Rustic Apple Cinnamon Bake

Featured in: Sweet Bakes & Treats

This comforting dessert showcases tender apples tossed with lemon and a fragrant cinnamon-spiced filling, baked under a golden, buttery crumb topping. The combination of oats and brown sugar in the crumb adds a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, juicy fruit beneath. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a warm finish to a meal, this dish balances sweetness and spice with a rustic, homestyle charm. Try with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:19:00 GMT
Golden Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, bubbly from the oven, ready for serving with ice cream. Save
Golden Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, bubbly from the oven, ready for serving with ice cream. | pixelforks.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.

This crumble has been my go-to dessert for chilly evenings. The aroma fills the house and brings everyone together.

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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Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
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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 to 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.
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| pixelforks.com

This recipe brings back warm memories of family dinners and cozy fall afternoons spent baking together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Variations

Try substituting some apples with pears for a subtle twist in flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

A close-up of the delicious Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, showing a crumbly, cinnamon-kissed topping. Save
A close-up of the delicious Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, showing a crumbly, cinnamon-kissed topping. | pixelforks.com
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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
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This apple and cinnamon crumb bake is the perfect blend of textures and flavors for a comforting dessert any time of year.

Recipe FAQ

What apples work best for this dish?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal due to their firm texture and balanced tartness, which hold up well when baked.

Can I substitute nuts in the crumb topping?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping enhances the crunch and adds a nutty flavor.

How can I ensure the crumb topping stays crisp?

Use cold, diced butter and work it quickly into the dry ingredients to create coarse crumbs that bake crisp and golden.

Is there a way to add more spice depth?

Adding a pinch of nutmeg along with cinnamon enriches the warm spice profile without overpowering the apples.

Can pears replace apples in this bake?

Pears can substitute apples partially or fully for a subtle variation with a softer texture and delicate sweetness.

Rustic Apple Cinnamon Bake

Tender apples with cinnamon filling and a buttery crumb topping for a cozy, comforting dessert.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Recipe by Ethan Bell


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You Need

Fruit

01 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Filling

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
03 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Crumb Topping

01 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup rolled oats
03 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

How-to Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Apples: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice.

Step 03

Mix Filling Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour; sprinkle over apples and toss to coat evenly.

Step 04

Assemble Apple Layer: Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 05

Combine Crumb Topping Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold diced butter and work it into the dry ingredients with fingers or pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form.

Step 06

Add Crumb Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Cool Before Serving: 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

Go over each item for allergens and speak with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy. Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

This data is for your info and isn't meant as health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 52 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams