An apple crumble is a dessert made with baked fruit, typically apples, topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. Unlike an apple crisp, which traditionally includes oats in the topping, a crumble features a more straightforward streusel-like topping that creates a delightful contrast to the tender fruit beneath.

Many people enjoy the texture of a crumble topping without oats. The absence of oats allows for a more crumbly and buttery topping that melts in your mouth. This recipe is also a great option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences that avoid oats.

4-5 medium apples: A mix of tart and sweet varieties such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works best.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: This brightens the flavor and helps prevent browning.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the filling and keeps it from being too runny.
Pinch of salt

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup light brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel and slice the apples into ¼ inch slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Add lemon juice, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt to the apples. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Transfer the apple mixture to a buttered baking dish.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Add the cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
Let it cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly.

Apple crumble is best served warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm crumble and cold ice cream creates a delightful experience that is hard to resist.

Leftovers: Store any leftover apple crumble in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to five days.
Reheating: To maintain the crispiness of the topping, reheat the crumble in the oven instead of the microwave.

This apple crumble recipe without rolled oats is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. With its buttery, crumbly topping and sweet, spiced apples, it's the perfect comfort food for chilly autumn days. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, this easy recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of fall with every bite!