing, refrigerate it covered for up to a day, and bake when ready. Or bake it ahead and reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 mins.

Can I freeze it?
Unbaked: yes. Assemble, wrap tightly, freeze. Bake from frozen (add 10–15 minutes to bake time).
Baked: yes. Freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope. But if you’re not into chewy skins, peeling makes the texture smoother. Totally your call.

Final Thoughts

Caramel apple crumble is the dessert equivalent of sweatpants—easy, comforting, and always a good idea. No pie crust. No stress. Just warm apples, a crispy topping, and a flood of caramel.

It’s easy enough for a Tuesday night and fancy enough for guests (especially if you call it a “rustic apple crumble” and serve it in a cute dish).

Now go forth and crumble. 🍏