Simple Oat Crumble Topping can be made in minutes and adds lovely texture to many puddings and pies. You could also serve it as dessert on its own, with the addition of a little cream. I think you already know me well enough to know that I am not a fan of unnecessary ingredients in recipes. So when I want a crumble topping for my fruit pies, I want something without a lot of effort and made from just a few simple ingredients like this crumble topping.
Oat crumble topping
- Preparation and cooking time
- Prep:10 mins
- Cook:20 mins
- Easy
- Serves 4
A flour-free topping for crumbles
Ingredients
- Porridge oats – 140g
- Golden caster sugar – 50g
- Butter – 100g
- Ground cinnamon – a good pinch (optional)
Method
- STEP 1Mix the oats and sugar together in a large bowl
- STEP 2Melt the butter
- STEP 3Add the melted butter to the oats and sugar (and cinnamon, if included) and combine thoroughly
- STEP 4Spread the oat crumble topping evenly over the dish to be covered e.g. Precooked fruit
- STEP 5Bake for 20 minutes at 190C / fan 170C / gas 5 until the crumble top is golden and the fruit is bubbling
Streusel Topping
This crunchy, crispy, and melt-in-your-mouth buttery streusel topping is as addicting as you’d think! This sweet brown sugar, cinnamon, and oat mixture comes together in minutes and is the perfect way to top off all of your muffins, cakes, and pies!
An Easy Streusel Recipe
The streusel topping is that crunchy, buttery, sweet crisp oat topping that sits on top of muffins, banana bread, coffee cake, crisps & cobblers. You know, that delicious sweet crunchy stuff you pick off first because it’s too good to resist!
It’s a delicious finishing touch to all kinds of baked goods and is a simple combination of butter, flour, oats, and brown sugar. Streusel is such an easy way to enhance any dessert and comes together so quickly, you’ll want to find any excuse to use it.
Streusel Topping vs. Crumble Topping
The difference between a crumble topping and a streusel topping is that you make a streusel topping with oats. That’s it! The two recipes are so similar that they can often be used interchangeably. So much so, that people sometimes call them by the wrong name. For this oatmeal streusel topping, there are oats in it, but you’re welcome to opt to make it without and it will be just as delicious!
Boost the flavor: Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice are delicious spices that can be added to both a streusel and a crumble topping to add a little more essence of delicious fall flavors. Though, it can be used for any reason and on any occasion!
Helpful Tips
- Gluten-free. To make this gluten-free, substitute with a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour.
- Type of oats. You can use old-fashioned or instant oats for this recipe. I do prefer the taste and texture of the old-fashioned oats.
- Melt the butter. Melt the butter slightly so it combines easily and crumbles nicely without big chunks of butter.
- Flavor. Omit the cinnamon for a basic (equally awesome) streusel.
Streusel Topping
This crunchy, crispy, and melt-in-your-mouth buttery streusel topping is as addicting as you’d think! This sweet brown sugar, cinnamon, and oat mixture comes together in minutes and is the perfect way to top off all of your muffins, cakes, and pies!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- ▢6 Tablespoons salted butter , slightly melted
- ▢2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- ▢1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- ▢1/3 cup light brown sugar , packed
- ▢1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and butter with a fork or pastry mixer. Then mix in the oatmeal and brown sugar. Add nuts if desired.
Notes
Butter: If you use unsalted butter, add in 1/4 teaspoon salt with the cinnamon.
Nutrition
Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 263IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
EASY APPLE CRUMBLE
Everyone’s ALL-TIME FAVOURITE apple crumble recipe…. a sweet apple and cinnamon filling with a crunchy brown sugar and oat topping.
Absolutely NO fancy equipment required… have this winter dessert on the table in just 45 minutes and don’t forget to serve with plenty of ice-cream, cream or custard.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret… this is the easiest and best apple crumble recipe you’ll ever try.
Apple CrumblePlay Video
It’s so quick (on the table in just 45 minutes), made from just a handful of basic ingredients and requires no fancy equipment at all.
With my recipe, you’ll end up with the most delicious golden crunchy crumble made with oats and a perfectly sweet and soft apple and cinnamon filling underneath.
WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS RECIPE
There’s so much to love about my quick and easy apple crumble recipe!
- Many names… same delicious dessert – whether you know this sweet dessert as apple crisp, apple streusel or apple crumble.… each name refers to the same popular dessert.
- Budget-friendly – made from pantry and fridge staples (that you might already have at home), this apple crisp recipe costs just a couple of dollars and serves 8 people.
- Crowd pleaser – from toddlers through to grandparents, this classic apple crumble recipe is always a popular option for dessert.
- 45 minute recipe – from starting to prepare this dessert to serving it up at the dinner table, 45 minutes is all you need!
- Gluten-free option – substitute the plain flour for gluten-free plain flour for a gluten-free apple crumble recipe that is just as tasty!
- Freezer-friendly – freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months. Apple crumble defrosts beautifully so don’t be afraid to stash away a few serves for later.
WHAT YOU NEED
Apple crumble is incredibly budget-friendly and made from basic pantry ingredients (have a peek in your pantry and fridge… you might find that you already have the ingredients sitting there).
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method!
