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Breakfast Apple Crumble Oats

Category: Start Your Day with Gourmet Flavors

This breakfast treat features tender slices of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, nestled beneath a buttery oat and brown sugar topping. The fruit softens beneath a crisp, golden layer of oats and flour, giving every bite a contrast of textures. Lemon juice adds brightness, while a hint of salt balances sweetness. Using basic kitchen equipment—mixing bowls, a baking dish, and a pastry cutter—the components come together with ease. Serve warm after a brief rest for the perfect blend of cozy morning flavors. Ideal for brunch or a special start to your day.

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Sandra
By Sandra Sandra
Updated on Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:58:51 GMT
A bowl of food with a spoon in it. Pin
A bowl of food with a spoon in it. | howtogourmet.com

This breakfast apple crumble is the ultimate cozy morning dish with juicy spiced apples tucked under a buttery oat topping. I love making this on chilly weekends when the house fills with the aroma of cinnamon and baked fruit. It is simple enough for a weekday and impressive enough for a brunch gathering with friends.

The first time I tested this apple crumble I just wanted to use up leftover apples and oats but now it is a must-have for our family holiday brunches

Ingredients

  • Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples: bring balanced sweetness and a little tartness Choose unbruised fruit for the best texture
  • Brown sugar: gives deeper flavor plus moisture Go for fresh soft brown sugar if possible
  • Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: provide essential warm spice Opt for freshly opened spices for best taste
  • Lemon juice: prevents browning and brightens up the filling Squeeze your own for vibrant flavor
  • Cornstarch: thickens the juices in the apple filling Look for pure cornstarch for best results
  • Old-fashioned oats: add chewiness and crunch Avoid instant oats for the best crumble
  • All-purpose flour: holds the topping together Make sure it is fresh and lump free
  • Cold butter: is key to a crisp crumble Use real butter cut in small cubes and chill until ready
  • Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances flavor I love using fine sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Apples:
Peel the apples using a paring knife or peeler Slice evenly so the fruit bakes at the same rate Toss with the brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg lemon juice and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until each slice is coated and glossy
Make the Crumble Topping:
In a separate bowl combine oats flour brown sugar cinnamon and salt Add cold cubed butter Use a pastry cutter or fingertips to press the butter into the mix until it clumps into pea-sized bits and the texture is crumbly and sandy
Assemble the Crumble:
Spread the dressed apples in a baking dish or cast iron skillet in a gentle layer Spoon the crumble mixture over the fruit letting some apple peek through for a pretty look
Bake:
Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple layer is bubbling at the edges The aroma will let you know it is close to done
Let it Rest:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least ten minutes This allows the filling to settle and makes scooping easier
A bowl of food with a spoon in it. Pin
A bowl of food with a spoon in it. | howtogourmet.com

My favorite ingredient has to be the apples I love picking a mix of tart and sweet to build complexity in every bite This was my weekend ritual with my mom who believed crisp apples and fresh spices made any morning special

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For the best texture reheat portions in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the apples for pears or stone fruit when in season If you want dairy free use coconut oil instead of butter and if you need gluten free use a gluten free flour blend

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the crumble warm into bowls with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt on top It also pairs beautifully with whipped cream as a brunch treat

A bowl of food with apples and sugar. Pin
A bowl of food with apples and sugar. | howtogourmet.com

Cultural Context

Apple crumble originated as a homey alternative to apple pie and is a staple in American and British kitchens It is a beloved way to use fall apples and celebrate the season

Recipe FAQs

→ What apples work best for this dish?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal, as they hold their shape and balance tartness with sweetness.

→ Can I prepare the topping ahead of time?

Yes, the oat crumble topping can be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.

→ Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples gives a softer texture, but leaving the skin on adds rustic appeal and extra fiber.

→ Can I substitute butter in the topping?

For a dairy-free option, use chilled coconut oil or a plant-based buttery spread in place of butter.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving.

Breakfast Apple Crumble Oats

Tender baked apples under a golden oat topping, warm spices, and comforting flavors for a cozy morning.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
By Sandra: Sandra

Category: Breakfast

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Apple Filling

01 6 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced
02 2 tablespoons brown sugar
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
06 1 tablespoon cornstarch

→ Crumble Topping

07 100 grams old-fashioned oats
08 65 grams all-purpose flour
09 67 grams brown sugar
10 57 grams cold unsalted butter, cubed
11 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 0.25 teaspoon salt

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 190°C.

Step 02

Peel and thinly slice the apples, then combine with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl.

Step 03

In a separate mixing bowl, blend the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, work in the cold cubed butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 04

Transfer the apple mixture into a baking dish or cast iron skillet and spread evenly. Distribute the crumble topping over the apples.

Step 05

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 06

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving warm.

Additional Notes

  1. For best texture, use firm tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Required Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Paring knife
  • Baking dish or cast iron skillet
  • Pastry cutter
  • Oven

Allergen Information

Always review every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a health professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains gluten and dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The provided details are for informational purposes and should not replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 3 g