Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe because it brings together the cozy, comforting warmth of baked apples with the sweet crunch of a buttery crumble topping. Whenever I make this, the house fills with the most inviting aromas of cinnamon and baked fruit, making it perfect for both weeknight desserts and weekend gatherings. You’ll find that it’s an easy yet impressive treat that never fails to please a crowd, especially when paired with that creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how simple it is to pull off such a classic dessert with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples with the crunchy oats and cinnamon-spiced crumble is seriously addictive. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s absolutely worth trying if you want to master the ultimate Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe that your family will go crazy for.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all work together to create that perfect blend of tender, tart apple filling with a crisp, buttery topping. When shopping, I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweet crumble beautifully.

• Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness holds up well during baking and balances sweetness nicely.
• Flour (plain / all-purpose): Used to thicken the apple filling and form the crumble base.
• White Sugar or Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note to the crumble, but white sugar works fine too.
• Lemon Juice: Helps keep the apple slices from browning and adds a fresh zing.
• Cinnamon: Essential warming spice that compliments apple perfectly.
• Rolled Oats: Adds texture and a rustic crunch to the topping.
• Baking Powder: Lightens the crumble topping for a tender finish.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings richness and helps bind the topping.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The ideal cool, creamy contrast to the warm crumble.

Variations

One of the best parts about the Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often tweak the crumble topping or mix in different fruits depending on the season, and it always turns out delicious.

• Adding Nuts: I love sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the crumble for a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the oats.
• Mixing Fruits: Sometimes I swap half the apples for pears or add berries for a different fruity twist.
• Using Brown Sugar: Switching to brown sugar in both the filling and topping adds a deeper molasses flavor that my family adores.
• Gluten-Free Version: Try almond flour and gluten-free oats in the topping to make it friendly for gluten-sensitive folks.

How to Make Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by peeling your Granny Smith apples and cutting them into roughly 1.5cm (about ½ inch) cubes. I find that keeping the apple pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly and gives the perfect bite every time. Toss the apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice — this mix thickens the filling and adds that lovely zing. Spread your mixture evenly in a baking dish about 1.5 liters in size.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Mix well until you get clumps resembling wet sand. I like to use my fingers here—the tactile feel really helps create the ideal crumbly texture. If the mixture feels too dry, add another tablespoon of melted butter. Spread this crumble evenly over the apple filling to cover it completely.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your dish into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to bake until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling up at the edges. When it’s done, loosely cover it with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes—this helps the apple syrup thicken up nicely so it’s not too runny when you serve it.

Step 4: Serve Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream

The best part of this Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is the pairing — serving the crumble warm right out of the oven with a generous scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. The temperature contrast is such a delight, and the creamy sweetness of the ice cream perfectly balances the tart and cinnamon-spiced apples. Trust me, your family and friends will rave about this combo.

How to Serve Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream topping the warm crumble, but sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or toasted chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor. A fresh mint leaf can add a little pop of color too if you want to fancy it up for guests.

Side Dishes

This Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is often the star dessert, so I usually pair it with light, fresh sides like simple green salads or a cheese board during a dinner party. It’s lovely after meals that aren’t too heavy, so the dessert shines without overwhelming.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this crumble in individual ramekins or mason jars with a dollop of whipped cream alongside the ice cream. It makes the presentation feel extra special and is perfect for portion control. Another fun idea is to layer cooked apple filling and crumble in clear glasses for an elegant parfait-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. The crumble stays delicious for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit after resting overnight. Just make sure to reheat it properly to get the topping crispy again.

Freezing

This Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe freezes surprisingly well! I freeze it before baking in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just bake it from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through. The texture holds up nicely and it tastes almost as fresh as the first time.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the crumble loosely with foil and warm it in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 15 minutes to avoid drying it out. Then I remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the topping soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that I always find myself returning to because it’s just so reliably delicious and comforting. It’s straightforward enough for beginners but offers room for creativity if you want to add your own touch. Whether you’re baking it for yourself, your kids, or friends, I’m confident you’ll enjoy the cozy flavors and the joy it brings around the table. Give it a try and let me know how your crumble turned out – I’m pretty sure it’ll be a new favorite!

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