FOR THE APPLE & CINNAMON FILLING:
- Apples – the Granny Smith variety of apples are generally considered the best apples to use for apple crumble. They don’t go as mushy as some other varieties and their tartness is the perfect contrast to the sweet brown sugar and oat crumble. Alternatively, you can use any variety of apple you like, such as Pink Lady, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Cripps Pink etc.
- Water – for lightly stewing the apples.
- Caster sugar – this superfine sugar is perfectly suited to stewing apples as it dissolves once mixed with water giving the apples a light, sweet flavour.
- Lemon juice – adding lemon juice to the stewed apples helps to stop them from browning.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg – the perfect combination of spices for apple crumble. Choose ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
FOR THE OAT CRUMBLE TOPPING:
The crumble topping with oats is just SO easy to make… and all you need is 4 basic ingredients.
- Rolled oats – also known as old fashioned oats. Alternatively, you can use quick oats, however, the larger rolled oats give a crunchier crumble!
- Brown sugar – you can use either regular brown sugar or dark brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramelised flavour to the crumble.
- Plain flour – also known as all purpose flour.
- Butter – you can use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe. The butter binds the oats, sugar and flour together, giving you clusters of crunchy crumble.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Absolutely NO fancy equipment is required to make my easy apple crumble recipe:
- Stove-top & saucepan – for stewing the apples. Alternatively, you can use my Thermomix apple crumble recipe here.
- Bowl – for mixing the crumble ingredients together. You don’t even need a spoon – your fingers are the best way to make the crunchy oat clusters!
- Baking dish – you can use any large baking dish you like. I recommend using a greased 30cm round baking dish or a large rectangular baking dish.
- Oven – I specify fan-forced temperatures. If using a conventional oven, increase the temperature by 10-20 degrees celsius.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
This is SUCH an easy homemade apple crumble recipe… quick, easy and no-fuss!
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method!
STEP 1 – COOK THE APPLES
Cook the apples with the water, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan until just softened.
Pour into a lightly greased baking dish.
STEP 2 – MAKE THE CRUMBLE
Make the crumble by using your fingers to squish the rolled oats, plain flour, brown sugar and butter together until all of the butter has been evenly distributed. The mixture should be completely combined and look like small clusters.
STEP 3 – BAKE
Sprinkle the crumble over the top of the cooked apple and bake in the oven until golden on top.
FAQ’S
What type of apples are best for apple crumble?
You can use any type of apple you like for this recipe!
Granny Smith’s are generally considered the best apples to use for apple crumble. They don’t go as mushy as some other varieties and their tartness is the perfect contrast to the sweet brown sugar and oat crumble. Alternatively, you can use any variety of apple you like, such as Pink Lady, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Cripps Pink etc.
How do I get a REALLY crunchy crumble on top?
Nothing beats the crunchiest crumble topping!
Here’s some tips for getting it just right:
Take your butter out of the fridge a few minutes before using it (you still want it to be hard, but not so hard that you can’t work with it!)
Chop the butter into small chunks so that it’s easier to distribute.
Use your hands to ‘squish’ the butter through the rolled oats, plain flour and brown sugar.
Once the butter is evenly distributed, you’ll have little ‘clusters’ of crumble held together by the butter.
When you’re adding the crumble topping to the cooked apple, make sure you leave the little chunks as they are (don’t try and break them up too much).
What is the difference between apple pie and apple crumble?
Apple pie has a pastry base and top with an apple filling, whereas apple crumble has an apple filling base and an oat crumble topping.
Are apple crumble, apple streusel and apple crisp the same thing?
Yes! Apple crumble is referred to as apple streusel and apple crisp in other parts of the world.
Can apple crumble be made gluten-free?
Yes! Oats are already gluten-free so all you need to do is substitute the plain flour for gluten-free plain flour for a gluten-free apple crumble.
EXPERT TIPS
- Make ahead of time – Apple Crumble can be prepared and cooked ahead of time. Simply reheat when ready to serve.
- Storing – store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – place leftovers directly from the fridge into a warm oven, or alternatively microwave to reheat. Frozen leftover apple crumble can be defrosted and reheated in the microwave or a low temperature oven as well.
My Easy Cinnamon Oat Crumble Recipe
Whenever I bake a cake with a cinnamon oat crumble, it tends to be my favorite element to the cake! There’s something about this wonderful recipe that always brings some warmness to your soul and a smile to your face. Too much? Haha, I really love this recipe and what it adds to my desserts! And I know you’ll end up loving my easy cinnamon oat crumble recipe too!
What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Oat Crumble
My easy cinnamon oat crumble recipe only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand! I usually use this cinnamon oat crumble as a filling for my cakes, but this could be used for lots of things! Like a topping for ice cream, pie, or even your yogurt for a yummy breakfast option! So, there are lots of ways you could use this recipe. I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to because of how easy it is to make and how good it tastes!
To make my cinnamon oat crumble, you’ll need:
- Old fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- Light brown sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Cinnamon
- Salt
You can find the full recipe below!
How to Make Cinnamon Oat Crumble
One of the reasons I love this cinnamon oat crumble is because it has an amazing taste and texture, (you all know I love a good texture in my cake!) and it only takes a few simple steps to make.
First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and then set it aside.
While your oven is preheating, combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, and salt into a medium bowl. Mix it by hand with a wooden spoon until the mixture resembles clumps of sand.
Spread the crumble over the parchment paper and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. The crumble should be golden brown. Let it cool completely and then crumble the mixture into smaller pieces if needed.